Vitamin D sources?

[flyest]

Hello,
I have an orphaned flyer that I have been caring for the past couple of weeks (est 6-7 weeks old). He has started eating rodent blocks and some veggies, but I’ve noticed he is refusing mushrooms. He is still on formula and loves the blocks so I wasn’t too concerned about deficiencies at this time, but I am wondering if I should go ahead and order a Vitamin D supplement? I was reading online that mushrooms are the only good source of vit d, but if there are any other recommendations here I can look in to that would be great! I do have a calcium supplement already that we will start once he is weaning off the formula.

[TomahawkFlyers]

Hello, Flyest!

First, thanks for taking in this flyer. You are in for the treat of your life.

Second, If your flyer is weaning off of formula onto rodent block (Henry's, Mazur, Teklad?) s/he is already getting a nicely balanced diet. The rest, as they say, is "gravy on the biscuit." Your flyer's tastes will mature over time and mushrooms refused today will be accepted on another day. There is no need for concern, and there is no need for vitamin D supplements. Regarding the calcium supplement, that is a terrific idea. You'll know when he's had enough if you see his poop turn gray or chalky. It won't hurt him, it is just a signal that you need to reduce intake of the supplement.

Since you already know about calcium, I suspect you know about Metabolic Bone Disorder and the role that nuts and seeds play in bringing that on. In a nutshell(!) no seeds, ever. A small piece of a shelled walnut, pecan, almond, etc. (no Brazil nuts and NO ACORNS) as a treat once per day or less. An in-the-shell nut once a week to keep teeth under control. Anything from the list of safe supplemental foods to go along with the block. https://www.henryspets.com/content/H...a-f9mWpowqUWpc
Fresh water everyday to replace formula as he weans and through adulthood.

If you would like to get a lot of information from a single thread, try reading through this: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...lp-appreciated Craig is pretty much a model flyer dad - Tyrant is a lucky, lucky boy.

How about a picture? What is your flyer's name?

Jamie

[flyest]

Thank you so much for all the info Jamie! That makes me feel a lot better. We have named him Gizmo! He is currently eating Mazuri rat and mouse blocks.

[TomahawkFlyers]

You are welcome! He is a sweet looking little boy. By the looks of him, I'd be sure he has at least 2x per day feedings for another two weeks or until he refuses it of Fox Valley 20/50 (no substitute) formula provided with a 1ml syringe. Make it good and warm, but not hot. He'll think he's getting the real deal straight from Mom. Tummy and head pretty much face down to avoid aspiration.

Keep us up to date, please! Have fun.

Jamie

[lovesquirrels1]

Every flyer I have likes mushrooms, so I am sure they will eat them later in life. If I recall, mushrooms are actually low in calcium but contain some vitamin D. You can increase the amount by setting them out in the sun or under a UV light made for reptiles. If you're using henrys blocks at the recommend amounts, I believe that's supposed to be meet their vitamin D needs.