Chipmunk food (safe and unsafe)

[DaveB]

mine like crushed meal worm suet pellets normally for garden birds 

[pinkpill]

i was wondering if they could eat the suet pellets but was unsure, but i might give em a go next time i run out of mealworms 

[hyundai35]

Hi - I noticed it mentions cherry stones as being unsafe.  I've been giving mine cherries for the last 3 weeks - they certainly like them and don't seem unwell - what problems can it cause?  Also they love mangos plus stone - is this safe?

[tarcus]

The cherries themselves are fine it is the stone which may cause problems with some as they contain harmful ingredients main one being cyanide although it is doubtful if the chips could be harmed as most seeds (which the stone is) are designed not to be broken down by digestive juices as this would be counter productive for the advancement of the species but in general owners tend to take the stones out just in case  I would suggest the same with mango stones although I doubt they could swallow a whole one.

[yoshi]

I agree with Chris, it shouldn't be a problem if the diet is balanced, only my Pearl had it, none of my others have ever had it.

Main thing which is very important and not really food is a calcium supplement, cuttlefish, mineral blocks or crushed calcium carbonate powder to sprinkle on food. Its very important that as well as chipmunk food, fruit and vegetables and mealworms ect that the chipmunks get a source of calcium.

It is a lack of calcium that causes MBD.

Can you buy the calcium supplement from say...holland and barret or does it have to be a pet shop? my babys just coming 8 weeks old and so far found out he like cherry tomatoes and pickeld onion monster munch only a finger tho lol

[Tina]

I've discovered mine like digestive's and weetabix (just a plain biscuit, not with milk or anything). Sweetcorn seems to be a favourite with them too and after dinner, I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered to take my plate to the kitchen right away which taught me they quite like the crust of chicken pie and baked potato.

[jennyb]

Can you buy the calcium supplement from say...holland and barret or does it have to be a pet shop? my babys just coming 8 weeks old and so far found out he like cherry tomatoes and pickeld onion monster munch  only a finger tho lol

I'm not sure never been to holland and barrett but i guess just calcium carbonate you could. The cuttlefish bones and mineral blocks i get from pets at home. I grate cuttlefish on my Chipmunks food once a week and they have a cuttlefish bone in the cage to nibble on when they need it. Same with mineral blocks.

Lol mine like mini cheddars and cheese and onion crisps

Like Dayle said they will really eat anything!

Recently they like pomegranite
Some other things - honey cherrios, frosties, plain digestives (i don't give chocolate), custard cream biscuits, cream crackers, crispbread, cornish wafers.