Teeney is getting so big!!!

[jfarrar]

:D I have Teeney on a 1 a day formula feeding. I put a bowl in her house in the morning. It consist of 5 acorns, 4 almonds, 3 small apple pieces with peel (but she doesn't eat the peel), small piece of avocado, 2 rodent blocks (which she never eats, just hides), carrot cut into small pieces, 2 peeled grapes, and brocolli. I also put a water bowl in their with marbles in it but she doesn't drink it. She eats almost everything through out the day except the brocolli. I give her formula at lunch. Am I doing this right? Should I be feeding her something else. Also, I gave her a piece of kiwi last night and she loved it. I also give her a piece of a banana 1 time a day. I just want to make sure she is eating right? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[4skwerlz]

Once more, here it is, the healthy food list!:


Basic Diet for Pet Squirrels (Revised 10/7/07)
-Rodent block, monkey biscuit, or another complete rodent chow should be the basis of the diet (Harlan Teklad 8640, Mazuri, and LabDiet 5001 are three good ones.)
-A hard boiled egg (with shell) provides protein, calcium, PLUS one of the very few dietary sources of Vitamin D.
-A slice of orange or other citrus will aid calcium absorption.
-Natural foods: acorns, magnolia cones, pine cones, branch tips, mushrooms and fungi, dandelion greens can be gathered and given as part of the diet.
-Antlers, tree branches, and cuttlebones provide vitamins, minerals, and keep teeth from overgrowing. All squirrels need to gnaw!
-Natural sunlight or a full-spectrum light (at least 30 min/day) is essential for calcium absorption to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease, which can be fatal.

In addition to the items listed above, feed a variety of foods listed below—Don’t feed too much of any one food

Healthiest Foods (high-calc/low-phos)—Try to include at least 1 or 2 of these foods in your squirrel’s daily diet.
collard greens, mustard spinach, papaya, turnip greens, tofu (w/calcium sulfate or Nigiri), fresh parsley, beet greens, dandelion greens, Chinese cabbage (bok choy), looseleaf lettuce, figs (fresh or dried), kale, valencia oranges, chicory

Other Healthy Foods—Nutritious but not as high in calcium.
yogurt (low-fat, plain or fruit flavored), mushrooms (very high in Vitamin D), green cabbage, watercress, endive, grapes (cut in half), celery, green beans, red cabbage, crabapple, radish, swiss chard, pear, persimmons (native), apple with skin, pineapple, winter squash, watermelon, honeydew melon

Healthy Treats
avocado, cucumber, cherry, romaine lettuce, strawberry, broccoli, apricot, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, cantaloupe, summer squash, seedless raisins, pumpkin, zucchini, alfalfa sprouts, peach, asparagus, banana, sweet potatoes

Nuts—One or two per day maximum, perferably in the shell.
Ripe brown acorns*, whole roasted pumpkin seeds, and almonds are the best nuts calcium-wise. Hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, English walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and peanuts are next. Avoid cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seed kernals, and pine nuts! They are very high in phosphorus and will cause calcium loss.

Note: Beans, chard, beet greens, rhubarb and spinach contain oxalates and phytates, which decrease the calcium absorption from these foods. Although dairy foods are high in calcium, because of their phosphorus levels they are only moderate calcium sources.

*Can be gathered green; they will ripen inside.

[jfarrar]

Thank you so much 4skwerlz. I know you have helped me before just a nervous mom and want to make sure Teeney and I especially are doing this right. Sorry to be a bother. Thanks again. I appreciate the info.

1 more question.....
How often do I feed her? Am I doing ok by putting a bowl in her cage in the morning and leaving it there until night time? And what about the water........since she is only getting one feeding of formula.

[4skwerlz]

Here's a nice chart with pictures of different ages and how to care for them:
http://mypeoplepc.com/members/possum/squirrelsheet.htm

Let's see, Teeny must be about 9-10 weeks now??? If so, it's good to stay with the formula for a few more weeks, 1 feeding a day is okay. I forget, are you releasing her or keeping her?

[TexanSquirrel]

I'll leave the advice up to the "pros" but I did just want to comment, and tell you that no one asking for a correct way to care for their baby is ever a bother. You ask all the questions you want, and we'll help you all the way through this! :thumbsup

That's right! We want to help you, and it's a relief to know you're dedicated to taking good care of this baby! :thumbsup