My gray squirrel Nyka

[SandyC]

Hello all. I am new to this forum so please forgive me if I'm not posting correctly etc. So, I have a 1 yr old eastern gray female named Nyka I've had since she was approx 8 wks old. A friend found near death at 4-5 wks n nursed her back to health n couldn't find a place that wouldn't euthanize her so I took her. She was eating n drinking more than ever, actually became alil chubby. Over the past week or so she hasn't been eating the way she normally does. Certainly not as much n not all at once like before. Just kind of alil here n alil there. She even stopped going crazy for pumpkin seeds, which I couldn't get to her fast enough. Is this BC she has reached adulthood or could possibly be in heat? I changed her diet from blueberries, cherries-no pit, to every other fruit known to man, but she really doesn't care for any of them. She does seem to take to apricot somewhat. About 3months ago she did snub her usual bananas or apples for breakfast so I didn't think much of it when she snubbed the berries this time. What has me worried is that she doesn't care for her seeds anymore. Also she loved her yam for dinner, n now is even snubbing that. I managed to get her to eat white sweet corn from the cob n avocado. I finally found a rodent block she liked n now she's snubbing that too, even when I put peanut butter on it. Her energy level is actually higher than ever. She's crazy lol. Shes still drinking water, urinating, n defecating (alot smaller lil pebbles) n last night during bed time she all of sudden hopped up ran to the floor n drug her lil tooshie or "peach" across the floor. Of course I freaked out. I was able to get a good look then n several times today. All seems good. She went potty so no constipation or blockage, KNOCK ON WOOD, n all is normal again although she is not sleeping in her usual spot in my closet. She has a cage but I don't keep her in it. It's in a sun room so she has the whole room to herself. At night she comes in my room n had made herself a nice lil nest in my closet w a pair of my fleece pjs. Tonight she's sleeping right next to it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. She's my baby n I love her w all my heart!! Thanks for reading n sorry if this is so long.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi Sandy
What type of rodent block was she eating? I'm afraid the diet is a problem. Fruit should be given as a treat only and not as a large part of the diet. Seeds (of any type) and nuts are very unhealthy and should only be given as treats. If she was eating a lot of seeds it is likely that she is calcium deficient.
Of course, heat is always a possibility with a female but in her case, the diet needs some work right away.

Here is the link for the healthy diet.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-Pet-Squirrels

[HRT4SQRLS]

I really think it would be a good idea to start the Metabolic Bone Disease treatment protocol. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-MBD-Treatment

With all that fruit and seeds she is at a very high risk for MBD. I would NOT wait for the devastating symptoms of MBD like paralysis and seizures to be sure of the diagnosis. I would treat her now with supplemental calcium per the protocol.
The treatment won't hurt her and it could very well save her life.

The diet needs to change ASAP. I would recommend the Henry's Healthy Pet picky eater block available online.

[SandyC]

Hi Sandy
What type of rodent block was she eating? I'm afraid the diet is a problem. Fruit should be given as a treat only and not as a large part of the diet. Seeds (of any type) and nuts are very unhealthy and should only be given as treats. If she was eating a lot of seeds it is likely that she is calcium deficient.
Of course, heat is always a possibility with a female but in her case, the diet needs some work right away.

Here is the link for the healthy diet.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-Pet-Squirrels

Vita prima subscription blocks. She used to eat them three times a day. I only gave her no more than two lil pieces of fruit just in the am. She only got nuts once or twice a month. She did get pumpkin seeds almost daily but just once per day. N on the label it says calcium 8%.N she's always been very picky w veggies. But she loved her yammy. Once at dinner. Two small pieces. The change in her "taste" for foods just changed about a week or two ago. She's still very energetic, in fact more energetic than ever. Her fur is beautiful. I did notice in the past few days her tail is thinning it the tip but I thought it was just changing for the winter coming up. I read the site u suggested. It seems I've done pretty much everything it has advised. I already gave her fruits this am which she didn't eat so I will take them away just give the blocks now. I did give her two almonds BC it has 8% calcium n thought that's a start. She ate those w no problems. Like I said BC she was alil over weight I limited her nuts to once or twice a month.Y all of sudden would she stop eating her favorite foods n blocks? Thank u so much for responding to my post. It means alot but I will admit I'm confused BC I've pretty much followed the diet guidelines.

[SandyC]

I really think it would be a good idea to start the Metabolic Bone Disease treatment protocol. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-MBD-Treatment

With all that fruit and seeds she is at a very high risk for MBD. I would NOT wait for the devastating symptoms of MBD like paralysis and seizures to be sure of the diagnosis. I would treat her now with supplemental calcium per the protocol.
The treatment won't hurt her and it could very well save her life.

The diet needs to change ASAP. I would recommend the Henry's Healthy Pet picky eater block available online.

Thank u very much for responding! Idk if u can c what I replied to someones other response. I read the suggested link n I've pretty much followed the diet guidelines. BC she became alil over weight I limited her nuts to once or twice a month just once during that day. N only one or two of them. Fruit wise she got two small pieces a day. She ate her blocks three times a day n yes she did get pumpkin seeds on almost a daily basis once a day. I assumed BC the calcium content was 8% it was a good thing. At dinner she ate two small pieces of yam n I got her ready for bed. Her fur is beautiful but I did notice it started to thin at the tip the past few days. Her energy level is still very high, in fact higher than ever. Y all of a sudden would she stop or snub her favorite foods n blocks? I'm confused as Ive pretty much stuck to guidelines for a healthy diet. N she does eat eventually alil here n alil there n has been hiding the food more than she usual than she has in the past, assuming BC she's not eating ot right away. But when she did she still ate her blocks daily. I'm going to take away her fruit now BC she hasn't eaten it yet n I'll just give the rodent blocks. Hopefully she'll she'll c it's her only choice n she'll eat them again. I did also give her a piece of corn cob to chew on, no corn ears on it. Thanks again for replying!!

[SandyC]

Vita prima subscription blocks. She used to eat them three times a day. I only gave her no more than two lil pieces of fruit just in the am. She only got nuts once or twice a month. She did get pumpkin seeds almost daily but just once per day. N on the label it says calcium 8%.N she's always been very picky w veggies. But she loved her yammy. Once at dinner. Two small pieces. The change in her "taste" for foods just changed about a week or two ago. She's still very energetic, in fact more energetic than ever. Her fur is beautiful. I did notice in the past few days her tail is thinning it the tip but I thought it was just changing for the winter coming up. I read the site u suggested. It seems I've done pretty much everything it has advised. I already gave her fruits this am which she didn't eat so I will take them away just give the blocks now. I did give her two almonds BC it has 8% calcium n thought that's a start. She ate those w no problems. Like I said BC she was alil over weight I limited her nuts to once or twice a month.Y all of sudden would she stop eating her favorite foods n blocks? Thank u so much for responding to my post. It means alot but I will admit I'm confused BC I've pretty much followed the diet guidelines.

I forgot to mention that I gave her a piece of corn Cobb, no corn ears on it, for something to chew on.

[redwuff]

Hi Sandy,

So glad you were able to start a thread for your girl. Can't wait to see some pictures of her!

Sandy, your girls diet was a big concern to me. We know how hard it is to feed a squirrel and a bad diet is a death sentence. Unfortunately, people that are in a position to advise newbie squirrel owners, i.e. vets, pet shop employees, and other squirrel owners, mostly do not know a proper diet for a squirrel. Nor do they know how to get the squirrel to switch to a proper diet once it has been on the deadly diet of nuts and seeds.

Please stay and learn. Your girl's life depends on it. We will help you anyway we can. But we need you to do your part and follow our directions. If something does not work or you are having trouble, please let us know. This board is full of experience! And the thing we work with the most is helping get squirrels on the correct diet.

As I mentioned in a PM, there are veterinarians that can see your girl, maybe not as close as you would like, but we can help if that need comes up.

So glad you made a thread for your girl. We delight in the sharing of each other's loves.

Trysh

[SandyC]

Hi Sandy
What type of rodent block was she eating? I'm afraid the diet is a problem. Fruit should be given as a treat only and not as a large part of the diet. Seeds (of any type) and nuts are very unhealthy and should only be given as treats. If she was eating a lot of seeds it is likely that she is calcium deficient.
Of course, heat is always a possibility with a female but in her case, the diet needs some work right away.

Here is the link for the healthy diet.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-Pet-Squirrels

Since avocado is OK to give her can I give her that in the am n at night before bed? N the white sweet corn? She's not really eating the fruits now anyway so I'll just eliminate them. Since her energy level is still very high should I hold off on the tums n c if she eats her blocks again since it's going to be the only option she has in the am? N what about vit d? I saw that mushrooms r high in d. Is it just regular mushrooms? Sorry I keep replying. I just keep thinking things after I've posted my repies lol. Thanks again for the input!!

[SandyC]

Hi Sandy,

So glad you were able to start a thread for your girl. Can't wait to see some pictures of her!

Sandy, your girls diet was a big concern to me. We know how hard it is to feed a squirrel and a bad diet is a death sentence. Unfortunately, people that are in a position to advise newbie squirrel owners, i.e. vets, pet shop employees, and other squirrel owners, mostly do not know a proper diet for a squirrel. Nor do they know how to get the squirrel to switch to a proper diet once it has been on the deadly diet of nuts and seeds.

Please stay and learn. Your girl's life depends on it. We will help you anyway we can. But we need you to do your part and follow our directions. If something does not work or you are having trouble, please let us know. This board is full of experience! And the thing we work with the most is helping get squirrels on the correct diet.

As I mentioned in a PM, there are veterinarians that can see your girl, maybe not as close as you would like, but we can help if that need comes up.

So glad you made a thread for your girl. We delight in the sharing of each other's loves.

Trysh

I'm so confused I went into detail what n how I feed her n it seems like I'm following the guidelines. Except for the pumpkin seeds. Can u take a look at what I replied n c if I'm doing or need to do change things even more? Thank u so much for all ur help!! I'll do whatever it takes to keep my baby happy n healthy!!

[SandyC]

Hi Sandy
What type of rodent block was she eating? I'm afraid the diet is a problem. Fruit should be given as a treat only and not as a large part of the diet. Seeds (of any type) and nuts are very unhealthy and should only be given as treats. If she was eating a lot of seeds it is likely that she is calcium deficient.
Of course, heat is always a possibility with a female but in her case, the diet needs some work right away.

Here is the link for the healthy diet.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-Pet-Squirrels

I just tried to order Henry's picky blocks n of course there's a problem. It's saying my email is incorrect. It's my email. Idk what else to do. I've never had any problems w my email before.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Sandy, I would try to create an account at Henrys. Maybe that will help with the email problem. The great advantage is that they give you a 10% discount on your purchases when you use the account.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Sandy, maybe I misunderstood Nyka's diet. The way you wrote it, my understanding was a diet primarily of fruit and seeds which is a HUGE no no.

I'm not at all familiar with the block. I've actually never heard of anyone feeding that particular block so I really can't say whether it is an acceptable block or not. I did note that they have 2 different rat foods with a similar name. One is a seed mix. The other is a block.
Attachment 291368Attachment 291369

The first one (seed mix) is very bad. The second one might be OK but I'm really not sure.

I will be in and out today but at some point I want to explain about calcium : phosphorus ratios so that you will understand why some foods are good and others are bad. When I first came to TSB I really had no idea about nutrition. Some of the things I learned here I was able to change some bad habits I had with my own diet. It was a real eye opener for me.

Later today I will be back to your thread.

[SandyC]

Sandy, I would try to create an account at Henrys. Maybe that will help with the email problem. The great advantage is that they give you a 10% discount on your purchases when you use the account.

OK. Thank u!! I also just crushed two blocks n mixed it w peanut butter. She ate some of it. It's like she's too busy. She just wants to play play play! She's so full of energy. N it's not pacing back n forth. She wants to play. N the past two days she's been very interested in looking out of the windows. She runs to one then the other then jumps on me n does her usual play on my head n arms n w my hands n her tons of toys. How do I post pics on her here? I'd love to show u how pretty she is.

[redwuff]

Vita prima subscription blocks. She used to eat them three times a day. I only gave her no more than two lil pieces of fruit just in the am. She only got nuts once or twice a month. She did get pumpkin seeds almost daily but just once per day. N on the label it says calcium 8%.N she's always been very picky w veggies. But she loved her yammy. Once at dinner. Two small pieces. The change in her "taste" for foods just changed about a week or two ago. She's still very energetic, in fact more energetic than ever. Her fur is beautiful. I did notice in the past few days her tail is thinning it the tip but I thought it was just changing for the winter coming up. I read the site u suggested. It seems I've done pretty much everything it has advised. I already gave her fruits this am which she didn't eat so I will take them away just give the blocks now. I did give her two almonds BC it has 8% calcium n thought that's a start. She ate those w no problems. Like I said BC she was alil over weight I limited her nuts to once or twice a month.Y all of sudden would she stop eating her favorite foods n blocks? Thank u so much for responding to my post. It means alot but I will admit I'm confused BC I've pretty much followed the diet guidelines.

I have never heard if Vita prima subscription blocks. Can you tell me about them? Sounds like you have done a lot of work yourself on learning about diet. Good for you!

Squirrels do wax and wane on eating, and the first thing to go is eating block.
Please start the MBD protocol. It won't hurt and it could be vital.

I am looking up the food vita prima sunscription block to see what it is made of. Are u using the Rat, mouse, and gerbil formula or Critter Cubes Formulated diet.

We are in the process of trying to figure out where your girls diet is . It sounds better than first thought if you are feeding the block. Remember block needs to be 80% of her diet. If you have been feeding Rat, Mouse, and Gerbil Formula (seed mix) then you MUST start MBD treatment without delay, also many people 'feed' block but their squirrels don't eat enough of the block, but instead eat the other goodies, which is not a proper diet to prevent MBD. That is why we are suggesting to start the treatment
Until we have more info on what is going on. One symptom of MBD is lack of appetite.

Let us know how she is doing!

Trysh

[SandyC]

Here's my baby w her winter coat

[SandyC]

I have never heard if Vita prima subscription blocks. Can you tell me about them? Sounds like you have done a lot of work yourself on learning about diet. Good for you!

Squirrels do wax and wane on eating, and the first thing to go is eating block.
Please start the MBD protocol. It won't hurt and it could be vital.

I am looking up the food vita prima sunscription block to see what it is made of. Are u using the Rat, mouse, and gerbil formula or Critter Cubes Formulated diet.

We are in the process of trying to figure out where your girls diet is . It sounds better than first thought if you are feeding the block. Remember block needs to be 80% of her diet. If you have been feeding Rat, Mouse, and Gerbil Formula (seed mix) then you MUST start MBD treatment without delay, also many people 'feed' block but their squirrels don't eat enough of the block, but instead eat the other goodies, which is not a proper diet to prevent MBD. That is why we are suggesting to start the treatment
Until we have more info on what is going on. One symptom of MBD is lack of appetite.

Let us know how she is doing!

Trysh

Critter cubes. I just crushed two of them up n mixed them into some peanut butter. She ate some of it n of course went back to playing. It's like she's too busy. Just wants to play play play. She's not pacing she's playing w me or her tons of toys. She has been very interested in what's going on outside the past two days. Looks out window n runs to the next. It's a sunroom so she has lots of them. I do know that the windows do not allow the proper sunlight in which contains the d she needs so I'm almost certain she's at risk now for deficiency since she's not eating her blocks. The blocks r definitely not at 80% of her diet. N yes I did my research n even emailed back n forth w a rehabber from California. I wanted to be prepared for taking on such a different wild animal. Thank u for the compliment BTW. It helps BC I feel horrible now that I've been a bad momma. I have tums. How many should I syringe feed her?

[SandyC]

Sandy, maybe I misunderstood Nyka's diet. The way you wrote it, my understanding was a diet primarily of fruit and seeds which is a HUGE no no.

I'm not at all familiar with the block. I've actually never heard of anyone feeding that particular block so I really can't say whether it is an acceptable block or not. I did note that they have 2 different rat foods with a similar name. One is a seed mix. The other is a block.
Attachment 291368Attachment 291369

The first one (seed mix) is very bad. The second one might be OK but I'm really not sure.

I will be in and out today but at some point I want to explain about calcium : phosphorus ratios so that you will understand why some foods are good and others are bad. When I first came to TSB I really had no idea about nutrition. Some of the things I learned here I was able to change some bad habits I had with my own diet. It was a real eye opener for me.

Later today I will be back to your thread.

It's the second one. There like grain blocks. No seeds. I know sunflower seeds r bad BC they don't allow the calcium to metabolize so it was very rare she got those. I'm somewhat familiar of the ratios but obviously not enough educated. Thank u so much for helping me!!

[SandyC]

Hi Sandy,

So glad you were able to start a thread for your girl. Can't wait to see some pictures of her!

Sandy, your girls diet was a big concern to me. We know how hard it is to feed a squirrel and a bad diet is a death sentence. Unfortunately, people that are in a position to advise newbie squirrel owners, i.e. vets, pet shop employees, and other squirrel owners, mostly do not know a proper diet for a squirrel. Nor do they know how to get the squirrel to switch to a proper diet once it has been on the deadly diet of nuts and seeds.

Please stay and learn. Your girl's life depends on it. We will help you anyway we can. But we need you to do your part and follow our directions. If something does not work or you are having trouble, please let us know. This board is full of experience! And the thing we work with the most is helping get squirrels on the correct diet.

As I mentioned in a PM, there are veterinarians that can see your girl, maybe not as close as you would like, but we can help if that need comes up.

So glad you made a thread for your girl. We delight in the sharing of each other's loves.

Trysh

Ty for making me feel so welcome n giving tips n helping me w my babys diet. I just figured out how to post pics so more r coming now lol

[redwuff]

Sorry we are cross posting. Hrt4SQRLS is right on. Give us sometime like I said so we can figure things out and be in real time with each other.

My six year old grey used to do what it sounds like your girl is doing. She would go off her food and have super high energy. Although she would spend part of her day going from one window to another. It seems that in late summer there is a migration of squirrels from the area and I always thought my girl could feel the urge for movement also. This would last for a few weeks and I would frantically try and figure out how to get her to eat quality food during that time. It would happen each year at the same time of year for several weeks.

I like what you did with crushing up your block and mixing it with a nut butter. Way to go!

[SandyC]

Hi Sandy,

So glad you were able to start a thread for your girl. Can't wait to see some pictures of her!

Sandy, your girls diet was a big concern to me. We know how hard it is to feed a squirrel and a bad diet is a death sentence. Unfortunately, people that are in a position to advise newbie squirrel owners, i.e. vets, pet shop employees, and other squirrel owners, mostly do not know a proper diet for a squirrel. Nor do they know how to get the squirrel to switch to a proper diet once it has been on the deadly diet of nuts and seeds.

Please stay and learn. Your girl's life depends on it. We will help you anyway we can. But we need you to do your part and follow our directions. If something does not work or you are having trouble, please let us know. This board is full of experience! And the thing we work with the most is helping get squirrels on the correct diet.

As I mentioned in a PM, there are veterinarians that can see your girl, maybe not as close as you would like, but we can help if that need comes up.

So glad you made a thread for your girl. We delight in the sharing of each other's loves.

Trysh

Here's some pics I just uploaded. The second pic is her eating her blocks. The good ole days lol. I'll post some of her now w her summer coat.