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Thread: Weaning question

  1. #1
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    Default Weaning question

    Ashlie is about 6-7 weeks fox squirrel, weighing in at 193g. (Gaining about 10g a day) She has been a healthy eater, fox valley mixed with 1/4 esbilac, every 4-5 hours. Lately she has been only eating about 10cc's until shes "done" and goes running off to play and explore. I put Henry's blocks, the one with extra protein, and she nibbles at it but doesmt eat the whole thing (I break them up) I gave her a little piece of kale yesterday and she tasted/explored it but didnt finish it. Her appetite seems to be there as she is still all about the formula when its feeding time, but just not eating as much.

    I guess my question is, when she starts eating more solids/blocks/veggies, and still taking formula, how much and how often do you feed?

    Picture of lil Ashlie eating her first piece of Kale.
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    5% of her weight is 9.65 ml so she's eating the correct amount when she decides she's done. It sounds like she's perfectly on track.

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    Quote Originally Posted by cava View Post
    5% of her weight is 9.65 ml so she's eating the correct amount when she decides she's done. It sounds like she's perfectly on track.
    Thank you. I was under the impression I still needed to be feeding 7%.
    So as long as shes getting at least 5% I'm okay?

    The table on how often to feed from HenrysPets.com shows age in weeks up to 6 weeks, every 5 hours (i do know that the amount is based on weight not the age)

    So how often at 7 weeks if she is also eating solids?

    When starting to introduce new veggies (one at a time) in addition to the blocks, how do I monitor how much she is eating and how much should I give, and how often?

  5. #4
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    She needs to eat 5% - 7%, 4 - 5 times a day at this age. Do you know when she opened her eyes?

    She is precious.

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  7. #5
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    Quote Originally Posted by Spanky View Post
    She needs to eat 5% - 7%, 4 - 5 times a day at this age. Do you know when she opened her eyes?

    She is precious.
    She opened her eyes on Sunday 9/9. so 9 days ago. So I am assuming she still in her 6th going into 7th ish week .

  8. #6
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    They usually open their eyes at 5 weeks so she may be younger than you think, unless you've had her in your care for 6-7 weeks.

    Remember, fox squirrels are much larger than grays so she will weigh more week by week than a gray.

  9. #7
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    So wouldnt she be in her 6th week?

  10. #8
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    I didn't see the date. Yes, that would make her 6 weeks.

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  12. #9
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    So next week we will say she is 7 weeks. After that, at 8 weeks, how often does she need the formula?

    According to the this table, it only gives up to 6 week feeding schedule. At 7 weeks should she be more Blocks and veggies and a few feedings of formula throughout the day?

    I am giving her 1/2 henry block a day (shes still not really EATING it, more nibbling at it) and starting to introduce some veggies (kale, broccoli) also just nibbling. I did give her 2 little "nubs" off a raspberry ( i know, i know, get her to eat veggies first.... but I had some in my fridge and wanted to see if she would eat or just nibble at it...obviously she loved it)
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  13. #10
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    Default Re: Weaning question

    I’m feeding my 9 week olds 3 times a day. I just introduced kale, but they have had block in their cage for several weeks. They aren’t eating enough block or veggies to drop a feeding yet. We suggest you continue to offer formula as long as they will take it. When they stop taking it from the syringe I put it in a bowl. The squirrels I’ve had in the past also really like full fat vanilla yogurt in a bowl....but be prepared...it’s really messy.

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