Calcium and Tums

[dextersmom]

Hi,should I be giving my squirrels calcium on a weekly basis. I have 7 under the some are 6 weeks old others are 8 weeks old. Should I give them 1/4 of tums?

[CritterMom]

No. They are getting everything they need from their formula.

The whole idea is to craft a diet that provides them with all the nutrition they need WITHOUT having to supplement them with added calcium, and it is HARD WORK and requires some research. The danger starts after they wean from their already complete nursing diet and people either don't understand the dangers of feeding nonstop "junk" food or they can't pass up those pleading eyes for just one more nut...

[dextersmom]

Why do we have to wean them if the milk suppliment is replete with vitamins? Maybe we should have them drink a bowl a day..

[Jen413]

Why do we have to wean them if the milk suppliment is replete with vitamins? Maybe we should have them drink a bowl a day..

I don't wean them. I offer formula to them as long as they will take it. When they stop taking the syringe I try to offer it in a bowl. Often times they will drink it that way for a little longer than they will the syringe but they get to a point where they won't have anything to do with it anymore.

[island rehabber]

Why do we have to wean them if the milk suppliment is replete with vitamins? Maybe we should have them drink a bowl a day..

TSb does not recommend actually weaning squirrels; they will give up the formula when they are ready and that is in accordance with what their body is telling them they need We all wish that babies would take formula for at least 10-12 weeks, because the nutrition provided is so crucial to their health, but there are always some who wean themselves at 7-8 weeks. Typically, their coats and tails suffer when they do this but they seem to be equally healthy otherwise if fed the proper diet of blocks, fruits and veggies.

[cava]

My overwintered squirrels drank milk from a bowl until they were 6 months old.