First foods

[margaret!]

I have a maybe 5/6 week old that is getting ready for first foods. He is enjoying fv formula at 5% of body weight. He’s having 5 feedings a day. I can’t remember when I can move to 4 feedings. He also has rodent block and water available all the time. He loves to chew the rodent block and make a mess.
I was hoping if someone could tell me what the best first foods are and when I can start introducing them. Also, I’d love some no no’s. So much has changed since I fostered last time.
Thank you.

[Spanky]

What kind of rodent block are you feeding? It's important to know if it is a commercial pressed block (Mazuri, Teklad, etc.) or a supplement block (Henry's). That makes a difference in how much veggies and fruit he gets... if using a commercial block, that will need to be 75% + of his diet.

In either case, no other solids until he is eating the block very well.

[margaret!]

He is getting Mazuri. He grinds it all up. I’m not sure how much he’s actually consuming at this point. How will I know if he’s “eating it very well”? 3 chunks gone by days end? Also, when he is eating it and I can introduce first foods, what can I give him. What’s best and what should be avoided.
Thank you.

[Spanky]

Here is the healthy food pyramid. Keep in mind his Mazuri needs to the majority of his diet. Introducing veggies one at a time is a good why to uncover anything they may not tolerate well. I'd avoid "gassy" veggies like broccoli in the beginning.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[margaret!]

I was wrong. It’s Kaytee. Is that ok?

[Spanky]

Kaytee is only marginally acceptable. I'd recommend switching to Mazuri, Teklad or a supplement block (Henry's).

[margaret!]

If pumpkin seeds are a treat (mostly for training) should they be raw or dried? I have soooooo many from carving pumpkins.