Couple of questions, please?

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Hi everyone,
My Milo just doesn't seem to be doing right. I have did everything that was sugessted to me to treat for MBD. He still is making noises when I pick him up or when he is climbing around. He can't get down off the cabinet as good as he used to. He didn't eat much today. I have been feeding him Esbilac milk for going on 2 weeks now morning, noon, and evening all he will take. 1/2 crushed up 600 mg calicum pill a day, full spectrum lightening all day. His poop is very light colored, sometimes white. I got some chunky natural peanut butter and crushed up his rodent block and Monkey chow. How much of the peanut butter should I give him a day? I got some mealworms and he has ate 2 of them. He is not eating good. His claws still get caught on my clothes. Some days he is good and now for the last 2 days he just doesn't seem normal. He is sleeping a lot also. I don't know what else to try. I have gotton all the high calcium foods on the list and he doesn't seem to want them. Please give me some advice.

[4skwerlz]

Sorry you're having trouble. Below I have reposted the suggested treatment for Milo. Which things are you having trouble with? I'm sure we can think of alternatives.


Milo's Treatment Plan
Week One

1. Eliminate all nuts and seeds and other unhealthy foods, and feed only foods from the Diet List.

2. Provide an emergency calcium source. I usually don't like adding vitamins to water simply because you have no idea how much they are getting--not enough or too much. It is easier to control dosage with plain calcium carbonate pills (600 mg) for nibbling, and to be crushed and sprinkled on all foods. However, whatever works. The important thing is to get the calcium and other nutrients into Milo. Blackstrap molasses is another excellent source of emergency calcium. The normal calcium requirement for a squirrel is approximately 2,500 mg per week. In a squirrel with MBD, you should try to double that to 5,000 mg for the first week and see how Milo does.

3. Provide sources of Vitamin D: Time outdoors in his cage on a sunny day (but in the shade) provides by far the most beneficial light. However, at this time of year, this is only true if you live in the Southern half of the country. In addition, Milo will need full-spectrum light indoors all day long until he is well. Plus all the Vit D rich foods you can give him: mushrooms, eggs, dairy products (especially yogurt--make sure the label says the yogurt contains Vit D).

4. Provide sources of Vitamin C: Oranges are good, but red or green bell peppers are the highest.

5. The foods Milo is already eating are fine: "kale, brocolli, grapes, sweet potatoes, green beans, craisins, cabbage, dried bananna chips, blueberries, blackberries, oranges." However, for now you should try to feed Milo only foods from the Diet List (high-calcium/low phosphorus).

6. Introduce a different rodent chow: try KayTee Forti-Diet for Rats and Mice. If Milo won't eat the Forti-Diet, try the KayTee Healthy Bits for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs. It is similar to a kibbled food, but tastier, and is fortified with a lot vitamins and minerals. It might be a good "transition food" to a rodent chow.

Please keep us posted on how Milo is doing, on which foods he will or will not eat, as his treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

[island rehabber]

Hi everyone,
My Milo just doesn't seem to be doing right. I have did everything that was sugessted to me to treat for MBD. He still is making noises when I pick him up or when he is climbing around. He can't get down off the cabinet as good as he used to. He didn't eat much today. I have been feeding him Esbilac milk for going on 2 weeks now morning, noon, and evening all he will take. 1/2 crushed up 600 mg calicum pill a day, full spectrum lightening all day. His poop is very light colored, sometimes white. I got some chunky natural peanut butter and crushed up his rodent block and Monkey chow. How much of the peanut butter should I give him a day? I got some mealworms and he has ate 2 of them. He is not eating good. His claws still get caught on my clothes. Some days he is good and now for the last 2 days he just doesn't seem normal. He is sleeping a lot also. I don't know what else to try. I have gotton all the high calcium foods on the list and he doesn't seem to want them. Please give me some advice.

MMM, it takes longer than 2 weeks to really see improvement in a squirrel with MBD. Be patient. If his poop is light colored that's from the Esbilac, and so long as it is 'formed' and not runny that's fine. Will he eat the rodent block or Monkey chow without peanut butter? It would be better for him without all that salt and sugar in the PB. Will he take any greens at all -- chickory, kale, collard greens, pea pods? How are his eyes...do they look bright or kind of dull or half-closed? Sorry for all the questions but as Mars always says, we need you to be our eyes.

[Mars]

If his poop is light colored that's from the Esbilac, and so long as it is 'formed' and not runny that's fine.

Hmmmm. :thinking I'm thinking if the stool were Light colored from the esbilac it would be the golden color we love to see. White or almost white sounds more like he is not digesting the formula. I will PM you with a Homeopathic suggestion. :)

[Miss Milo's Mom]

I have tried another rodent block and he won't eat it either. He will not eat mushrooms, eggs with shells or anything else on this list. He nibbled once on rodent block and now won't touch it. He tried a bite of mushroom, but does not care for that either. The first time I put little pieces of the rodent block in peanut butter, he would just lick it off and throw the block. The second time I crushed the rodent block up and put it in peanut butter. He will eat a little kale, and a little chinese cabbage. Not much though. He was eating orange slices good about 3 days ago and now he won't even eat that. He loves sugar snap peas and green beans. His eyes are bright and beautiful. I have tried all kinds of yogurt suggested on here and he won't touch it. Couldn't find Black Strap Molassas so I got just molassas and he didn't like this either. Picky isn't he?

[4skwerlz]

The long-term diet changes will take some time. The important thing right now is that Milo is getting his calcium and vitamins. Since he's eating formula, he is getting everything he needs, plus extra calcium pills, and FSL, so that's fine. You have plenty of time to work on a healthier diet for the future. But I would definitely use Mars' treatment for his tummy problem. White poops are not normal.

As for the things you mentioned:
Some squirrels like yogurt and some don't. Try mixing a teaspoonful of yogurt with Milo's formula. Then increase the amount of yogurt gradually to get him used to the taste. Also, buy yogurt flavored with his favorite fruit. Did you try dipping a green bean in yogurt?

Not all squirrels like eggs. How about some freeze-dried mealworms?

For the rodent block, have you tried the KayTee Forti-Diet for rats and mice? It seems to be a lot tastier than the Mazuri. You can buy it at Walmart or any pet store. When my squirrels get picky, I dip the Forti-Diet chunks in the oil at the top of natural peanut butter. They can't resist.

That's great he likes Chinese cabbage. It is one of the healthiest veggies for them.

Have you tried figs? High in calcium and my squirrels LOVE them.

Squirrels will love one food for a few days, then ignore it. Just try to have healthy alternatives.

If Milo continues to be a picky little boy, then get a vitamin/mineral supplement to sprinkle on his food. Many folks here use Prime but there are others.

As I said, the cure for Milo's current MBD is the formula plus extra calcium plus the FSL. It is common for them to have good days and bad days. But overall, he should be a bit better after 2 weeks.

[4skwerlz]

Hi MMM,

I saw in your "Pics of Milo" thread that you had a question... Did you get it answered?

I'm asking in this thread, because I wanted to keep the discussion of Milo's MBD together in one thread instead of spreading it all over so we can keep track of everything.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Yeah, I was told to give keep giving the calcium pill. I have been giving 1/2 a day plus the formula. Since he hasn't taken the formula, I guess the calcium pill will be fine. Thanks for responding.

[4skwerlz]

Yeah, I was told to give keep giving the calcium pill. I have been giving 1/2 a day plus the formula. Since he hasn't taken the formula, I guess the calcium pill will be fine. Thanks for responding.

Is he still taking formula generally? Or is he off that now?

[Miss Milo's Mom]

No he has refused the formula for the last 2 days. I am going out to get some more incase what I have has already went bad.

[4skwerlz]

If he's won't take formula, then you'll need to up the calcium/Vit D. What else will he eat?

[luvs squirrels]

Bless your heart, MMM. I know exactly what you're going through. Milo and Sammy seem to be on the same track. He's not been seeming as good the last couple days either and won't eat much of anything. The only way I've been able to get Sammy to eat the Zupreem Primate biscuit is to grind one up with a rodent block and mix it with Glucerna (because he may be diabetic)and water and he eats it every time. I think others use human Ensure or Esbilac in the place of the Glucerna for him. Good luck - I hope both our little guys get better real soon.

:grouphug

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Thanks you guys. Luvs, I hope your little one feels better so very soon. I'm glad he ate so good for you. :grouphug

Gamma, I just bake the Critter Scones. Wow, a lot of work!!! Milo wouldn't eat them. Maybe he will try a little later. :wave123

I mixed a new batch of Esbilac for Milo, and he didn't really want any of that either. He is being a little rotten right now. He usually eats better in the evening.

Leigh, He is still eating his veggies (brocolli, a little bok choy, kale, green beans, snap peas, blackberries, blueberries, and he now loves yogurt soynut surprise (for birds), avacodo, and a small slice a day of sweet potato with calcium sprinkled on it. I have to rub the calcium on his sweet potato, blackberries and blueberries to get him to take his calcium. He also gets a few cranberries. :tilt :tilt

[4skwerlz]

Thanks you guys. Luvs, I hope your little one feels better so very soon. I'm glad he ate so good for you. :grouphug

Gamma, I just bake the Critter Scones. Wow, a lot of work!!! Milo wouldn't eat them. Maybe he will try a little later. :wave123

I mixed a new batch of Esbilac for Milo, and he didn't really want any of that either. He is being a little rotten right now. He usually eats better in the evening.

Leigh, He is still eating his veggies (brocolli, a little bok choy, kale, green beans, snap peas, blackberries, blueberries, and he now loves yogurt soynut surprise (for birds), avacodo, and a small slice a day of sweet potato with calcium sprinkled on it. I have to rub the calcium on his sweet potato, blackberries and blueberries to get him to take his calcium. He also gets a few cranberries. :tilt :tilt

I still don't think Milo's getting all the calc/vit D he needs to get better. If you can't get it into him one way, try another way....

Can you find a rat/mouse or small animal supplement that contains calcium and Vit D3? Even a bird supplement, though I know with Prime, a lot of squirrels don't like the taste. Either drops or pills. If you can't find that, see if you can find a human supplement with around 300 mg calcium per pill (the Vit D should be proportionate).

When you get the supplement, let me know what the dosages are on the label, so we can double check, okay? We do need to be careful with Vit D always. Also, if it's a human supplement we'll need to add a plain calcium pill to the mix because, although humans and squirrels require about the same amount of Vit D (per kg), squirrels need almost three times as much calcium as people do (per kg), so we would need to adjust the proportions. I hope that's clear....:thinking

[squarletsmom]

I just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you!:grouphug

[muffinsquirrel]

Maybe he would like ice cream? Well, frozen yogurt or diabetic ice cream or something. Or mix up some of his favorites that he WILL eat and add the calcium to it and make him his own ice cream. I know that my flyers like the frozen fruits straight from the freezer.

muffinsquirrel

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Ok, I have Nutriphase Liquid Multi-Vitamin for guinea pigs and other small animals (3 drops per dry oz of food), I have Avimin Liquid Mineral Supplement for birds (dilute 1 part to 9 parts of water - for breeding dilute 1 part to 4 parts of water), I have Premium Multi-Drops for birds (1 drop per drinking water and 1 drop per dry food), I have Oasis Vita Drops High Potency Multivitamin for birds(2 drops to each oz of drinking water or add 2 or 3 drops to food), I have human Viactiv Calcium with vitamin D & K, human calcium 600 mg (which I use now), and Human Calcium w/vit. D.

His urine has been dark all day. When he doesn't take his formula his urine does seem dark. He has had no nuts today either.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

I really appreciate all of the advice. Thank you for the kind and heart felt comments also.

By the way he is under full spectrum lighting all day.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Muffinsquirrel,
Thats a good idea you have. I think I have some frozen fruit or yogurt in the freezer. I'll try just about anything all of you can throw at me.
:thankyou

[4skwerlz]

Ok, I have Nutriphase Liquid Multi-Vitamin for guinea pigs and other small animals (3 drops per dry oz of food), I have Avimin Liquid Mineral Supplement for birds (dilute 1 part to 9 parts of water - for breeding dilute 1 part to 4 parts of water), I have Premium Multi-Drops for birds (1 drop per drinking water and 1 drop per dry food), I have Oasis Vita Drops High Potency Multivitamin for birds(2 drops to each oz of drinking water or add 2 or 3 drops to food), I have human Viactiv Calcium with vitamin D & K, human calcium 600 mg (which I use now), and Human Calcium w/vit. D.

His urine has been dark all day. When he doesn't take his formula his urine does seem dark. He has had no nuts today either.

Is Milo drinking enough water? Is he eating acorns? That can make his urine dark. Is he urinating frequently? Straining to urinate? Are you giving Milo plain regular water?

Right now I'm trying to find the nutrition info on the Nutriphase vitamins. If I can't find it online, you'll need to give me the amounts of some of the ingredients.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Gamma, guess what????????Milo woke up from his afternoon nap and I offered him the critter scones again and he is eating away. :jump I did add the 10 rodent blocks and 6 calcium pills to the mixture. COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOl Beans!!!!!!:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

He just ate a whole piece (about 1 inch thick) I have the rest in baggies. I went to the kitchen and he was dragging the baggy away. How many of these to you give yours? and how often?

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Is Milo drinking enough water? Is he eating acorns? That can make his urine dark. Is he urinating frequently? Straining to urinate? Are you giving Milo plain regular water?

Right now I'm trying to find the nutrition info on the Nutriphase vitamins. If I can't find it online, you'll need to give me the amounts of some of the ingredients.

He doesn't seem to drink much water. I do see him drink sometimes. I keep water in about 3 places around the house for him. He as had one acorn today, I forgot. I used it to put the prime on it. He does urinate frequently. He does not seem to strain. I have just plain water in 2 bowls and one has a couple drops of the Nutriphase in it.

His coat is so shinny and soft right now. I have noticed this within about 1 week. Doesn't this mean he is healthy?

Let me know if you need the indgredients.

[4skwerlz]

He doesn't seem to drink much water. I do see him drink sometimes. I keep water in about 3 places around the house for him. He as had one acorn today, I forgot. I used it to put the prime on it. He does urinate frequently. He does not seem to strain. I have just plain water in 2 bowls and one has a couple drops of the Nutriphase in it.

His coat is so shinny and soft right now. I have noticed this within about 1 week. Doesn't this mean he is healthy?

Let me know if you need the indgredients.

Acorns make their urine dark. Discontinue them for a day or so and see if it clears. Squirrels generally drink in the morning and again in the evening. Soft shiny fur is good. I believe that's the acorns....I noticed a difference right away in my squirrels' fur when I started giving them acorns.

Yeah, I couldn't find the ingredients for the Nutriphase on the web. I need the amounts of calcium, Vit D3, and Vit C. Also the recommended dosage amount. Also, if you're giving Prime we need to count that. It might be easier to pick ONE supplement and use that.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Acorns make their urine dark. Discontinue them for a day or so and see if it clears. Squirrels generally drink in the morning and again in the evening. Soft shiny fur is good. I believe that's the acorns....I noticed a difference right away in my squirrels' fur when I started giving them acorns.

Yeah, I couldn't find the ingredients for the Nutriphase on the web. I need the amounts of calcium, Vit D3, and Vit C. Also the recommended dosage amount. Also, if you're giving Prime we need to count that. It might be easier to pick ONE supplement and use that.


Nutriphase Liquid Multi-Vitamin with vitamin C- Vit D3-2400 IU, Vit C-300mg and I didn't see any calcium.

[4skwerlz]

Nutriphase Liquid Multi-Vitamin with vitamin C- Vit D3-2400 IU, Vit C-300mg and I didn't see any calcium.

Are you sure that's "2400 IU of Vit D3"?

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Yes, thats what it states.

[4skwerlz]

Is that "per dosage" or the whole dang bottle? Seriously, that's a lot of Vit D. Maybe we should try something else.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Right above the ingredients it says Guaranteed Analysis / "minimium per ounce." I did not see any calcium though.

[4skwerlz]

Right above the ingredients it says Guaranteed Analysis / "minimium per ounce." I did not see any calcium though.

How many ounces are in the bottle?

[Miss Milo's Mom]

1 fluid ounce (30ml)

[4skwerlz]

There you go. That's the amount in the whole bottle.

Dose the Nutriphase daily according to directions. This is for a basic RDA of Vit D, Vit C, etc. Do not put the Nutriphase in his water. Put the drops on something you know he will eat right up. In addition, give two 600 mg plain human calcium pills the first day, then one 600 mg pill per day for the next six days. This will give Milo around 4,800 mg of calcium for one week--roughly double the RDA for calcium. We have dosed this amount in several squirrels. Do not give Prime or any other supplements whatsoever during this time. Watch carefully for improvements. I don't anticipate problems at these relatively low doses but do report any excessive thirst/urination. Please keep us posted on Milo's progress. It helps to keep a notebook by his cage. Note his behavior and any progress or problems. Also you can keep track of what he eats.

Try best as you can to get him to eat something from each group in the Diet List. This will take time.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

There you go. That's the amount in the whole bottle.

Dose the Nutriphase daily according to directions. This is for a basic RDA of Vit D, Vit C, etc. Do not put the Nutriphase in his water. Put the drops on something you know he will eat right up. In addition, give two 600 mg plain human calcium pills the first day, then one 600 mg pill per day for the next six days. This will give Milo around 4,800 mg of calcium for one week--roughly double the RDA for calcium. We have dosed this amount in several squirrels. Do not give Prime or any other supplements whatsoever during this time. Watch carefully for improvements. I don't anticipate problems at these relatively low doses but do report any excessive thirst/urination. Please keep us posted on Milo's progress. It helps to keep a notebook by his cage. Note his behavior and any progress or problems. Also you can keep track of what he eats.

Try best as you can to get him to eat something from each group in the Diet List. This will take time.

Thanks a bunch. I know that you have taken a lot of time to figure this out for me and Milo and we do appreciate this. I will do exactly what you have said and I will keep you up to date.

He ate good this evening. I did get him to take around 4 cc's of formula. He aslo nibbled on some calcium treats, antlers and the critter scones. Plus about an hour of rough house play with my hands. Ouch!!!:peace

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Glad you caught that Gamma. I didn't think about the calcium in those too.

[4skwerlz]

Glad you caught that Gamma. I didn't think about the calcium in those too.

Good point, but I doubt the critter scones have enough "stuff" in them to be a problem. One scone per day should be fine. Four cc's of formula is not enough to worry about either. I just say "no other supplements" because otherwise, you never know what people will give a squirrel!

Thanks for noticing that, Gammas. Sharp eyes!!

[Miss Milo's Mom]

4S or anyone that may know about "Pretty Bird Dailey Select" premium bird food.

23852

Milo seems to really like this. It has a vitamin D3 supplement.
What do you think?


Daily Select Large 3lbOur original multicolored, multi-shaped, extruded bird food containing 14% protein and 5% fat. Sized for large cockatoos and macaws. INGREDIENTS:
</B>Corn, Wheat, Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein, Soya Oil, Coconut Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Natural and Artificial Flavors, DL Methionine, Isoleucine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ferrous Sulfate, D-Biotin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Niacinamide, Magnesium Oxide,Vitamin B12 Supplement,BHT (as a preservative), Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Natural and Artificial Colors, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (source of Vitamin K3), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Sulfate.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 14%, Crude Fat/Oil (min) 5 %, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 10 %, Ash (max) 4 %, Vitamin A (min) 17,500 IU/kg, Vitamin D3 (min) 800 IU/kg, Vitamin E (min) 200 IU/kg, Copper (min) 10 mg/kg

[4skwerlz]

4S or anyone that may know about "Pretty Bird Dailey Select" premium bird food.

23852

Milo seems to really like this. It has a vitamin D3 supplement.
What do you think?


Daily Select Large 3lbOur original multicolored, multi-shaped, extruded bird food containing 14% protein and 5% fat. Sized for large cockatoos and macaws. INGREDIENTS:
</B>Corn, Wheat, Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein, Soya Oil, Coconut Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Natural and Artificial Flavors, DL Methionine, Isoleucine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ferrous Sulfate, D-Biotin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Niacinamide, Magnesium Oxide,Vitamin B12 Supplement,BHT (as a preservative), Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Natural and Artificial Colors, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (source of Vitamin K3), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Sulfate.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 14%, Crude Fat/Oil (min) 5 %, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 10 %, Ash (max) 4 %, Vitamin A (min) 17,500 IU/kg, Vitamin D3 (min) 800 IU/kg, Vitamin E (min) 200 IU/kg, Copper (min) 10 mg/kg


As an occasional treat it couldn't hurt.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Thanks for the input.

[4skwerlz]

Since rodents and birds have very different nutritional requirements, I figure it's a good idea to stick to products intended for rats and mice for anything that's given daily.

But like I said, as a treat they should be okay.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Ok, I just thought since it had vit D3 maybe a spoonful a day would give him his daily requirements. I thought since you could give them Prime, which is for birds, that this would be good also. They seem to love bird food, even in the wild. Because it was something he actually like to eat I was hoping this would be a good daily supplement. He has given up on the rodent block again. But I try everyday. I did try some crushed up pecans in some blueberry yogurt. He finally decided the yogurt was worth getting the pecans.

[4skwerlz]

Ok, I just thought since it had vit D3 maybe a spoonful a day would give him his daily requirements. I thought since you could give them Prime, which is for birds, that this would be good also. They seem to love bird food, even in the wild. Because it was something he actually like to eat I was hoping this would be a good daily supplement. He has given up on the rodent block again. But I try everyday. I did try some crushed up pecans in some blueberry yogurt. He finally decided the yogurt was worth getting the pecans.

I personally don't recommend Prime, although I know some folks use it. For one thing it tastes yucky, and also because it's a bird vitamin. Look, probably the bird stuff won't hurt them, but if someone asks me what to use, I have to tell them what I think is best and safest, based on what little information I have. If we can ever find a REAL squirrel diet expert, I'll gladly resign.:D

Sorry Milo gave up on the rodent block again. Did you try dipping it in the natural peanut butter? (not regular PB). Or is Milo the weird guy who hates PB? I forget. :thinking Don't give up hope. Mine wouldn't touch yogurt, then suddenly Hazel loves it (but not Henry). :dono

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Actually he loves the natural PB. I dip the rodent block in it and all he does is lick it off. Now I crush the RB up and mix with just a little PB and he will eat it.
It's amazing what tricks we will try just to get them to eat the good stuff. :crazy

[4skwerlz]

Actually he loves the natural PB. I dip the rodent block in it and all he does is lick it off. Now I crush the RB up and mix with just a little PB and he will eat it.
It's amazing what tricks we will try just to get them to eat the good stuff. :crazy

Sounds like a great strategy. You can slowly reduce the amount of PB. Which block are you using? (Sorry I can't keep everyone straight anymore....) :hidechair

[Miss Milo's Mom]

The Kay-tee brand. He didn't like the Murzi or however it's spelled. Do I need to keep the RB in the fridge? I think last night Mars said it will keep in the freezer for 6 months. I didn't even know it would go bad.

[Miss Milo's Mom]

That sounds good to me. I'll do the same.

[4skwerlz]

The Harlan Teklad Vegetarian Rodent Diet that Gammas uses has no preservatives and must be refrigerated to keep the fats from going rancid, which is very unhealthy.

The KayTee has antioxidants to prevent rancidity; however, refrigerating it is a good idea, since even the small 2-pound bag lasts a long time.

[Lady Squirrelly]

Glad you posted this. I bought the Teklad blocks and did not know they needed to be in the frig.

With all the fresh veggies in there now there is almost no room for my food. I might just have to buy them their own.:sanp3

[Miss Milo's Mom]

OMG!!! I know just what you mean about having no room in the fridge because of all the veggies. I can't find a thing any more.
:jump

[4skwerlz]

How is Milo doing with his healthy diet? :grouphug

[Miss Milo's Mom]

He is doing pretty good. He has good and then picky days of eating. I am getting him to eat yogurt by breaking up small pieces of acorns or peacans and mixing it in the yogurt. He no longer likes kale. I made him a smoothie with banana, strawberries, and added calcium. He seemed to like that. He has been eating his rodent block. Not as much as I would like though. Im a little concerned with his weight. He is lean, but has a shiny coat. I have been giving him avacado, natural peanut butter (every other day mixed with RB),but I can't see any weight gain. He is wide open most of the day, so maybe he runs it off.
I have just been researching and printing out calcium/phosphorus ratios in fruits and veggies. This has been very informational and there by gives me a more extensive list to go by.

Thanks for asking about Milo.

[4skwerlz]

Sounds really good....in fact, great job Mom!:thumbsup

Typical: they go on a "binge" on one thing, then decide they don't like it any more. A couple months from now, he'll probably like kale again. That's great you're doing your own research on the calc/phos ratios in veggies. If you find any veggies he likes, please let us know. We are always looking for more healthy stuff that squirrels actually like!

I'm so happy he's eating the KayTee rodent block. That's just fantastic. My two, Henry and Hazel, have picky days also. When they get a little snippy about the rodent block, I soak it in the peanut butter oil. Also great for weight gain. If you want to see a little meat on his bones, a little veggie oil or butter works wonders too. I think you said Milo wouldn't eat meal worms? did you try live ones?

How much calcium is he getting per week now? Are you using the Nutriphase vitamins? Any lingering symptoms at all? The shiny fur continues to be a good sign. I worry a lot more about the condition of their fur, than their weight. They are often lean at this age.

Really sounds like you've made great progress.:thumbsup

[Miss Milo's Mom]

Sounds really good....in fact, great job Mom!:thumbsup

Typical: they go on a "binge" on one thing, then decide they don't like it any more. A couple months from now, he'll probably like kale again. That's great you're doing your own research on the calc/phos ratios in veggies. If you find any veggies he likes, please let us know. We are always looking for more healthy stuff that squirrels actually like!

I'm so happy he's eating the KayTee rodent block. That's just fantastic. My two, Henry and Hazel, have picky days also. When they get a little snippy about the rodent block, I soak it in the peanut butter oil. Also great for weight gain. If you want to see a little meat on his bones, a little veggie oil or butter works wonders too. I think you said Milo wouldn't eat meal worms? did you try live ones?

How much calcium is he getting per week now? Are you using the Nutriphase vitamins? Any lingering symptoms at all? The shiny fur continues to be a good sign. I worry a lot more about the condition of their fur, than their weight. They are often lean at this age.

Really sounds like you've made great progress.:thumbsup

I have tried the meal worms. He liked them the first day and now won't touch them. I tried freezing them and he still doesn't like them. He will eat some kind of little white worm when I can find them. He does like to eat any dead bugs he can find (flies, bees, crickets).
Im giving him between 2000 to 2400mg of calcium per week of the calcium
supplement. This does not include what he gets from his food or RB. Still using the Nutriphase vitamins. No symptoms I can see at all. Like I said, he is wide open.
I have tried soaking the RB in peanut butter oil and he just licks it off. That is why I have to crush up the RB and mix it with the peanut butter. I do this every other day.
I did finally find figs. He likes them some what. I give him half of a slice of critter scones a day and 1 or 2 healthy bites for rabbits. Yogurt daily, about 1 tbs mixed with some kind of nut.
I put him in the sun for around 1 hour a day if weather permits.
Thanks for the tips on putting a little meat on his bones. I will try the oil and butter. I think Im going to also make a more fattening critter scone with peanut butter, veggie oil, and some eggs.

How much calcium should I be giving him at this point? Should I continue using the Nutriphase vitamins also?

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

Hey did you see the high Cal..thing I found in a pet store...a lady mentioned it to me..BEAN doesnt care for it..but I put it into a syringe..and give it to him daily...
I will let him run around play..and then give him a pecan.and a hunk of avacado...so, I know he has food in his belly...Then wrap him in a towel..and put the stuff in a syringe..and put it into his mouth he will do the face drags..and shakes..:alright.gif :D

(( SS..Becca you were right he doesnt like it...lol))

BUT this way I know he's getting his vitamins..and the fat on his bones...
Its loaded with every thing he needs...and John..our vet here on tsb..said it was okay!:alright.gif :jump :alright.gif

[4skwerlz]

I have tried the meal worms. He liked them the first day and now won't touch them. I tried freezing them and he still doesn't like them. He will eat some kind of little white worm when I can find them. He does like to eat any dead bugs he can find (flies, bees, crickets).
Im giving him between 2000 to 2400mg of calcium per week of the calcium
supplement. This does not include what he gets from his food or RB. Still using the Nutriphase vitamins. No symptoms I can see at all. Like I said, he is wide open.
I have tried soaking the RB in peanut butter oil and he just licks it off. That is why I have to crush up the RB and mix it with the peanut butter. I do this every other day.
I did finally find figs. He likes them some what. I give him half of a slice of critter scones a day and 1 or 2 healthy bites for rabbits. Yogurt daily, about 1 tbs mixed with some kind of nut.
I put him in the sun for around 1 hour a day if weather permits.
Thanks for the tips on putting a little meat on his bones. I will try the oil and butter. I think Im going to also make a more fattening critter scone with peanut butter, veggie oil, and some eggs.

How much calcium should I be giving him at this point? Should I continue using the Nutriphase vitamins also?

Everything you're doing sounds perfect. I'd keep going with the calcium and vitamins for at least another month.

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

hey..hows..Milo..doing today??
And you too??
Pictures..please....:poke