1 years old squirrel can't open nuts

[wawa]

My squirrel more than one years old. But she still can't open a nut. Even she doesn't like useing her teeth to open them. She only like soft food or opened nuts. So, her teeth are too long, that effects her nose. How can I train her open nuts?

[Spanky]

My squirrel more than one years old. But she still can't open a nut. Even she doesn't like useing her teeth to open them. She only like soft food or opened nuts. So, her teeth are too long, that effects her nose. How can I train her open nuts?

She'll need her teeth trimmed sooner rather than later. Then provide her things like sticks, rocks and mineral chews to help her keep her teeth ground down. But if they are overgrown, and the upper and lower incisors not come together properly they need to be trimmed. Posting pictures of her teeth would help. Let us know if you require more guidance on teeth trimming.

Can she open, or ever open, a soft shelled nut like an almond?

[wawa]

She'll need her teeth trimmed sooner rather than later. Then provide her things like sticks, rocks and mineral chews to help her keep her teeth ground down. But if they are overgrown, and the upper and lower incisors not come together properly they need to be trimmed. Posting pictures of her teeth would help. Let us know if you require more guidance on teeth trimming.

Can she open, or ever open, a soft shelled nut like an almond?

Actually, she didn't open any shelled nuts by herself. Most times she just try to bite it once or twice,and then go away. We've provided her tree branches, rocks, corn and so on. But she doesn't like them, doesn't have a little bit interest in them. She just smell them and left. No bite! Nuts is the only hard thing that she wants to try.

We trimmed her teeth by ourselves before, but only to upper teeth. Lately, she was breathing hard and having white tear. So, we took her to the vet. They took her a CT and propsed to take away her upper teeth. They said her teeth are too long and reverse growing, especually the upper teeth. But that operation is too dangerous. And it'll make her couldn't eat anything except fluid. So, We didn't agree to do that surgery. Only trimmed her teeth. But we don't want to do it again. Because vet need to give her narcotic to trim her teeth. I think this bad for her health. So, I want training her to bite something hard to keep her teeth's lengh in a normal range.

By the way, she also has MBD. We're changing her diet now. Rightnow, I'm not sure if I can trim her teeth by myself. Because I'm afraid to hurt her.

Here's a picture of her teeth before trimming.
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[Spanky]

This sounds like a malocclusion, which is the medical term for teeth that are misaligned and do not line up; when they do not line up proper they don't grind against one another (top to bottom teeth). This results in overgrown teeth. It is not unusual for a squirrel with a malocclusion to be unable to open nut shells.

It would be best to allow her to keep her teeth but trim them regularly. Anesthesia is not required for teeth trimming and as you said there is some danger to anesthesia. When trimming, two sets of hands (people) are better than one. I have to trim teeth regularly... I even have a wild (though I suspect a release from years past) that I have to capture and trim her teeth regularly.

I wish there were a member close to you that could assist and show you how to trim her teeth. The trimming may lead to odontomas eventually which would then require the teeth to be removed. But if you don't remove both the upper and lower incisors you'll still need to routinely trim the lowers.

There are some good videos around showing the teeth trimming I'll try to find those when I have time to dig around (any any members reading that might have time... or even bookmarked?.. teeth trimmings, please post those.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Actually, she didn't open any shelled nuts by herself. Most times she just try to bite it once or twice,and then go away. We've provided her tree branches, rocks, corn and so on. But she doesn't like them, doesn't have a little bit interest in them. She just smell them and left. No bite! Nuts is the only hard thing that she wants to try.

We trimmed her teeth by ourselves before, but only to upper teeth. Lately, she was breathing hard and having white tear. So, we took her to the vet. They took her a CT and propsed to take away her upper teeth. They said her teeth are too long and reverse growing, especually the upper teeth. But that operation is too dangerous. And it'll make her couldn't eat anything except fluid. So, We didn't agree to do that surgery. Only trimmed her teeth. But we don't want to do it again. Because vet need to give her narcotic to trim her teeth. I think this bad for her health. So, I want training her to bite something hard to keep her teeth's lengh in a normal range.

By the way, she also has MBD. We're changing her diet now. Rightnow, I'm not sure if I can trim her teeth by myself. Because I'm afraid to hurt her.

Hello Wawa:
The MBD issue presents another concern and may also be a factor in your Squirrel's reluctance to bite into something hard! Trimming incisors is usually relatively simple and of minimal risk (IF you know what you are doing!) once a the Squirrel is restrained BUT, your Squirrel has MBD! This condition affects all bones and can also cause many other problems. My concern is the while trimming the incisors; if there is even the slightest twisting or up or down or sideways force applied to the teeth, there is very real risk of causing a fracture!

How was the diagnosis of MBD made (what studies were done to confirm this ...possibly the CT). Has your Squirrel shown any behavioral signs of MBD such as decreased activity? What are you using as treatment for MBD? For information on MBD and its treatment, please refer to Henry's website ( https://www.henryspets.com/what-is-metabolic-bone-disease/ ). I would recommend following the MBD treatment protocol from Henry's immediately. The recommended Tums and Rodent Blocks would be very advantageous in correcting MBD which will take quite some time but there are usually early signs of improvement with having started the treatment. Further, both the Tums and Blocks can be ground up and mixed with Baby Food fruits, formula such as Esbilac or FV 20/50 and made into a soft dough or even paste that can be much easier for your Squirrel to eat.

It seems from what you are posting that your Squirrel has malocclusion but could you please elaborate on just what has been the problem with her teeth other than maybe being overgrown. Also, why was the recommendation made to remove the teeth? Was it because of malocclusion or did they find ondontoma(s) on the CT. The breathing difficulties and white tears are very consistent with common signs of odontoma and quite possibly secondary infection! Antibiotics will not treat malocclusion obviously or treat an odontoma; but if there is an underlying infection, it may very well help tone that down or eliminate it. Do you have any antibiotics available?

What is the name of your Squirrel?

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Spanky]

Good catch StS... not sure how I overlooked the MBD statement! :embar

[wawa]

Hello Wawa:
The MBD issue presents another concern and may also be a factor in your Squirrel's reluctance to bite into something hard! Trimming incisors is usually relatively simple and of minimal risk (IF you know what you are doing!) once a the Squirrel is restrained BUT, your Squirrel has MBD! This condition affects all bones and can also cause many other problems. My concern is the while trimming the incisors; if there is even the slightest twisting or up or down or sideways force applied to the teeth, there is very real risk of causing a fracture!

How was the diagnosis of MBD made (what studies were done to confirm this ...possibly the CT). Has your Squirrel shown any behavioral signs of MBD such as decreased activity? What are you using as treatment for MBD? For information on MBD and its treatment, please refer to Henry's website ( https://www.henryspets.com/what-is-metabolic-bone-disease/ ). I would recommend following the MBD treatment protocol from Henry's immediately. The recommended Tums and Rodent Blocks would be very advantageous in correcting MBD which will take quite some time but there are usually early signs of improvement with having started the treatment. Further, both the Tums and Blocks can be ground up and mixed with Baby Food fruits, formula such as Esbilac or FV 20/50 and made into a soft dough or even paste that can be much easier for your Squirrel to eat.

It seems from what you are posting that your Squirrel has malocclusion but could you please elaborate on just what has been the problem with her teeth other than maybe being overgrown. Also, why was the recommendation made to remove the teeth? Was it because of malocclusion or did they find ondontoma(s) on the CT. The breathing difficulties and white tears are very consistent with common signs of odontoma and quite possibly secondary infection! Antibiotics will not treat malocclusion obviously or treat an odontoma; but if there is an underlying infection, it may very well help tone that down or eliminate it. Do you have any antibiotics available?

What is the name of your Squirrel?

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel



Hi SamtheSquirrel
Sorry late for replying.

Her name's guagua. Because she made a croaking sound, like 'gua gua', when she first time say 'Hi' to me.

In the begining, she had a heavy breathing, especially when she was sleeping. I was worried if she caught a cold or pneumonia. So I took her to the first vet. She checked her and gave her an X-ray. And told me, 'she is OK', gave me some antibiotics. Back then, her back legs were normal.

But, the second day after I picked her to home. I realized her back legs were a little draging. I thought this isn't normal. So I took her to the another vet. He took her a blood test and CT. Theyt told us, she has a hurt back bone, high calcium in her blood and osteoporosis. And the vet told us, the CT shows her teeth are too long and reverse growthing cause her nose was a little clogged to make her difficult breathing. So, they thought need to pull her upper teeth. But they had no idea how to help her back legs. They think hurt back bone might cause her legs paralysis.

After two days, I found her back legs still have feeling, can move a little. I did some research online. I think maybe she can recover.

I moved her to a little cage to protect her does't make more hurts. Now, I feed her calcium everyday and make her have enough sunlight , and try to feed her some vegs more than fruits and nuts. But, she's so picky. It's hard to let her eat vegs. I bought henry's healthy blocks. The day before yesterday, I began to feed her healthy blocks (1 or 1.5 blocks per day). At the same time, I stop to feed her calcium. She has diarrhea and flatulence almost 4 days. I think it might becasue of calcium. She also doesn't like blocks. I mixed different thing to let her eat.

She‘s so obstinate. She become more picky than before and less eating (she only wants to eat fruits or nuts), less moving day by day. Even sleeping in day, she's very fretful. I have no idea if smaller cage can't privode her enough sport space or she feels depressed. So, today I built a play ground for her on the floor. I hope she can recover more vitality.

Here's the blood examin report.
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Here's the CT about teeth.
324160

[Mel1959]

How much calcium are you giving every day? Here is the MBD protocol that you need to follow. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?32122-MBD-Treatment. You must follow it to the letter. It will take many months for the MBD to improve. Make sure your calcium source does not contain Vitamin D.

You absolutely must STOP ALL NUTS while you are treating for MBD. Feeding nuts is counter productive to what you are trying to accomplish in treating for MBD. Nuts have any unhealthy balance of calcium to phosphorous so when ingested by a squirrel it causes calcium to be drawn from their bones in an attempt to balance the imbalance of calcium to phosphorous.

It’s very normal for a squirrel being offered block to refuse it but you must be tough and not give in to giving other foods until she starts eating the block. We call it “tough love”. She will not starve herself if block is available for her to eat. Here is the diet for squirrels. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

MBD (metabolic bone disease) is very serious and can kill your squirrel if you don’t get it reversed. It’s also very painful. She might like the comfort of a heating pad set on low to lay on. Please be sure she cannot chew on the cord. It’s best to limit her jumping etc. by keeping her in a smaller cage. Her bones are weak and can easily break.

[wawa]

How much calcium are you giving every day? Here is the MBD protocol that you need to follow. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?32122-MBD-Treatment. You must follow it to the letter. It will take many months for the MBD to improve. Make sure your calcium source does not contain Vitamin D.

You absolutely must STOP ALL NUTS while you are treating for MBD. Feeding nuts is counter productive to what you are trying to accomplish in treating for MBD. Nuts have any unhealthy balance of calcium to phosphorous so when ingested by a squirrel it causes calcium to be drawn from their bones in an attempt to balance the imbalance of calcium to phosphorous.

It’s very normal for a squirrel being offered block to refuse it but you must be tough and not give in to giving other foods until she starts eating the block. We call it “tough love”. She will not starve herself if block is available for her to eat. Here is the diet for squirrels. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

MBD (metabolic bone disease) is very serious and can kill your squirrel if you don’t get it reversed. It’s also very painful. She might like the comfort of a heating pad set on low to lay on. Please be sure she cannot chew on the cord. It’s best to limit her jumping etc. by keeping her in a smaller cage. Her bones are weak and can easily break.

Hi
Thank you for the advice. I have some questions that I don't quite understand:

1.Does the amount of calcium need to be adjusted according to squirrel weight? My squirrel is very skinny, she only has 170g now. Should I change the amount of calcium?

2.She will have stomach bloating after eating calcium, very uncomfortable, how can I help her？

3.I knew vitamin D excess was harmful to her. But if she doesn't have enough vitamin D, will she cause kidney stones due to excessive calcium supplementation? I'm also worried about whether she will overdo calcium.

[Mel1959]

Yes, the calcium can be adjusted for the weight of the squirrel. 170gr is very small even by Florida standards. Is this a gray squirrel? It says right in the MBD information that I provided a link for, that the calcium dosage should be adjusted down for smaller squirrels. At the weight your squirrel is I would aim for 350mg of calcium per day divided into 4 doses given throughout the day.

What type of calcium are you giving? Is it calcium carbonate? Calcium citrate? I find it interesting that she bloats after getting the calcium because the product Tums which is used by people as an antacid, is calcium carbonate. If she is really bloating you can give her some infant gasX, which is simethicone drops. A couple of drops should help. A 170 gr. squirrel can have 0.4ml as needed.

Excess calcium is passed in the feces and will make the stool look like it has some white in it. Vitamin D can be gotten from sunlight or rodent block and vegetables. Mushrooms are high in Vitamin D.

You must get her eating some type of rodent block and eliminate all nuts.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Yes, the calcium can be adjusted for the weight of the squirrel. 170gr is very small even by Florida standards. Is this a gray squirrel? It says right in the MBD information that I provided a link for, that the calcium dosage should be adjusted down for smaller squirrels. At the weight your squirrel is I would aim for 350mg of calcium per day divided into 4 doses given throughout the day.

What type of calcium are you giving? Is it calcium carbonate? Calcium citrate? I find it interesting that she bloats after getting the calcium because the product Tums which is used by people as an antacid, is calcium carbonate. If she is really bloating you can give her some infant gasX, which is simethicone drops. A couple of drops should help. A 170 gr. squirrel can have 0.4ml as needed.

Excess calcium is passed in the feces and will make the stool look like it has some white in it. Vitamin D can be gotten from sunlight or rodent block and vegetables. Mushrooms are high in Vitamin D.

You must get her eating some type of rodent block and eliminate all nuts.

Hi WaWa:
I agree with what Mel has stated! I tried to post earlier when I arrived home form work but for some reason, my "thank yous" went through but my post were apparently blocked; but it appears that Mel has answered your questions and provided good advice. I had wondered also what species of Squirrel GuaGua is. 170 Grams is quite underweight for most year old Squirrels! There certainly variations in weight but I suspect that along with the MBD, she is in need nutritionally speaking!

I also would like stress Mel's well advised caution AGAINST using Calcium preparations that contain Vitamin D! The reason behind this concern is that the Calcium plus Vitamin D products on the market are made for human use and the amount of Vitamin D contained in what would be a treatment dose or a maintenance dose of daily calcium for a Squirrel, contains an excessive and potentially harmful amount of Vitamin D!

Hopefully, GuaGua will be able to get Henry's Blocks as this is designed to be concentrated and nutritionally complete. 2 blocks and at the most 3 Henry's Block (depending on the size of the Squirrel and how much is wasted) will provide all of the daily nutrition necessary for a Squirrel. Unfortunately for most grown Squirrel, the 10 Grams that make up the average weight of 2 Henry's Blocks don't come close to satisfying hunger and that is one reason why Henry has the food pyramid and recommends that if using Henry's Blocks, also include healthy foods toward the base of the pyramid. Here is a link to the Pyramid: https://henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/

GuaGua's so relatively small that two Henry's blocks may go a long way to satisfying hunger while providing full nutritional support! I have found in my very limited rehabbing endeavors that the "average" Squirrel may consumes around 50 Grams of food. Other quality blocks such as Envigo or Mazuri do provide full nutritional support but if either of these blocks are to comprise all or most of the Squirrel's diet (100% quality blocks is just fine but we all like to give some treats and a rare nut or whatever!) but they must be free-fed (the Squirrel must be able to eat as much as he or she wants.

Tums are fine for emergency treatment of MBD. As Mel stated, these are Calcium carbonate. Calcium dosing is based upon what is called Elemental Calcium. Calcium carbonate contains twice the amount of elemental calcium as does the same weight of Calcium citrate and while there may be some theoretical advantages to using citrate, GuaGua will not need to consume as much Calcium Carbonate as she would Calcium Citrate to get the same amount of Calcium!

Henry's Blocks can be cut in half or quarters as they are relatively soft but they can be softened even more with baby food fruits (or similar) or formula so that it would be easier for GuaGua to eat them. Envigo or Mazuri Block as hard extruded blocks and if is difficult to controlled cut them but they can be ground up and also mixed with baby food, formula or whatever to make a soft food. I would recommend transitioning as soon as possible to Henry's Blocks as a nutritional base. Unfortunately these Blocks are somewhat costly. For now, in the early stages of MBD treatment and especially considering the size of your Squirrel, Henry's Block would be ideal!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[wawa]

Yes, the calcium can be adjusted for the weight of the squirrel. 170gr is very small even by Florida standards. Is this a gray squirrel? It says right in the MBD information that I provided a link for, that the calcium dosage should be adjusted down for smaller squirrels. At the weight your squirrel is I would aim for 350mg of calcium per day divided into 4 doses given throughout the day.

What type of calcium are you giving? Is it calcium carbonate? Calcium citrate? I find it interesting that she bloats after getting the calcium because the product Tums which is used by people as an antacid, is calcium carbonate. If she is really bloating you can give her some infant gasX, which is simethicone drops. A couple of drops should help. A 170 gr. squirrel can have 0.4ml as needed.

Excess calcium is passed in the feces and will make the stool look like it has some white in it. Vitamin D can be gotten from sunlight or rodent block and vegetables. Mushrooms are high in Vitamin D.

You must get her eating some type of rodent block and eliminate all nuts.



Hi, Thank you so much. She's a Red-bellied squirrel, a smaller one than average Red-bellied squirrel.

I'm giving her the product Caltrate, which is calcium carbonate. I've thought about giving her Tums, but I'm not sure if can use it in a long-term. I'll try to give her some today.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi, Thank you so much. She's a Red-bellied squirrel, a smaller one than average Red-bellied squirrel.

I'm giving her the product Caltrate, which is calcium carbonate. I've thought about giving her Tums, but I'm not sure if can use it in a long-term. I'll try to give her some today.

Thanks WaWa:
Please look closely at your Caltrate container label! I don't use this particular supplement so I am not familiar with it BUT, I went to the Haleon (the manufacturer) website and searched for Caltrate. There are several preparations that are considered Caltrate and what is available depends upon the Country! In Canada, Haleon states that "Caltrate Bone Health Supplement" is available there and it contains 600mg of Calcium as calcium carbonate and has NO Vitamin D. The Haleon page for supplements available in the USA do NOT list any preparations that do NOT contain Vitamin D (all Caltrate preparations for sakle in the USA contain Vitamin D). Please check you bottle to ensure your product contains NO Vitamin D!

Also, reading a label to determine the Elemental Calcium (which is what you must use for accurate Calcium dosing) is not quite as simple as it may appear. As an example, If the label of your Calcium Supplement might state "Calcium carbonate" 600mg, it means that every serving size (this could be one tablet or several tablets) actually contains only 240mg of Elemental calcium! If the label states (again as an example) just the word "Calcium" and an amount such as 600mg; this means that each Serving Size (NOT necessarily each tablet) contains 600mg of Elemental Calcium.

What now comprises GuaGua's diet and how are you giving the extra Calcium? What are you doing to provide water for GuaGua? There should be plain water always available (NOTHING added to the water) and she should be able to drink as much and as wants whenever she wants!

Just a comment about the borderline elevation of Calcium on the lab report. The normal range must be for Squirrels and specifically for your Squirrels species! I'm sure that is not how that range was derived. Total Calcium (which is what is being measured rather "active serum calcium which is usually listed on a lab report as free or ionized calcium) is not very useful in most cases and with any Metabolic Bone Disease, the total calcium can be high, low or normal. In fact, Total Calcium on a lab report is a complete misnomer as only a tiny fraction of the "total" calcium present in your Squirrel inthe blood; most all of the Calcium present in an animal or human body is contained in the bones!

I'm not a Vet or a radiologist so I do not feel it appropriate for me to comment the CT's although I was a bit tempted to do so! I would recommend that they be interpreted by a Veterinary Radiologist or by someone specifically knowledgeable as to the dental aspect of these studies. This could certainly be your own Vet if experienced with this or if an expert reading is not available, please let me suggest Alicia Emerson, DVM who is at the Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic in Port Orange, Florida. The films can be emailed there with prior agreement from Dr. E of course. ( https://ravenwoodvet.net ).

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Also, reading a label to determine the Elemental Calcium (which is what you must use for accurate Calcium dosing) is not quite as simple as it may appear. As an example, If the label of your Calcium Supplement might state "Calcium carbonate" 600mg, it means that every serving size (this could be one tablet or several tablets) actually contains only 240mg of Elemental calcium! If the label states (again as an example) just the word "Calcium" and an amount such as 600mg; this means that each Serving Size (NOT necessarily each tablet) contains 600mg of Elemental Calcium.

I need to clarify how I came up with the 240mg of Elemental Calcium in my example above. Calcium carbonate contains approximately 40% Elemental calcium so if the weight of Calcium carbonate is 600mg (mg is the abbreviation for milligram which is 1000th of a gram!), the Elemental calcium portion of that weight is 40% of 600 (600 x 0.4) or 240mg. Calcium citrate contains only 21% Elemental Calcium so 600mg of Calcium citrate would contain only 126mg of Elemental calcium. In the USA (other countries may have different labeling laws and conventions), if the only the word Calcium is stated followed by a weight, this would be Elemental Calcium. This label may contain in parentheses a statement such as "(as Calclium carbonate)" but it is still referring to the Elemental Calcium. If the label should state for instance, Calcium carbonate: 600mg; this is NOT the weight of the Elemental calcium alone, it is the weight of the Calcium carbonate in a serving size and you would in this instance need to multiply 600mg by 0.4 to arrive at the Elemental Calcium content.

I'm now sure I just made understanding this more difficult! Sorry! Just FYI, I'm awaiting approval from my insurance carrier for a brain transplant. When that occurs and I have recovered; I will rewrite everything I have previously written so that it might make sense!

Regards,
StS

[wawa]

Thanks WaWa:
Please look closely at your Caltrate container label! I don't use this particular supplement so I am not familiar with it BUT, I went to the Haleon (the manufacturer) website and searched for Caltrate. There are several preparations that are considered Caltrate and what is available depends upon the Country! In Canada, Haleon states that "Caltrate Bone Health Supplement" is available there and it contains 600mg of Calcium as calcium carbonate and has NO Vitamin D. The Haleon page for supplements available in the USA do NOT list any preparations that do NOT contain Vitamin D (all Caltrate preparations for sakle in the USA contain Vitamin D). Please check you bottle to ensure your product contains NO Vitamin D!


Thanks StS,

I checked at Caltrate container label. It has 600mg of Calcium each pill and has Vitamin D. I'm buying plain calcium for her. I tried to give her Tums plus rodent blokes these days. But she rejected to eat any blocks. It's made me too worried about her. :sadness

[wawa]

I'm now sure I just made understanding this more difficult! Sorry! Just FYI, I'm awaiting approval from my insurance carrier for a brain transplant. When that occurs and I have recovered; I will rewrite everything I have previously written so that it might make sense!



You must be kidding. It's explained so clearly. Thank you.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi WaWa:
How is little GuaGua doing?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[wawa]

Hi WaWa:
How is little GuaGua doing?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Hey, StS

She's going better than before, but has a little stomach upset and poor energy. Her right back leg had a reaction last night, one moment, when I was touching her leg.
Every morning, she soaks up sun for a while and enjoys this time. But she eat not too much. Try to let her eat a little bit more is a tough work, I re-baked the blocks every morning(mix egg, sugar, extra calcium). There's no way to let her eat two blocks.
I can see that, she wants eating(when she saw I'm coming, she would excitedly smell my hand, like looking for something, then just turn back and go). But she's so picky to food. If I give her fruits or nuts not blocks, she'll be pleasure to get them(But I can't do that, she needs healthy food, I know). I thought many kinds of causes. Maybe cause of her teeth? Less exercise? Down mood? Just picky? Or something else?.:monkey
I think she's pain now. She even doesn't want playing with me, just want me hold her. I want she can eat more and get more active. I hope she can recover. It's a tough time to her and me.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hey, StS

She's going better than before, but has a little stomach upset and poor energy. Her right back leg had a reaction last night, one moment, when I was touching her leg.
Every morning, she soaks up sun for a while and enjoys this time. But she eat not too much. Try to let her eat a little bit more is a tough work, I re-baked the blocks every morning(mix egg, sugar, extra calcium). There's no way to let her eat two blocks.
I can see that, she wants eating(when she saw I'm coming, she would excitedly smell my hand, like looking for something, then just turn back and go). But she's so picky to food. If I give her fruits or nuts not blocks, she'll be pleasure to get them(But I can't do that, she needs healthy food, I know). I thought many kinds of causes. Maybe cause of her teeth? Less exercise? Down mood? Just picky? Or something else?.:monkey
I think she's pain now. She even doesn't want playing with me, just want me hold her. I want she can eat more and get more active. I hope she can recover. It's a tough time to her and me.

Hi WaWa:

I'm at work now for a protracted period of time which gives me very limited and intermittent access to the internet so I must be quick and brief (probably should be that way anyway!). Are you absolutely certain that GuaGua weighs only 170 Grams? Please weigh her again to be sure. If so or close to that weight indicates as mentioned before; that GG is a relatively very small Squirrel. At that weight or thereabout, she will get enough maintenance Calcium in ONE Henry's Block IF she eats all of it (or maybe give another quarter or so of another Block to cover for waste or incomplete eating). I would like to suggest that you NOT mix eggs or sugar or even added Calcium into the Henry's Blocks and NOT bake them again either. Henry's blocks are soft and this is beneficial for Squirrels with dental issues. Baking generally makes these Blocks much harder. You can break them and mix them with a small amount of Baby Food fruit or whatever to make them a little softer and to add some taste. The Henry's Blocks especially if made into softer consistency with baby food fruit, cam be easily broken up and given in 2 or 3 servings. Give the Henry's first thing in the morning when GG is most hungry!


If GG is consuming a full Henry's Block, she should need on another 125-150mg of additional Elemental Calcium as Treatment Calcium (extra Calcium as treatment for MBD) and I would suggest giving this as a supplement (not mixed into the Henry's Blocks).

You can mix a measured amount of Calcium carbonate to give 125-150mg af Elemental Calcium into Almond Butter or similar (another member is now using Almond Butter for the same purpose and it is going well). Divide this Almond Butter (or what ever) that contains the 125-150mg of Elemental Calcium up into 4 or 5 servings and give one of these servings 4 or 5 times throughout the 24 hour day.

It is also very important for GuaGua to have clean fresh, PLAIN (not mixed with anything) water available at all times and if using a Bottle, ensure that the mechanism for release of the water works well. Check it several times during the day. Better yet, have two bottles available. Water should be changed every day, especially if given in a bowl. How are you giving water to GG?

As far as sun exposure, sun through a window will not result in natural Vitamin D production. If needs to be unfiltered light (usually that means outside. There are risks to being out side and always provide shade, whether exposed to sun outside OR inside! Also water at all times!

Hopefully other will able to help you along today. I will be mostly unavailable for the next 48 hours or more.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi WaWa:

I'm at work now for a protracted period of time which gives me very limited and intermittent access to the internet so I must be quick and brief (probably should be that way anyway!). Are you absolutely certain that GuaGua weighs only 170 Grams? Please weigh her again to be sure. If so or close to that weight indicates as mentioned before; that GG is a relatively very small Squirrel. At that weight or thereabout, she will get enough maintenance Calcium in ONE Henry's Block IF she eats all of it (or maybe give another quarter or so of another Block to cover for waste or incomplete eating). I would like to suggest that you NOT mix eggs or sugar or even added Calcium into the Henry's Blocks and NOT bake them again either. Henry's blocks are soft and this is beneficial for Squirrels with dental issues. Baking generally makes these Blocks much harder. You can break them and mix them with a small amount of Baby Food fruit or whatever to make them a little softer and to add some taste. The Henry's Blocks especially if made into softer consistency with baby food fruit, cam be easily broken up and given in 2 or 3 servings. Give the Henry's first thing in the morning when GG is most hungry!

If it is found that GG weighs significantly more than the previously reported weight of 170 Grams, the amount of Henry's and the Treatment Calcium dosing will need to be adjusted appropriately and ASAP!

Also, once GG has eaten ONE FULL Henry's Block, it is ok to give some additional Vegetables from Henry's Healthy Food Pyramid ( https://henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/ ).

Actually, to get direct sunlight, GG does not actually nbeed to be outside; just have direct unfiltered sunlight (open door or window. It is not effective for inducing natural Vitamin D if sunlight comes through glass such as being in front of a window.

StS

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Please keep in mind that if GuaGua is eating Henry's Blocks, she will be getting plenty of Vitamin D and does NOT need any other source for Vitamin D including sunlight!
Regards,
StS

[wawa]

Hi WaWa:

I'm at work now for a protracted period of time which gives me very limited and intermittent access to the internet so I must be quick and brief (probably should be that way anyway!). Are you absolutely certain that GuaGua weighs only 170 Grams? Please weigh her again to be sure. If so or close to that weight indicates as mentioned before; that GG is a relatively very small Squirrel. At that weight or thereabout, she will get enough maintenance Calcium in ONE Henry's Block IF she eats all of it (or maybe give another quarter or so of another Block to cover for waste or incomplete eating). I would like to suggest that you NOT mix eggs or sugar or even added Calcium into the Henry's Blocks and NOT bake them again either. Henry's blocks are soft and this is beneficial for Squirrels with dental issues. Baking generally makes these Blocks much harder. You can break them and mix them with a small amount of Baby Food fruit or whatever to make them a little softer and to add some taste. The Henry's Blocks especially if made into softer consistency with baby food fruit, cam be easily broken up and given in 2 or 3 servings. Give the Henry's first thing in the morning when GG is most hungry!


If GG is consuming a full Henry's Block, she should need on another 125-150mg of additional Elemental Calcium as Treatment Calcium (extra Calcium as treatment for MBD) and I would suggest giving this as a supplement (not mixed into the Henry's Blocks).

You can mix a measured amount of Calcium carbonate to give 125-150mg af Elemental Calcium into Almond Butter or similar (another member is now using Almond Butter for the same purpose and it is going well). Divide this Almond Butter (or what ever) that contains the 125-150mg of Elemental Calcium up into 4 or 5 servings and give one of these servings 4 or 5 times throughout the 24 hour day.

It is also very important for GuaGua to have clean fresh, PLAIN (not mixed with anything) water available at all times and if using a Bottle, ensure that the mechanism for release of the water works well. Check it several times during the day. Better yet, have two bottles available. Water should be changed every day, especially if given in a bowl. How are you giving water to GG?

As far as sun exposure, sun through a window will not result in natural Vitamin D production. If needs to be unfiltered light (usually that means outside. There are risks to being out side and always provide shade, whether exposed to sun outside OR inside! Also water at all times!

Hopefully other will able to help you along today. I will be mostly unavailable for the next 48 hours or more.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Hey, StS

I weighted her again, actually, she's only 150g now. I'll adjust the amount of her food.
There's a bowl of plain water in her cage, and I changed it everyday. I've tired mixing block with Heinz baby food fruit, but she didn't want to eat it(IF only baby food fruit, she'll eat). So, I'll try more.

See, she's reallly small size.
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[SamtheSquirrel2018]

You are a cute little Squirrel, GuaGua! Please keep us updated WaWa!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[wawa]

She tried using her back legs this morning(once, twice, or maybe more). I'm so glad to see that, although she wasn't success, but she's trying. And I feel she's more strengh than last week. She's more active, moves quicklier and smoothlier.
BUT, eating is still a huge mystery to us. Yesterday she ate one entire block, today just two bites. I thought she's finally fond of blocks. :bow I was wrong, now just have no idea about what magic was in yesterday's block.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

She tried using her back legs this morning(once, twice, or maybe more). I'm so glad to see that, although she wasn't success, but she's trying. And I feel she's more strengh than last week. She's more active, moves quicklier and smoothlier.
BUT, eating is still a huge mystery to us. Yesterday she ate one entire block, today just two bites. I thought she's finally fond of blocks. :bow I was wrong, now just have no idea about what magic was in yesterday's block.

Thanks! I'm glad there appears to be some improvement. As to the Blocks; did you do anything to the Block that GG ate yesterday such as coat it with Almond Butter or soak it in formula or anything that you did not do today. Also, I would try cutting up today's Block into thirds or half or even quarters and see if GuaGua will eat the smaller portion. You can certainly try to flavor the block or try a different flavor and using a portion of the Block will save the remainder for a try with a different flavor and/or different consistency (make it softer for instance). I would not give in to giving vegetables, fruits or treats and stick with the Blocks. Is GuaGua eating her supplemental Calcium + Almond Butter?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[wawa]

Thanks! I'm glad there appears to be some improvement. As to the Blocks; did you do anything to the Block that GG ate yesterday such as coat it with Almond Butter or soak it in formula or anything that you did not do today. Also, I would try cutting up today's Block into thirds or half or even quarters and see if GuaGua will eat the smaller portion. You can certainly try to flavor the block or try a different flavor and using a portion of the Block will save the remainder for a try with a different flavor and/or different consistency (make it softer for instance). I would not give in to giving vegetables, fruits or treats and stick with the Blocks. Is GuaGua eating her supplemental Calcium + Almond Butter?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

I mixed some sesame in that Block. Today I made the same flavor as that one, but she rejected eating them. Every flavor just be working on her for one day(the best situation). Yesterday, I didn't give her any fruits, greens. Because she didn't eat Block. So, she's starving went to sleep. I thought she'll eat this morning, BUT the reality is the same as yesterday. Only ate two bites and then left. I'll try more.

[Mel1959]

I see that she is a red bellied squirrel. Are they typically this much smaller in size than other gray squirrels?

Can you post a picture of GuaGua’s face and her standing on all four legs? Have you considered that she may be a dwarf squirrel? Dwarf squirrels are very special…they can’t climb well, can’t open nuts, have large eyes and ears that seem to sit slightly lower on their head and have shorter legs and tail. My last dwarf never exceeded 150gr. They also do not eat well. Mine required being fed a mixture of ground up Harlan Teklad rodent block mixed with baby food and thinned with Fox Valley formula so that it would flow through a syringe. I fed him this way 4 times a day for his whole life, which was 3.5 years.

Have you tried making boo balls with ground hard extruded block like Harlan Teklad? There’s plenty of recipes in the nutrition section. You can mix favorite baby foods with the rodent block powder along with coconut oil to create a much softer ball than what Henry’s is. I also add FV powder to up the calcium and nutritional content.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I mixed some sesame in that Block. Today I made the same flavor as that one, but she rejected eating them. Every flavor just be working on her for one day(the best situation). Yesterday, I didn't give her any fruits, greens. Because she didn't eat Block. So, she's starving went to sleep. I thought she'll eat this morning, BUT the reality is the same as yesterday. Only ate two bites and then left. I'll try more.

Hi WaWa:
Mel has some very important questions! Please post the photos requested by Mel!
Also, have tried supplementing GG's diet with Formula such as Fox Valley 20/50 or Esbilac Powdered puppy formula. FV 20/50 can also be mixed with some Ultraboost (up to 50%). Formula obviously provides the nutritional needs for babies and can still aid significantly in meeting the nutritional need for adults who may have developed difficulty eating or decrease appetite. You can also grind up a portion of one of your Henry's Blocks and mix it with formula to reach a consistency that might make GuaGua more inclined to eat it!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[wawa]

I see that she is a red bellied squirrel. Are they typically this much smaller in size than other gray squirrels?

Can you post a picture of GuaGua’s face and her standing on all four legs? Have you considered that she may be a dwarf squirrel? Dwarf squirrels are very special…they can’t climb well, can’t open nuts, have large eyes and ears that seem to sit slightly lower on their head and have shorter legs and tail. My last dwarf never exceeded 150gr. They also do not eat well. Mine required being fed a mixture of ground up Harlan Teklad rodent block mixed with baby food and thinned with Fox Valley formula so that it would flow through a syringe. I fed him this way 4 times a day for his whole life, which was 3.5 years.

Have you tried making boo balls with ground hard extruded block like Harlan Teklad? There’s plenty of recipes in the nutrition section. You can mix favorite baby foods with the rodent block powder along with coconut oil to create a much softer ball than what Henry’s is. I also add FV powder to up the calcium and nutritional content.

Hey Mel

Here's some pictures of GuaGua. Maybe can offer some information. She's a red bellied squirrel, 1.4 year.
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I brought her back amlost 1 year ago. One day, a friend of mine called me and asked me if I can help this little creature. She was abandoned by the first owner.
So, I went to saw her, a little squirrel was in a little mouse cage and scared. When I got close to her, she also got close to me. I thought she loves me, so picked her back home.
Later, I've heard that her tail has broken and lost some part when she's in the previous home. So, her tail is shorter than a normal red bellied squirrel. In my obervation, I've never seen her jumping, she only can climb.(I thought she's just lack exeicise. But now I'm not sure if her back bone hurt before).
Her weight was 220g last year(Maybe eat too much nuts and fruits). After she's sick, we changed her diet, not nuts, limited in fruits and add blocks. But she doesn't like Blocks, so she eat less than before.

These days, I tried mashing Block and mixing with Almond Butter. One Block cut to four parts to feed her. She can eat 3/4 Block.

[wawa]

Hi WaWa:
Mel has some very important questions! Please post the photos requested by Mel!
Also, have tried supplementing GG's diet with Formula such as Fox Valley 20/50 or Esbilac Powdered puppy formula. FV 20/50 can also be mixed with some Ultraboost (up to 50%). Formula obviously provides the nutritional needs for babies and can still aid significantly in meeting the nutritional need for adults who may have developed difficulty eating or decrease appetite. You can also grind up a portion of one of your Henry's Blocks and mix it with formula to reach a consistency that might make GuaGua more inclined to eat it!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Hey, she can control of her paws a little more now.
:tapShe's a genius of looking for Blocks. Even I mashed them, mixed with other things, she can pick them out.

[Mel1959]

First, GuaGua is adorable:Love_Icon! I am not familiar with this species of squirrel and have never seen one in the wild, but she definitely looks different from the pictures I’ve seen. Her ears seem to sit lower and she is definitely on the very small size compared to the 375-680gr average weight for this species. Combine that with some of her other characteristics like not being able to jump and open nuts and there’s a very real possibility that she is a dwarf.

There’s a few things I think you need to try to get her eating rodent block. Go online and find a source to purchase a small amount of Envigo Harlan Teklad 2018 rodent block. I have ordered it on eBay from a vendor named Ecosandy who is in California. Once you get the block put a few of them in a blender, I use the cup for my ninja blender. Grind the block till it’s a fine powder. Once it’s ground you can mix it with a little baby food and coconut oil or mix it with peanut butter or almond butter or even mix it in some mashed avocado. You’ll have to try a variety of things to see if any of them appeal to her. Be creative. It might be necessary to grind a few of her favorite nuts and mix that in with the rodent block powder to make it tastier.

Have you tried giving her Fox Valley 20/50 formula in a shallow bowl or by syringe? Many squirrels, even adults, will drink it out of a shallow bowl. I use the lid to a baby food jar to give formula to my flying squirrel.

In the wild the mom would have kicked her out of the nest at a young age. How was she found?

Thank you for taking her. It sounds like her existence before you came into her life was terrible. :sniff:eek Not consuming rodent block will set her up for developing MBD which if left untreated can be fatal. Please try to get her to eat it.

Here’s some links that you might be interested in. The first is a link to the nutrition section where you can find boo ball recipes. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?191-Squirrel-Nutrition. You can type boo ball recipes into the search bar once you’re on this link and some links should pop up. This link has the healthy diet for captive squirrels. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

This link has information about the condition that causes dwarfism in squirrels. I thought you might be interested in reading about it. It’s a condition called achondroplasia. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?212-Downs-or-Achondroplastic-Dwarfism

There are all levels of dwarfism. Some babies can climb….a little, others not at all. Some can thermoregulate their body temperature and others sleep on a heating pad their whole life. Some eat better than others. One thing they all have in common is a shortened life span. There’s a variety of medical conditions that they have that causes this.

Please keep us updated on any progress GuaGua makes learning to eat rodent block.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

GuaGua is one very cute little Squirrel! Thanks for the photos, WaWa! Please keep up with the Calcium supplementation (this may require some elements of "tough love" where only Blocks are available OR what is better would be that other foods are withheld until GG eats the equivalent of one Henry's block) and please provide frequent updates on GuaGua's condition and progress.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[wawa]

Have you tried giving her Fox Valley 20/50 formula in a shallow bowl or by syringe? Many squirrels, even adults, will drink it out of a shallow bowl. I use the lid to a baby food jar to give formula to my flying squirrel.

In the wild the mom would have kicked her out of the nest at a young age. How was she found?


Thanks, Mel
I'll try Fox Valley 20/50 formula. Now, I'm giving her EmerAid IC Herbivore or yogurt mix with extra calcium, if her didn't eat enough rodent block.

GuaGua's owner bought her as a pet for their kid. But the kid wasn't interested in her. They gave GuaGua to my friend's son. When my friend saw GuaGua. She realized it's a real squirrel. She used to think it's just a toy squirrel. So, she's nervous and called me. Told me that she didn't have any experienc and time to take care of a squirrel. And asked me if I'm willing to take care of her. I thought a minute and decided that I should look after her, at least she has a chance to live.

[Mel1959]

You can purchase Fox Valley 20/50 formula from Henrys Pets @ Henryspets.com. I don’t remember if you said you’ve tried the Henry’s blocks with GuaGua, but there is a difference in the products as to how well they’re received. My guys prefer the hazelnut or picky eater blocks. Given GuaGuas’s aversion to eating them I’d definitely try those two varieties. Also Henry’s sells two varieties of treat sticks, one is walnut and the other is hazelnut. I encourage you to get a bag of one of them. They are well loved by my flyer and might be the thing to get GuaGua used to eating block.

Have you examined GuaGua’s teeth? Can you get a picture of her open mouth so we can see the length of her teeth?

[wawa]

You can purchase Fox Valley 20/50 formula from Henrys Pets @ Henryspets.com. I don’t remember if you said you’ve tried the Henry’s blocks with GuaGua, but there is a difference in the products as to how well they’re received. My guys prefer the hazelnut or picky eater blocks. Given GuaGuas’s aversion to eating them I’d definitely try those two varieties. Also Henry’s sells two varieties of treat sticks, one is walnut and the other is hazelnut. I encourage you to get a bag of one of them. They are well loved by my flyer and might be the thing to get GuaGua used to eating block.

Have you examined GuaGua’s teeth? Can you get a picture of her open mouth so we can see the length of her teeth?

Yeah, I'm giving her Henry’s healthy blocks. But, she doesn't like it. I think she might doesn't like the smell of this block, it smells a little sour. I'll try those different of varieties blocks and treat sticks. Hope she'll love eating blocks.
And I noticed that she's a little fond in EXOTIC RODENT BLOCKS, while it smells like fish food. I've no idea if this block is good for her. It has less ingredients than Henry's.
Thanks, Mel.

[Mel1959]

I have never been a fan of Exotic Nutrition products. I think their nutritional value is inferior to other rodent blocks. I think the best hard extruded block for nutritional value is Envigo Harlan Teklad 2018 or 2014. The next best ones in my opinion are Mazuri rodent block and Oxbow Rat block.

The Henry’s Healthy block variety was the least liked by my guys. They definitely prefer the Picky Eater or Hazelnut varieties better. Are you storing the block in the freezer? Henrys block must be kept frozen as it’s extremely perishable. Just take out what you need for a few days and store them in the fridge.

Based on what you’re saying about the way your Henry’s block smells it could be spoiled. If that’s the case, I’d avoid feeding them.

[wawa]

I have never been a fan of Exotic Nutrition products. I think their nutritional value is inferior to other rodent blocks. I think the best hard extruded block for nutritional value is Envigo Harlan Teklad 2018 or 2014. The next best ones in my opinion are Mazuri rodent block and Oxbow Rat block.

The Henry’s Healthy block variety was the least liked by my guys. They definitely prefer the Picky Eater or Hazelnut varieties better. Are you storing the block in the freezer? Henrys block must be kept frozen as it’s extremely perishable. Just take out what you need for a few days and store them in the fridge.

Based on what you’re saying about the way your Henry’s block smells it could be spoiled. If that’s the case, I’d avoid feeding them.

Yes. Since I was delivered Henry's Blocks. I store them in the freezer. Everyday I just take one or two blocks out. It can dehydrate very quickly in air and was becoming drier and harder.
That smell seems from yeast, not because of be spoiled.

[wawa]

I have never been a fan of Exotic Nutrition products. I think their nutritional value is inferior to other rodent blocks. I think the best hard extruded block for nutritional value is Envigo Harlan Teklad 2018 or 2014. The next best ones in my opinion are Mazuri rodent block and Oxbow Rat block.

The Henry’s Healthy block variety was the least liked by my guys. They definitely prefer the Picky Eater or Hazelnut varieties better. Are you storing the block in the freezer? Henrys block must be kept frozen as it’s extremely perishable. Just take out what you need for a few days and store them in the fridge.

Based on what you’re saying about the way your Henry’s block smells it could be spoiled. If that’s the case, I’d avoid feeding them.

Hey, Mel
Please help take a look. The Mazuri rodent block is this one?
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Please accept my heartfelt thanks.

[Mel1959]

Yes, these blocks are fine. I was referring to a different brand altogether. Thank you for clarifying. :grin2

[wawa]

:bliss I opened a new package of Henrys' healthy blocks this morning, and mixed them with coconut oil. She loves it. She's eaten half block now. Fingers crossed. It'll be working for a while.

[wawa]

GuaGua is 165g now. I still train her to eat rodent blocks. It's a long and slow process.
She takes back the control of her tail and hind legs(not full control). Sometimes she can walk slowly a few steps by hind legs. But, sometims once her hind legs start moving, she's not able to easily stop them.
Is this a normal process? From NO action to NOT full control and untill finally TOTALLY control?