Teklad 2018 Inquiry

[Syd and Squeegee]

Hi all!

So, I have a 6-month old red at the moment. He absolutely loves his HHBs and still drinks a bit of FV 20/50 everyday (10-15ml). However, because he’s a red and does not have a natural diet consisting of many leafy greens/veggies, I have been on a quest to provide a more nutritionally complete option for him besides Henry’s (as these are, as far as I understand, supplemental and not nutritionally complete without sufficient veggies/greens). After some research, I believe that Teklad Global 2018 is a more nutritionally comprehensive rodent block…is that accurate? If so, my follow-up concern would be whether or not it was appropriate for red squirrels specifically, considering their natural diet which is higher in protein than grays. Perhaps one of the other Teklad formulas would be more suitable? I don’t quite understand the nuances of how much the protein intake differs between grays and reds besides knowing it isn’t quite identical…it could be negligible in terms of this specific rodent block but I just never know…Does anyone have any insight into this? I know it’s a very niche question, but I figure if anyone would know they would surely be on The Squirrel Board! If these are indeed appropriate for reds, would you recommend continued use of HHBs? I believe the Teklad 2018 is acceptable to be free-fed…how would this impact the amount of HHB provided?

Thank you to anyone with advice! Just want to make sure I am providing the lil guy with the appropriate nutrition! :-)

[Syd and Squeegee]

Oh! I should also mention, part of my concern with using HHBs and supplementally feeding an outside protein source (plus treats now and then) is the infamous calcium to phosphorus ratio. I worry about my ability to accurately curate a “homemade” diet for him that maintains a minimum 2:1 ratio. Of course, I do not want to deprive him of sufficient protein and will do whatever needs to be done, but if there is a better rodent block that could provide that without the risk of my human error in calculating the essential C:P ratio…I would certainly prefer to take that route! :-)

[Mel1959]

I will be honest, I’m not too familiar with red squirrels and their protein needs, but I have a flyer, who also requires additional protein, and I’ve used Teklad 2018 for many years. I feed my little guy the Hazelnut or Picky blocks. He gets 1 block a day. He does eat some greens, a little fruit and his protein source are mealworms, wax worms and Pure Bites dehydrated chicken. He’s about 4 years old and aside from being slightly overweight, he’s doing well.

I use Teklad 2018 or 2014 to grind up and mix with powder formula, ground nuts, baby food and coconut oil to make boo balls. I think you’ll find that Teklad block will not be easily received in its normal state since your guy has been eating Henry’s, which are much tastier. By making the Teklad into boo balls my outside yard squirrels will accept it but would never touch it if I just put the Teklad block out for them.

Teklad is a 100% complete nutritional block….you wouldn’t have to feed any other food provided he consumes the block.

I do not see any harm in continuing to provide him 1-2 Henry’s blocks in addition to Teklad block, but as I said I’m no expert on reds. Additional protein needs can be met by giving yogurt, cheese, scrambled egg, chicken and any other protein you can think of.

Here’s the diet for grey squirrels and flyers.

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

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels

I hope this has provided some help. If not, hopefully others more familiar with reds will speak up.

[Lighten-Up]

Just a note that I had a gray squirrel baby who was weaned onto Henry's Block, but then because he wouldn't eat a lot of veggies, I kept him supplied with Teklad 2018 and he ate several a day, without me doctoring them up.

A previous squirrel, I did have to turn the Teklad to powder and make a new tastier version, but I have had one or two squirrels eat the Teklad in its block form happily to my surprise.

[Syd and Squeegee]

I will be honest, I’m not too familiar with red squirrels and their protein needs, but I have a flyer, who also requires additional protein, and I’ve used Teklad 2018 for many years. I feed my little guy the Hazelnut or Picky blocks. He gets 1 block a day. He does eat some greens, a little fruit and his protein source are mealworms, wax worms and Pure Bites dehydrated chicken. He’s about 4 years old and aside from being slightly overweight, he’s doing well.

I use Teklad 2018 or 2014 to grind up and mix with powder formula, ground nuts, baby food and coconut oil to make boo balls. I think you’ll find that Teklad block will not be easily received in its normal state since your guy has been eating Henry’s, which are much tastier. By making the Teklad into boo balls my outside yard squirrels will accept it but would never touch it if I just put the Teklad block out for them.

Teklad is a 100% complete nutritional block….you wouldn’t have to feed any other food provided he consumes the block.

I do not see any harm in continuing to provide him 1-2 Henry’s blocks in addition to Teklad block, but as I said I’m no expert on reds. Additional protein needs can be met by giving yogurt, cheese, scrambled egg, chicken and any other protein you can think of.

Here’s the diet for grey squirrels and flyers.

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

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels

I hope this has provided some help. If not, hopefully others more familiar with reds will speak up.

This has absolutely provided some help! Thank you so much! I didn’t know flyers also had additional protein needs, that’s actually so good to know in general for additional dietary questions.

How do you compensate for the added phosphorus introduced with outside protein sources like worms/chicken? I guess I’m not even sure if flyers have the same issues with MBD! But that’s been my issue (figuring out how to add more calcium with the protein, not MBD), because my red really doesn’t eat greens. He loves cauliflower for some reason which is okay C:P-wise, but other than that in terms of veggies, he only really likes tomatoes which aren’t incredibly beneficial for balancing out the calcium and phosphorus in his diet.

Ooh also! Do you have a recommendation between the Teklad 2014 and 2018? Like do you tend to provide more outside protein (mealworms, dehydrated chicken, etc.) if using the 2014 vs. 2018 in your boo balls?

Thank you so much for your insight!

[Mel1959]

The Teklad 2018 contains 18% protein and the 2014 contains 14% protein. I believe there is also a version of block for lactating mommas that has an even higher protein content. You might visit the Envigo website and read about their varieties.

In order to boost calcium of any food, even worms, you can dust it lightly with calcium carbonate or calcium citrate powder. I buy mine at the health food store. The brand is NOW. Excess calcium not used by the body is pooped out and colors the poop white.

[Syd and Squeegee]

The Teklad 2018 contains 18% protein and the 2014 contains 14% protein. I believe there is also a version of block for lactating mommas that has an even higher protein content. You might visit the Envigo website and read about their varieties.

In order to boost calcium of any food, even worms, you can dust it lightly with calcium carbonate or calcium citrate powder. I buy mine at the health food store. The brand is NOW. Excess calcium not used by the body is pooped out and colors the poop white.

Oh perfect! I have calcium carbonate from Henry’s on hand actually, I dust his blocks occasionally if he is having a particularly picky week with his food! I am going to buy the 2018 and see how that goes (if he doesn’t stick his nose up at them), I have a feeling I’ll be in the kitchen making boo balls before long :grin2 I appreciate all your input so so much!!!