National Flying Squirrel Association Messageboards

by **mbenefield** on Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:04 pm

Yes she does get a vegitable / fruit / nut mixture in addition to the blocks. But yes, there are very few drops in her cage as of tonight. Do you mean only pear or just majority pear for a few nights? Of course in addition to the blocks.
I really haven't changed anything at all in her diet except try a few new fruits (peach, orange & strawberry). Unless she has eatten something inside the room that caused her a tummy ache and to be constipated.
Will do some veggies & pear tonight unless I hear from you to do different. Please let me know.

by **Joan** on Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:32 pm

Pear with usual foods. She'll likely take it over veggies.

by **mbenefield** on Fri Jun 26, 2009 11:18 pm

I am starting to get very worried about her!!!! What could be the cause of her constipation and lack of tee tee? Should I give pedialite or anything else? I dont know what could have caused this. It may be nothing, but I know humans don't go that long with out a bowel movement, she shouldn't either...
Sweet girl. And she has been extremely a shirt baby lately. She doesn't want to even leave my shirt in the past two days, not for anything. I even gave her a new chicken bone and she just hid in my shirt and gnawed at it.

by **flyer_1** on Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:20 am

What, less fruit?

by **mbenefield** on Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:22 am

Well I guess I over reacted. We had poo this morning. I guess the pear worked. She is feeling much better too, no shirt baby today. Back to her old hyper self again.
Thanks! Will continue to give pear for a day or so longer.

by **Chippy** on Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:52 am

flyer_1 wrote:What, less fruit?

I give Chipper and Cali fruit every other night. I vary it with a number of items so they don't get the same thing over and over. In between they get plenty of dark greens, sweet potatoes, veggie of the day, yogurt, fresh live protein, and chicken bones. They have plenty of fresh drinking water that is changed daily and twice a week I add a liquid vit. supplement to it. I keep a cuttle bone in each cage along with a salt and miniral block. I try to provide as much natural food for them from the outdoors (since I have 5 acres and it's available). They have an aboundant supply of acorns that I collect in the fall that lasts the whole year until the next season. For treats they delight in pecans, of course, wild flowers, roses, honey suckle, camellias, crasians, and the occasional bite of protein bar, cookie, brownie or non-fat frozen yogurt. Plus, whatever else Chipper wrestles from me that he thinks he is previledged to have. I keep a good eye on their stool and thank goodness I haven't had a problem. So, I'm pretty sure they have a good variety in their diet and of course, I get christened every night with wee from both of them so I know there is no problem with urinating. Chipper came to me first as a rescue and I used the valuable information on this board and the help of the other HOFs to learn how to take care of him and his dietary needs. At first I didn't think I was doing a good job because he was so picky about what veggies and fruits he ate, but he soon grew up an now he eats everything as he feels he needs it. Joan is right when she says they will eat when they are hungry enough. I hope this long post helps some of you newbies. I understand how taking care of a young furball can give you anxieties. Keep posting all you questions and concerns and the "Board Family" will help you get through so you can feel confident that it's just your flyer training you on he/her fine dinning needs.

by **Chippy** on Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:53 am

mbenefield wrote:Well I guess I over reacted. We had poo this morning. I guess the pear worked. She is feeling much better too, no shirt baby today. Back to her old hyper self again.
Thanks! Will continue to give pear for a day or so longer.

Yea! Great to hear. I'm sure you are feeling better now too. Keep us posted.

by **flyer_1** on Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:11 pm

I guess everyone has to be new at sometime, Your information is helping me allot,I will start her on a couple different veggies and only offer the fruit every other night It's funny how Kobies more picky than I am

she will eat her fruit and yogurt more than the veggies,she likes the blocks but I still think there still kinda big for her. What vit supplement do you use? and where did you get the salt and mineral blocks,I have the cuddlebone but would like the others too.

I was checking out The Squirrel Store and they had something called antlerz it's made out of bit's of deer antlers and such :idea:

by **mbenefield** on Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:44 am

Any suggestions on other veggies to try? I look at the grocery store every time I go but do not ever seem to find anything different. She currently gets a variety of: sweet potato, zucchini, squash, cucumber, and carrots. What other veggies am I forgetting that are common at grocery stores and flyers love?
She also get greens: asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, peas, bean poles, various lettus'.

Fruits seems to be easier to come across, I have been giving her fruits every night (a much smaller portion though as compared to the veggies); however, I will cut back to every other night. She has tried: apple, pear, cantelope, strawberry, banana, peach, orange, kiwi. Not that she likes all, but those are what she has tried.

My main questions really is what other veggies to you know that flyers like that I can try? I have been wanting to give her some mushrooms, but I don't know which are good/bad in the wild.

by **mbenefield** on Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:49 am

Here is the vitamins I use a few times a week in her water. I would love to hear from others if this is an adequate vitamin drop for her. I do not give any other vitamins either. Any others you suggest?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=2752411

by **Joan** on Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:39 am

I've quit using vitamins except rarely since so many of the bird seed mixtures I use already have them in it. That plus whatever comes from their food seems to be enough.

by **mbenefield** on Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:44 am

Any suggestions on other veggies to try? I look at the grocery store every time I go but do not ever seem to find anything different. She currently gets a variety of: sweet potato, zucchini, squash, cucumber, and carrots. What other veggies am I forgetting that are common at grocery stores and flyers love?
She also get greens: asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, peas, bean poles, various lettus'.

Fruits seems to be easier to come across, I have been giving her fruits every night (a much smaller portion though as compared to the veggies); however, I will cut back to every other night. She has tried: apple, pear, cantelope, strawberry, banana, peach, orange, kiwi. Not that she likes all, but those are what she has tried.

My main questions really is what other veggies to you know that flyers like that I can try? I have been wanting to give her some mushrooms, but I don't know which are good/bad in the wild.

by **Chippy** on Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:54 am

mbenefield wrote:My main questions really is what other veggies to you know that flyers like that I can try? I have been wanting to give her some mushrooms, but I don't know which are good/bad in the wild.

I give button mushrooms and shitake mushrooms. Chip and Cali love the shitake the best. I've been tempted to get some wild ones too. But, it's always too dark when I remember. Joan has mentioned that they know what is ok to eat. Whenever I give them something they either go for it or turn their noses up and spit at it!

by **mbenefield** on Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:51 pm

Okay I am going to get some mushrooms to try soon.
I also have a question about live proten to give to her. I know mealworms. I have had some dead, but am thinking about getting some live ones. Any upkeep with the lives ones? Or any thing I should know before ordering?
Also, what other types of bugs will she like? Moths and beetles I have heard. Any specific types. Still not sure on how easy it will be to catch a live moth, but I am going to try!

by **Joan** on Wed Jul 01, 2009 7:11 pm

Keep mealworms in the frig.

by **mbenefield** on Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:45 pm

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!!!
My husband & I went camping, Friday, Sat & Sunday night and boy am I being tortured now by Cera. Now we camped like 15 mi nutes from our house so I did come home every day and feed her; however, during the weekend she didn't have any play time realy. She got out for maybe 30 minutes each day while I cleaned her cage so she was not happy not one bit. Well I am back at home and have her out for her normally play time and she will not have anything to do with me. She will si ton the curtain rod and just glare at me. She is so mad at me!!!!
Oh but Sunday, I caught a little green grasshopper and she absolutely DEVOURED it!!! First live creature I have given her and boy she loved it.

by **Judy C.** on Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:51 pm

mbenefield wrote: Well I am back at home and have her out for her normally play time and she will not have anything to do with me. She will si ton the curtain rod and just glare at me. She is so mad at me!!!!
Oh but Sunday, I caught a little green grasshopper and she absolutely DEVOURED it!!! First live creature I have given her and boy she loved it.

That's one thing about these little flyers that own us - they do hold a grudge, and really know how to lay a guilt trip on you! And, like teeny tiny little soft furry elephants, they never forget!!! :rofl:

Judy C.

by **mbenefield** on Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:45 pm

Oh I have to just say again, Cera is such a sweetie!!!

She got a moth a few nights ago for the first time. I was so worried about it being too big, but oh no she took it on like a champ! Next morning all I seen was wings left. :rofl:

by **mbenefield** on Sat Sep 05, 2009 9:51 am

I have been having some troubles with Cera eating. In the past 2 weeks it seems like she has really stopped eatting. She rarely touches her fruits & veggies. Of course any treats she basically swallows them. She will eat pumpkin seeds as well and her yogurt. But other than that she really hasn't been interested in her food. why the change in attitude? I haven't changed her diet at all for this to happen. I am worried about her nutrition. If I hand feed her in the afternoons she will eat some, but still not alot like she use to. She still does go pee and poop so I k now she isn't SERIOUSLY starving. But I know it probably isn't good. She does get a moth probably 2 or 3 days a week, does this fill her up that much?
She is such a cutie. I am trying to upload some pictures on photobucket to put on here. See how well it works.

This is a mini slide show of her thinking this keychain ball is possibly the biggest nut in then entire world. Quite cute.

I will post more but it just takes soooooo long to upload to photobucket.

by **mbenefield** on Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:02 am

Please do also read the above post, I am concerned about her eating lately!!!
However here are more pictures of the baby!!!

Our first night together!

Others

YUMMY MOTH

by **Joan** on Sat Sep 05, 2009 2:41 pm

mbenefield wrote:... I am concerned about her eating lately!!!

Adult flyers don't eat near as much as pups. I can hardly tell what amount mine eat, but I can tell you she won't starve herself. Your pictures show a happy and healthy flyer. Stop worrying squammy. :wink:

by **flyer_1** on Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:43 pm

Yea I went through the same thing with Kobie, when she was young she ate me out of the house, but she doesn't eat near as much now, you have a good happy looking flyer.

by **mbenefield** on Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:16 am

Cera & I are wonderful. She is such a sweet heart (when she wants to be)!!!
My husband & I are in the process of remodeling a new home we purchased. Should be ready to move in within the next week. Any ideas or suggestions on how she will cope/adjust to her new house and new room?
It will be completely different than now and I don't know what she is going to think of all the changes. I know it will stress her out not having the normal home and normal climbing and hiding spots.
What should I do to make this easier for her?

Also I have been contacted about getting a little boy SFS. I need thoughts on this as well. I would love to get Cera a friend, I have read they are happier with a companion. However, I am one thing worried about having babies that I cannot find someone to adopt and also that Cera will stop liking me and just be friends with other squirrel.

by **flyer_1** on Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:47 pm

I know the problem your having. Cera should have no problems coping with her new house she will just explore allot and get used to It, as long as It's flyer safe she's okay. They are animals that often live in colony's but they don't need another flyer, I'm also getting a boy for my girl he's coming in about a month.

DON"T worry about baby's,they wont have baby's any time soon It's allot harder to get baby's than you think or than I thought. I got a boy for mine (Kobie) to breed with in a couple years, and because I wanted another one

but even than I can't be sure they will produce offspring.

Depending on how old Cera is you may or may not have bonding trouble, you should not attempt to put them in the same cage for about six months, and you should have separate and equal play time for both. After a few months or so you can start to let them sleep on you at the same time or maybe It's not that long I guess If you feel safe with that. I'm sure someone will come on hear and correct me If I'm wrong

PS If you have a male and female expect baby's at some point?

by **Joan** on Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:25 pm

flyer_1 wrote:... you should not attempt to put them in the same cage for about six months

First time I've heard this. In Tom's wild bunch cage, pups start coming out at 5-6 weeks and are immediately accepted by the adults. My Chuck and Mishi were in the same nestbox within several weeks, He (older) was terrified of her (a pup) as she kept trying to be with him. They had cages side by side and then were out for play time together. Just keep an eye on them. If you want the second to bond strongly with you, then you'll have to keep them in separate and out at different play times otherwise they youngster will bond stronger to the older flyer.

by **flyer_1** on Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:21 pm

I'm In the same spot I'm not sure when to introduce my two together and let them sleep together on me I've heard a little about It but I'm not sure exactly how to keep the young pup from bonding to the older flyer but still letting them be together so they can stay together.

by **mbenefield** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:29 am

I am actually quite surprised, but Cera has adjusted VERY well to her new room at the new house. She is such a trooper. She may even possibly like it more or it is just something new.
I do want to get your opinions on the bitter apple that I have heard of. Being in a new house I want to try to preserve the moulding and was thinking about buying this stuff. She demolished the moulding at our other house and I don't want this to happen again if possible. I have her LOTS of chew items but in the past they weren't quite as tempting as moulding.

by **mbenefield** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:23 am

OOPS posted twice. deleted this one. See above & below. Thanks!

by **mbenefield** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:23 am

Please see post above this one as well. I do have another question, in our new house Cera will have her own room and my husband and I are thinking of how to make her room hers. We were thinking about stringing rope across the room for her to climp and run across. I imagined the thick ship anchor size rope, is that needed or would smaller rope work? And if so where would I find any? I have looked locally and they only have the nylon like half of an inch thick kind and I figured she would need the really thick kind.
Any other cute ideas for her? We had also thought about buying shelving to put around for her to jump on and throughout the whole room.
but of course I don't want it to be dangerous. What about artificial trees?

by **flyer_1** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:47 pm

I'm not sure I think the bitter apple was meant to be put on such things as would and such so It should be okay, I think it's been used for flyers to so I think It's okay for them from I've heard better off reading directions though.

Joan I was wondering how old should the pup be when you introduce It to the older flyer?

by **Judy C.** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 9:35 pm

My flyers loved the shelf I had running all the way around their room. I made it out of 1X6 lumber, and also attached a piece of 1X4 against the wall under the shelf, and put wooden pegs along the 1X4 so I could hang pouches, etc., on them. The rope I strung from wall to wall was 3/4" sisal rope that I got at Ace Hardware. They zipped across it like it was a super highway!

Judy C.

by **mbenefield** on Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:01 pm

Today is my baby girls first birthday!!!!!
Yeah!!!!
I am trying to think of a cupcake idea for me to make for her tonight.

by **lucy10177** on Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:12 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! :bday:

i remember when rocky turned 1...it was a relief to me..it was like ahhhhh he's passed that first year mark!!!

by **flyer_1** on Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:32 pm

Congrats

by **pnerissa** on Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:36 pm

Excellent!! :multi:

A flyer safe cupcake sounds like a great idea. Let us know when you figure out the recipe. :wink:

by **mbenefield** on Mon Apr 19, 2010 11:35 pm

Any suggestions for a little girl that isn't peeing very well? I think I was told pear before, but I want to make sure. I may be over exageration; however, she tried to tee tee and nothing was wet under her. So I feel that she is having a more difficult time going.
Thanks for your help!!!

by **Joan** on Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:47 am

The pear is for constipation. If she's active, don't worry.

by **mbenefield** on Sun Jul 11, 2010 11:55 pm

I think Cera may be in heat. Her bottom appears slightly swollen. She has been sleeping ALOT lately but not really aggressive.