Is this food safe for my 13 lined ground squirrel???

[lucky 13 lined gs]

(Timothy hay) If anyone has tips on what to feed a 13 lined ground squirrel I would love to know.

[Charley Chuckles]

:bump:bump

[Mel1959]

I don’t have a direct answer about whether a ground squirrel will eat or needs Timothy hay. Most of us don’t have a lot of experience with ground squirrels. In the “breed specific” section in this forum there is information pertaining to ground squirrels. You might read through some of the threads to enlighten yourself. I did find this interesting bit of info in that section that might be helpful. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?18585-Methods-of-Caring-for-Ground-Squirrels

[Mel1959]

After doing a little research I’ve discovered that ground squirrels eat a lot of the same items that flying squirrels eat. They have a need for protein much like a flyer. That protein can be in the form of eggs or mealworms, wax worms, grasshoppers, crickets etc. They also eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Here is the link to the healthy diet for flying squirrels. I suggest you start offering a variety of foods from it. Each food provides a different amount of nutrients so a variety provides better nutrition and keeps them from becoming bored. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels

I’d also search online for some Envigo Harlan Teklad 2024 hard extruded rodent block. You can usually buy it in varying bulk amounts like 1 or 5 pounds. This block is 100% nutritionally complete. This formulation has 24% protein which would be good for him if he’ll learn to eat it. It can be fed in addition to Henry’s block without harm.

There are some leafy green vegetables that are superior nutritionally than others. Kale, arugula, chicory, watercress, bok choy and endive all provide slightly more calcium than plain lettuce. For fruits papaya provides more calcium than other fruits, but again a variety should be what your aiming for.

[lucky 13 lined gs]

After doing a little research I’ve discovered that ground squirrels eat a lot of the same items that flying squirrels eat. They have a need for protein much like a flyer. That protein can be in the form of eggs or mealworms, wax worms, grasshoppers, crickets etc. They also eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Here is the link to the healthy diet for flying squirrels. I suggest you start offering a variety of foods from it. Each food provides a different amount of nutrients so a variety provides better nutrition and keeps them from becoming bored. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels

I’d also search online for some Envigo Harlan Teklad 2024 hard extruded rodent block. You can usually buy it in varying bulk amounts like 1 or 5 pounds. This block is 100% nutritionally complete. This formulation has 24% protein which would be good for him if he’ll learn to eat it. It can be fed in addition to Henry’s block without harm.

There are some leafy green vegetables that are superior nutritionally than others. Kale, arugula, chicory, watercress, bok choy and endive all provide slightly more calcium than plain lettuce. For fruits papaya provides more calcium than other fruits, but again a variety should be what your aiming for.


hi, thank you i’m looking into all the information you sent.