I am rehabbing a 7 1/2 week old squirrel we have lovingly named Peanut. He has been in our care since he was approximately 10 days old. This board, in addition to other online resources, have been so incredibly helpful with our little guy. Those early days were a bit overwhelming, but I am proud to say he is thriving!

We had planned to release him in mid-October, but after some research I fear the weather in Missouri will be too cold. With the impending change in weather we have switched gears to continue to care for him in our home through the colder months and release him in the spring. I want to do everything I can to make his successful release possible. We have purchased a large cage for him to be housed in over the winter. We have placed a large plastic enclosure filled with fleece and his favorite lined socks to snuggle with at night. I have hung a drip water bottle for him. At this stage he is still not regularly consuming rodent block, but will happily chew on twigs and branches I place in his cage, as well as peeled grapes, avocados, and canteloupe. He now consumes formula 4 times a day (Approx. 13 cc at each feeding).

How can I encourage him to eat the rodent block, as I know it is a crucial part in his diet? Are "natural" wood perches sold for bird cages safe for him? How can I best keep him happy and healthy over the winter?

Thank you all for any insights you can provide to aid in the care of this special little one!