question about using dirt

[Her123]

I have read on many squirrel sites that dirt wasn't good to use for your squirrel to play in, dig in, and so on. I have read that it is recommended to use white or brown rice dry or oatmeal dry to play in. Just making sure this is right

[Lighten-Up]

I have not heard of using dried rice. I recall years ago people stopped throwing rice at weddings because it was killing the wildlife, swelling in their stomachs; so they started using bird seed instead. Was that real or a wives tale? I don't know, but I'd be concerned until I knew for sure. I have never heard of using oatmeal, but maybe others will chime in on this.

I know there can be hazards with dirt, and I think some people bake dirt in the oven to kill pathogens.

Because I have always released squirrels into my own yard, because that's where the babies came out of; I just use the dirt with no treatment. Maybe it's a risk, but as soon as I release them, they'll be digging in it like all the other squirrels outside. And I'd just as soon help them build their immune system. But undeniably, I tend to run on the natural side of things, so please get the opinions of others whom you feel mirror your thoughts on the subject.

I don't put dirt into their cage until they are around 8-12 weeks of age and really exploring.

Hopefully you will get a few other answers.

[Diggie's Friend]

Why soil isn't recommended is because of helminths (intestinal parasitic worms and their eggs) that soils often contain.

Oatmeal, on hte other hand, is a food source that is high in phosphorus to calcium ratio. Save it is included as an ingredient in a homemade diet recipe where it has been measured for phosphorus content by specific measure to include in the total phosphorus to calcium ratio to support metabolic and bone health; you don't want give it to a squirrel.

Giving a squirrel safe toys to play with enriches their quality of life in captivity. Way back when we we cared for a squirrel long-term, we put part of a paper towel holder into a tube sock and knotted the end. The squirrel had so much fun with the toy rolling playing fightie bitey as with a surrogate sibling. We also hung a length of un bleached cotton soft lead rope from the top of the enclosure, supporting the same kind of play. It can take a couple of weeks to months for a squirrel to begin to play with the toys, but it is worth the wait.



On a side note:

"Pet Flora", a soil based probiotic with soil based prebiotic, promotes the growth of good bacteria while countering harmful forms. It doesn't contain (F0S) sugar based prebiotic which promote the indiscriminate growth of both healthy and unhealthy bacterial forms. And unlike probiotics formulated with flavorings for cats and dogs; this Soil based probiotic and prebiotic, contains no additives or flavorings of any kind so it can be used for other species including rodents as the manufacturer of this product explained.

To read more about, "Pet Flora" by Vitality Science of NM: https://vitalityscience.com/product/cat-probiotics/

https://www.amazon.com/Vitality-Science-Pet-Flora-Gastrointestinal/dp/B005PJN2HO?th=1

[Snicker Bar]

I use the All Natural Carefresh shavings . Others have used organic soil ; no chemicals or additives.

[Her123]

Thanks

[Lighten-Up]

Why soil isn't recommended is because of helminths (intestinal parasitic worms and their eggs) that soils often contain.


Hi Diggie, thanks for all your thoughts.

Your above statement makes sense, and I just wondered how you feel it fits into geophagy? As I have watched many squirrels digging up small plants to eat the dirt at the roots area. It was suggested by someone, can't recall who, to give my pre-releases wild plants with the roots and dirt attached so they could eat the dirt at the roots as well as the leaves, and they did both. I'm just wondering if you know how wild squirrels balance the risk of parasitic worm eggs and their soil eating habits. ?

"Many animals, including humans, are known to deliberately eat soil, a practice called geophagy. Though the animals and people might not be aware of it, the main reason for this is that munching on dirt can have health benefits."-internet search on geophagy.

[Tashahaven]

I am quite curious to hear Diggies response to your question Lighten-Up.

What are your thoughts? Interesting subject.