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Thread: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

  1. #21
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by mpetys
    I have an Ott floor lamp (not for the squirrels, for me!) and when I let anyone out to run around and have out of cage time, I have to watch the lamp as they all think it is something placed there for them to climb on! I think I have seen someone's set up where the lamp was suspended over the cage and protected in wire.

    But you're right! We're in Florida so what's to worry. My guys get rolled out on the front porch and soon I will be able to roll them out on the back porch for outside time.
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  2. #22
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    You lucky Floridians! Some of you guys mght remember the winter of 2010-2011, when I was overwintering five (Gracie, Chou, Guido, Teresa and Shanti) and was in a constant state of anxiety about them getting MBD....I would get up at sunrise and shut the bedroom door so as not to freeze out the BF....even had to stuff a towel in the bottom of the door to prevent drafts. THEN I opened the living room slider and let the sunshine and the 20* - 25* "breezes" blow in, for an hour. You haven't lived until you've invited a NY waterfront winter INSIDE your home.....
    Island Rehabber
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    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

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  3. #23
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by island rehabber
    You lucky Floridians! Some of you guys mght remember the winter of 2010-2011, when I was overwintering five (Gracie, Chou, Guido, Teresa and Shanti) and was in a constant state of anxiety about them getting MBD....I would get up at sunrise and shut the bedroom door so as not to freeze out the BF....even had to stuff a towel in the bottom of the door to prevent drafts. THEN I opened the living room slider and let the sunshine and the 20* - 25* "breezes" blow in, for an hour. You haven't lived until you've invited a NY waterfront winter INSIDE your home.....
    OK NO WAY not even by the hair on my chiny chin chin I guess I would have to make my whole ceiling sun lamps (the trusted full spectrum called for ) and crank the heat up too but I hate artificial heat my nose closes up and bleeds I would need a transfusion after a couple weeks After that I would install enough humidifiers to peal the paint off the walls enough humidity to sustain a full grown lizard because that is what I really am most like/need full hot sun and high humidity OK I stay here then Florida wants me
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  4. #24
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    Question Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Just thinking I know scary right LG still takes Fox Valley even though she is about 7 months and I hope she will always take it as it has so many beneficial qualities to it She also eats a variety of foods just Like CC....anyway I was wondering would she still require as much light I always thought when on FV they are getting plenty of D3 ...I still plan to take her outside daily she enjoys it/I may start taking her on my walks (of course she will be carried) but she does have a harness and she will be getting her sun all at the same time
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  5. #25
    Garden71 Guest

    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by island rehabber
    You lucky Floridians! Some of you guys mght remember the winter of 2010-2011, when I was overwintering five (Gracie, Chou, Guido, Teresa and Shanti) and was in a constant state of anxiety about them getting MBD....I would get up at sunrise and shut the bedroom door so as not to freeze out the BF....even had to stuff a towel in the bottom of the door to prevent drafts. THEN I opened the living room slider and let the sunshine and the 20* - 25* "breezes" blow in, for an hour. You haven't lived until you've invited a NY waterfront winter INSIDE your home.....

    I know what that fells like working at LGA airport with the wind blowing in off the bay!!!!
    BRRRRRRR.....

  6. #26
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    OK, I'm playing devils advocate here. . .has anyone tested their squirrel's urine ph? Normal squirrel urine ph should be somewhere between 6.4 (wild squirrels per a 1976 study) and about 7.5. I've been feeding the healthy diet with less than 1 nut per day and a calcium supplement of 133mg per day and magnesium and vit D both at 2.5:1 ratio with calcium being 2.5. Both my squirrels act and behave completely normal. On a routine urine test, both my squirrels ph was 9!!! That is WAY too high. Calcium is an alkalizing mineral and too much will raise your ph to be too alkaline. Both my squirrels were also excreting a LOT of calcium in their urine. Excess will of course be excreted in the urine, but this was a crazy amount. So I started reducing the calcium and the ph is starting to come down.

    There has been a lot of research on this (it's all over the internet) and if you have the proper calcium/magneisum/vit d ratio, you need a lot less calcium because more of the calcium is absorbed. I encourage everyone to have their squirrel's urine tested for ph. It's just as bad to have too high of a ph as too low. Both ends of the spectrum can produce crystals and stones in the urine although of different types. My squirrels don't have any crystals in the urine yet, but I'm trying to correct the ph before something bad does happen.

    I know this won't be popular, but if you think about it, where do wild squirrels get that much calcium? Yes they get some from chewing on bones and antlers, but where else do they get it in large amounts?

    Just food for thought. I'd be interested to know exactly how much calcium this vet recommends for a squirrel and what the other diet of the squirrels are they've done this study on as well as what their urine ph is?

  7. #27
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Busysqrl
    OK, I'm playing devils advocate here. . .has anyone tested their squirrel's urine ph? Normal squirrel urine ph should be somewhere between 6.4 (wild squirrels per a 1976 study) and about 7.5. I've been feeding the healthy diet with less than 1 nut per day and a calcium supplement of 133mg per day and magnesium and vit D both at 2.5:1 ratio with calcium being 2.5. Both my squirrels act and behave completely normal. On a routine urine test, both my squirrels ph was 9!!! That is WAY too high. Calcium is an alkalizing mineral and too much will raise your ph to be too alkaline. Both my squirrels were also excreting a LOT of calcium in their urine. Excess will of course be excreted in the urine, but this was a crazy amount. So I started reducing the calcium and the ph is starting to come down.

    There has been a lot of research on this (it's all over the internet) and if you have the proper calcium/magneisum/vit d ratio, you need a lot less calcium because more of the calcium is absorbed. I encourage everyone to have their squirrel's urine tested for ph. It's just as bad to have too high of a ph as too low. Both ends of the spectrum can produce crystals and stones in the urine although of different types. My squirrels don't have any crystals in the urine yet, but I'm trying to correct the ph before something bad does happen.

    I know this won't be popular, but if you think about it, where do wild squirrels get that much calcium? Yes they get some from chewing on bones and antlers, but where else do they get it in large amounts?

    Just food for thought. I'd be interested to know exactly how much calcium this vet recommends for a squirrel and what the other diet of the squirrels are they've done this study on as well as what their urine ph is?
    Oh, I'm happy to see this because I know how the fear of MBD can push one to oversupplement. How did you get the urine tested? Was this something OTC or did you need to have a vet do it?

  8. #28
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by CritterMom
    Oh, I'm happy to see this because I know how the fear of MBD can push one to oversupplement. How did you get the urine tested? Was this something OTC or did you need to have a vet do it?
    The initial test was done by my vet. Since then I purchased the chemical reagent strips on the internet and have been testing every day.

    You can buy the chemical reagent strips over the internet that test for all kinds of things. Right now I have the strips that are a 10 square strip and they test for blood in the urine, keytones, leukocytes, etc. But I did just order some strips that test ONLY ph and they are highly sensitve. I'm not sure if I can post the link here (not sure if it's allowed), so I'll pm you the link for them. They aren't expensive. I think with shipping, they were only about $13. The ones that test for other things besides ph are considerably more expensive.

  9. #29
    mpetys Guest

    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Busysqrl
    The initial test was done by my vet. Since then I purchased the chemical reagent strips on the internet and have been testing every day.

    You can buy the chemical reagent strips over the internet that test for all kinds of things. Right now I have the strips that are a 10 square strip and they test for blood in the urine, keytones, leukocytes, etc. But I did just order some strips that test ONLY ph and they are highly sensitve. I'm not sure if I can post the link here (not sure if it's allowed), so I'll pm you the link for them. They aren't expensive. I think with shipping, they were only about $13. The ones that test for other things besides ph are considerably more expensive.
    I don't think there is any rule against links, I see them quite often. I would like this info too so if you don't want to post the link, please PM the info to me too! Thanks!

  10. #30
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by mpetys
    I don't think there is any rule against links, I see them quite often. I would like this info too so if you don't want to post the link, please PM the info to me too! Thanks!

    Assuming there's no rule against links, here's the link to where I just bought my ph strips.

    http://www.phionbalance.com/ph-balan...ph-test-strips

    I would be very interested in the results anyone who tests gets. Thanks!

  11. #31
    mpetys Guest

    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Busysqrl
    Assuming there's no rule against links, here's the link to where I just bought my ph strips.

    http://www.phionbalance.com/ph-balan...ph-test-strips

    I would be very interested in the results anyone who tests gets. Thanks!

    It would be interesting if those that decided to test would get together and share results and info about the squirrel that was tested including type of squirrel, age, sex, any medical history and complete diet. Who knows, maybe we might learn something from this. I'll order some strips today.

  12. #32
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by mpetys
    It would be interesting if those that decided to test would get together and share results and info about the squirrel that was tested including type of squirrel, age, sex, any medical history and complete diet. Who knows, maybe we might learn something from this. I'll order some strips today.

    I think that's an EXCELLENT idea!!!

  13. #33
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    Talking Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    so much Busysqrl I see now on line only $9.95 Also could you put the sight of the strips that test everything...I would really like to know that at least first off with my CC then I want to do routine with the regular strips
    I knock on wood now but my CC has been doing great for some time now and he has been a problem child from the get go as Dr. Emerson knows she is CC's pediatrician CC never complains but mommy has been through the wringer more than I care to admit However I have been using the same Calcium with D/Magnesium with Potassium/Vetri-DMG/Immune Barrier for the past at least 2 years maybe longer all mixed in the water he drinks (and when I carry him around I put it in a bottle cap so I know he is drinking enough) anyway I have had such great results I really hate to change to something else....I am sure each squirrel is different like people [I am just reading a book "Eat right for your Type" which is about your blood type what you should and should not eat/man was I way off but I assume squirrels all have the same type ] but before I decide to change anything I really want to check his ph
    Appreciate the info Busysqrl
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  14. #34
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by mpetys
    It would be interesting if those that decided to test would get together and share results and info about the squirrel that was tested including type of squirrel, age, sex, any medical history and complete diet. Who knows, maybe we might learn something from this. I'll order some strips today.
    I'm in Ordering strips now
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  15. #35
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Hi Abby,

    I get other test strips through Amazon. Here are several different brands and also generics that are cheaper, but I choose the name brand in this case as they get more positive feedback from customers who have purchased them and I want as accurate of a reading as I can get. Here's the link.

    http://www.amazon.com/Multistix-10-1...9&sr=8-1-fkmr0

    Make sure to gather your urine sample in something sterile or as close to sterile as you can get. You don't want it contaminated with anything INCLUDING soap. Soap is generally alkalizing, so if you must reuse whatever you're going to gather your specimen in, be sure to wash it well with soap and rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse to make sure no residue is left.

  16. #36
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Busysqrl
    Hi Abby,

    I get other test strips through Amazon. Here are several different brands and also generics that are cheaper, but I choose the name brand in this case as they get more positive feedback from customers who have purchased them and I want as accurate of a reading as I can get. Here's the link.

    http://www.amazon.com/Multistix-10-1...9&sr=8-1-fkmr0

    Make sure to gather your urine sample in something sterile or as close to sterile as you can get. You don't want it contaminated with anything INCLUDING soap. Soap is generally alkalizing, so if you must reuse whatever you're going to gather your specimen in, be sure to wash it well with soap and rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse to make sure no residue is left.
    OK the only thing is with CC his pee pee issue he has always had do to his paralysis will inhibit me from gathering a sample/I pretty much have to hold him and get a squirt on the strip do you think that will work I know Dr. Emerson was able to get a sample on a slide would the strip work the same way
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  17. #37
    mpetys Guest

    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Charley Chuckles
    I'm in Ordering strips now
    If you haven't ordered yet, WAIT!!! I just ordered and used a coupon code and got an extra 30% off! The coupon code I used was loveph. I ordered two bottles and my total with shipping was $18.92! I saved $5.97.

  18. #38
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Charley Chuckles
    OK the only thing is with CC his pee pee issue he has always had do to his paralysis will inhibit me from gathering a sample/I pretty much have to hold him and get a squirt on the strip do you think that will work I know Dr. Emerson was able to get a sample on a slide would the strip work the same way

    What you're looking for on a slide is different than testing for ph. The directions for how to collect the urine depends on which strips you buy. The multistrips say to collect the urine and not to pee directly on the strip. For the multistrips, each little square on the strip has a different timing. For instance, for ph you read the ph square at 40 seconds, for the leukocytes, you read that square at 2 minutes. For that reason, it works better to collect in a little container so you can dip all the little squares at once and then quickly turn the strip horizontally so the colors on each square don't run together. Or you could collect in a little container and use a syringe to draw the urine up and drop on each little square one at a time. Either way. Whichever strips you use, just read all the instructions and follow them carefully. You also want to avoid the urine touching his fur as it will likely be contaminated with bacteria. That will throw off the ph and cause it to show more alkaline than it actually is.

  19. #39
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by mpetys
    If you haven't ordered yet, WAIT!!! I just ordered and used a coupon code and got an extra 30% off! The coupon code I used was loveph. I ordered two bottles and my total with shipping was $18.92! I saved $5.97.
    haven't got to order yet /glad I waited
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  20. #40
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    Default Re: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

    Quote Originally Posted by Busysqrl
    What you're looking for on a slide is different than testing for ph. The directions for how to collect the urine depends on which strips you buy. The multistrips say to collect the urine and not to pee directly on the strip. For the multistrips, each little square on the strip has a different timing. For instance, for ph you read the ph square at 40 seconds, for the leukocytes, you read that square at 2 minutes. For that reason, it works better to collect in a little container so you can dip all the little squares at once and then quickly turn the strip horizontally so the colors on each square don't run together. Or you could collect in a little container and use a syringe to draw the urine up and drop on each little square one at a time. Either way. Whichever strips you use, just read all the instructions and follow them carefully. You also want to avoid the urine touching his fur as it will likely be contaminated with bacteria. That will throw off the ph and cause it to show more alkaline than it actually is.
    OK so what you are saying is I just need to grow an extra arm I will do it somehow
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

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