Re: New aggression
Originally Posted by
Beloved
I should have been more clear about his current diet. Nuts were a rare treat to begin with, and I've basically eliminated them from his diet. His problem is mostly with seeds and fruit. He took to the Henry's healthy blocks very well, I didn't think he would. He also has always had some kind of squirrel block in his diet. I got frustrated and switched to this diet when he stopped eating his previous squirrel blocks. Now I just need to know how often and how much treats I should give him. I had been rewarding him with treats after he had eaten his blocks and salad. Then the whole attacking me thing started when I'd be reaching into a drawer that had treats in it, or trying to keep him from chewing through the drawer. It's sad because they are so smart but he knew he hurt me and has been resulting to trying to bite when he doesn't get his way.
Thank you stepnstone for the reply if you or anyone else has any other helpful info I'd greatly appreciate it.
I'm glad to hear you have been feeding block!
What kind of "seeds" have you fed him? Seeds of any kind are discouraged, not good for them! I would definitely stop feeding them to him at all!
What type of nut do you give him? There is a difference in nuts with the calcium to phosphorus ratio. Hazelnuts and Almonds are two of the better ones to offer.
Personally as I said I would remove the treats from the drawer and I would allow him to see they are no longer there!
Further I would keep them in a place he does not know where or have any access to. You having that "stash" in the drawer has become his stash and like any normal squirrel they will claim and protect their stash.
Outside allowing fruit, nuts for a treat should be limited to one as a treat, not as a reward for eating. When he wants to have an attitude and get aggressive put him in time out! Stick him in his cage and shut the door! Yes, squirrels are smart and eventually he will get the message.
I also hope you are being diligent at checking his cage for "food stashes." They are also extreamly smart enough to realize when being "rewarded" for eating their block they can stash it, make it disappear, and still get their treat.
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator