Maximum time between feedings?

[bridgetole]

I have four baby squirrels about 6 or 7 weeks old. 2 opened their eyes a week later than the other 2. But all of the same litter. I have them on Esbilac with probiotics and a little heavy Whipping cream. I am feeding them at 7% of their weight every 5 hours. I just switched from every 4 hours because they seemed to be losing interest before eating even 5%. Now they seem to want more than 7%.Can I give them more? Their weights today are at 243, 240, 227, and 225 grams. Also, what is the maximum time I can go between feedings? My son has been taking them to school (college) with him during the week because I work and cannot do feedings every 4-5 hours. My dilemma is, they are outgrowing their 19 gallon Sterlite container. I have a large cage my husband built, that I just started putting them in here at home. But if I keep them home with me, for the sake of being in a larger cage, they will have to go almost 10 hours without eating. Is this an OK thing to do? Link to video of the squirrels below. Video was taken 8 days ago.
http://Youtu.be/bxficRkOG-8

[stepnstone]

I have four baby squirrels about 6 or 7 weeks old. 2 opened their eyes a week later than the other 2. But all of the same litter. I have them on Esbilac with probiotics and a little heavy Whipping cream. I am feeding them at 7% of their weight every 5 hours. I just switched from every 4 hours because they seemed to be losing interest before eating even 5%. Now they seem to want more than 7%.Can I give them more? Their weights today are at 243, 240, 227, and 225 grams. Also, what is the maximum time I can go between feedings? My son has been taking them to school (college) with him during the week because I work and cannot do feedings every 4-5 hours. My dilemma is, they are outgrowing their 19 gallon Sterlite container. I have a large cage my husband built, that I just started putting them in here at home. But if I keep them home with me, for the sake of being in a larger cage, they will have to go almost 10 hours without eating. Is this an OK thing to do? Link to video of the squirrels below. Video was taken 8 days ago.
http://Youtu.be/bxficRkOG-8

At 7 weeks you can let them eat until full.
Every 5 hours would be correct, 10 hours is way too long.
Are you feeding block? Block should have been introduced
when eyes opened. It should be their first solid food.

[bridgetole]

Yes I have been giving them the Henry blocks for about 2 weeks now. They still mostly shred them but it seems some of them may be actually eating a little now. I will stick with the feedings every 5 hours. At their age are they OK in the 19 gallon Sterlite? Or should I figure something out for them when they are with my son at school?

[stepnstone]

Yes I have been giving them the Henry blocks for about 2 weeks now. They still mostly shred them but it seems some of them may be actually eating a little now. I will stick with the feedings every 5 hours. At their age are they OK in the 19 gallon Sterlite? Or should I figure something out for them when they are with my son at school?

Good for you on the block!
Most do shred them in the beginning, they will begin to eat them
eventually. Do you also provide some kind of water source?

Go to this forum (below) and start at post # 32. It can give you an idea
on a starter cage. I would move them out of the sterlite container.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...eak-quot/page2
Post #32 Also post #40

[bridgetole]

I have a water bottle and a bowl. I have never seen them actually drink from either though. Other than what seemed more accidental. Is this something I should be concerned about? I will check out the link you posted and get something set up ASAP for them at school.

[stepnstone]

I have a water bottle and a bowl. I have never seen them actually drink from either though. Other than what seemed more accidental. Is this something I should be concerned about? I will check out the link you posted and get something set up ASAP for them at school.

I wouldn't concern yourself at this point, they will begin to use one or
the other (or both) in given time. Just keep their water fresh and keep an eye
on that water bottle, some have been known for the little ball to stick and not
allow the water to flow.
I saw your video, your babies look good, their weights are terrific!
Obviously your doing a great job with them!
BTW... to TSB!

[SugarBugFerret]

Your babies are beautiful! I have got to be the most OCD person here when it comes to the water bottle. The first time I heard Skiddil using hers and going click click click, I was so excited! But then the OCD set in. I have had a water bottle plug up on me in the past...luckily I caught it quickly. But now I swear I can't hardly walk by Skiddil's cage without tapping that ball. Anytime I open the door to put something in or take something out or tidy up a little, there I am...tap tap tap. Skiddil just looks at me like, "Yes Mommy, it still works"! But I will still continue on my mission to prevent a sticky water bottle by checking it at least 10-12 times a day. Just deal with it Skiddil.

[island rehabber]

SBF you're a wise mamma; squirrels have died because the water bottle was clogged and nobody noticed.
I agree with everything said above: let them take as much as they want and just watch the poops. If anybody starts popping mush that is lighter and lighter in color, they're overeating. If not, let 'em have what they want.

[bridgetole]

Thank you for the the wise words of wisdom! I truly appreciate it. I have this board and all your devotion to thank for my healthy babies. Every spare moment I find myself following a topic on the Squirrel Board.