So, you’re thinking about welcoming a flying squirrel into your home? These enchanting creatures make captivating pets, but before you take the leap, understanding their needs is paramount. One of the most crucial aspects of flying squirrel care is their diet. Getting nutrition right is essential for their health and well-being. Let’s delve into the specifics of feeding these unique animals, drawing upon expert advice from experienced flying squirrel enthusiasts.
The Picky Eater Dilemma: What Flying Squirrels Really Eat
New flying squirrel owners often encounter challenges when it comes to feeding. Like many animals, flying squirrels can be selective eaters, and it’s vital to offer them a balanced diet, not just what they want to eat. One concerned owner, “mauston,” shared their experience on The Squirrel Board forum back in 2014, highlighting this common issue:
I am raising 3 flying squirrels that are around 9 to 10 weeks old… They are taking 2 to 4 cc of formula 3 to 4 times daily. I have been putting other food in the cage for them but they seem to be very selective in what they will eat. They will not eat the Henry blocks that I was told to buy them, they will not eat broccoli, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, meal worms, carrots. They will eat pecans, walnuts, apples, acorns and chew on tree branches. I’m sure they need other nutrition but they won’t eat the things I’m told they should.
This perfectly illustrates the struggle many face: offering nutritious foods only to have their flying squirrels turn up their noses in favor of treats like nuts. Experienced members of The Squirrel Board forum, a valuable resource for squirrel enthusiasts, chimed in with helpful advice to guide new owners.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet: Blocks and Formula
Experts on The Squirrel Board, like “Rhapsody” and “ALittleNutty,” stressed the critical role of specialized squirrel blocks, such as Henry Healthy Blocks (HHB), in a flying squirrel’s diet. These blocks are designed to provide essential nutrients and prevent health problems like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), a serious concern in squirrels due to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.
“A Southern flying squirrel enjoying a nut. While nuts are a favorite treat, they should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet for pet flying squirrels.”
“Rhapsody” advised a strategic approach to introduce blocks:
The hhb squirrel block is a really important part of their daily diet….. it will keep them healthy and hopefully keep them from developing MBD. Do you offer the hhb to them first thing in the morning when they are at their hungriest and allow them 1-2 hours to eat it before giving them any thing else to eat? If not you really should do so they will learn to like and eat the blocks.
This “tough love” method, as “ALittleNutty” described it, involves prioritizing blocks and formula before introducing other foods:
Cut back to just the formula and blocks until they are eating those very well and then slowly start adding the healthy veggies but no nuts. After the veggies then you can add a little fruit. The nuts are like giving them dessert first. They are only occasional treats and given in very tiny amounts, like 1/4 of a pecan half.
Formula, particularly Fox Valley Formula (FV) 32/40, is also highlighted as a significant part of the diet, even for adult flying squirrels. “ALittleNutty” shared:
Just wanted to add that my boys are a year old and still get FV 32/40 with heavy cream every night.
This indicates that formula isn’t just for babies; it remains a valuable source of nutrition for adult flyers. The addition of heavy cream, as mentioned, is to increase fat content, beneficial for these active little gliders.
Expanding the Diet: Veggies, Fruits, and Treats
Once flying squirrels are consistently eating their blocks and formula, you can gradually introduce other healthy foods. The Squirrel Board forum’s diet thread (linked in the original discussion) provides extensive lists of safe and nutritious options. These generally include:
- Vegetables: While “mauston’s” flyers initially refused vegetables, variety and persistence are key. Healthy options include dark leafy greens, certain squashes (in moderation), and other nutrient-rich choices.
- Fruits: Fruits should be offered in moderation due to their sugar content. Apples, as mentioned in the original post, are acceptable, along with other fruits like berries in small quantities.
- Healthy Treats: Nuts, a favorite of flying squirrels, should be given sparingly as treats, not as a dietary staple. Acorns, pecans, and walnuts are mentioned as enjoyed treats, but portion control is crucial to prevent dietary imbalances. Mealworms, another potential treat mentioned, were also initially refused by “mauston’s” flyers, demonstrating individual preferences.
“A Southern flying squirrel perched on a tree branch. Providing branches for chewing is important for their dental health, in addition to a balanced diet.”
Dairy and Supplements: Considerations
The topic of dairy arose in the forum discussion, with initial hesitation about its suitability for flying squirrels. However, “SugarBugFerret” clarified:
You are right in that you would not want to use cow’s milk to feed a baby squirrel. But it is quite common to add some heavy cream into a good formula… Full fat yogurt without artificial sweeteners can also be used as an additive or a treat.
This suggests that while cow’s milk isn’t appropriate, heavy cream and full-fat yogurt (plain or vanilla, without artificial sweeteners) can be incorporated in small amounts. Yogurt can provide beneficial probiotics.
Mineral blocks are also mentioned as a potential supplement, though their effectiveness depends on whether the squirrel actually utilizes them. A balanced diet, particularly with HHB blocks, should provide the necessary minerals, but a mineral block can be an additional option.
Seeking Expert Advice and Observation
The forum discussion highlights the value of seeking advice from experienced flying squirrel owners and communities like The Squirrel Board. “island rehabber” suggested:
mauston I suggest you PM Anne, a member here. She knows a tremendous amount about flyers and particularly their dietary requirements!
This underscores the importance of connecting with knowledgeable individuals for tailored guidance. Furthermore, observing your flying squirrels’ eating habits, weight, and overall health is crucial to adjusting their diet as needed.
Conclusion: Diet is Key to a Healthy Flying Squirrel
Providing the right diet is fundamental to ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life for your pet flying squirrel. While they might be picky eaters, prioritizing a foundation of specialized blocks and formula, and then carefully introducing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and limited healthy treats, is the best approach. Learning from experienced owners and continuously observing your squirrel’s well-being will pave the way for successful flying squirrel ownership. Remember, a well-fed flying squirrel is a thriving flying squirrel!
