Q & A
If you have questions about the product itself, please don't hesitate to ask! Please note, if you were sent to Squirrely By Nature from Squirrel Nutrition it was because you asked about pre-made Nut or Veggie Squares. I do not supply information about care, treatment, or nutrition. If that is what you are looking for, please contact Squirrel Nutrition. However, here are the questions I have received that I can answer:
Q: What do you use to make the squares?
A: I purchase SquirrelNutrition.com's Nut and Veggie Square mix regularly. As suggested, I use canned peaches along with some frozen blueberries as my fruit puree. I have yet to find a squirrel who does not like this combination. Also, I use a BPA-free dehydrator.
Q: Can you make my squares without Cod Liver Oil?
A: We are no longer using Cod Liver Oil in our mix and instead suggest those with indoor squirrels to be sure to give their squirrels time in the sunlight or proper equivalent.
Q: How big is the product?
A: They are approximately a 1/2" square - give or take. I aim to get them as equal as possible, but occasionally a few end up either on the big side or the little side. Good news is, the squirrels still get the nutrition they need regardless!
Q: What do you use to make the squares?
A: I purchase SquirrelNutrition.com's Nut and Veggie Square mix regularly. As suggested, I use canned peaches along with some frozen blueberries as my fruit puree. I have yet to find a squirrel who does not like this combination. Also, I use a BPA-free dehydrator.
Q: Can you make my squares without Cod Liver Oil?
A: We are no longer using Cod Liver Oil in our mix and instead suggest those with indoor squirrels to be sure to give their squirrels time in the sunlight or proper equivalent.
Q: How big is the product?
A: They are approximately a 1/2" square - give or take. I aim to get them as equal as possible, but occasionally a few end up either on the big side or the little side. Good news is, the squirrels still get the nutrition they need regardless!
Q: Why do they cost so much?
A: When you purchase pre-made Nut and Veggie Squares, you are purchasing the supplies and time to make the product for you. I purchase the mix and the items to make them and spend the time to make and dehydrate them so you get the end product without any of the work.
Q: How many should I purchase?
A: Please know this is a nutritional supplement. It is not meant as a squirrel food that is to be set out handfuls at a time. For indoor squirrels, it's fairly straight forward: 1 square per squirrel per day. Outdoor squirrels are a bit more tricky. If you can befriend them, feeding is much easier to follow the 1 per squirrel per day (learn how at SquirrelNutrition.com). But if you aren't looking to befriend squirrels, my personal suggestion is to put 1 out per day seeing as if you put out more, the first squirrel to get to it will take the others as well to bury and will be uneaten. If you wish, once it is gone you can put another one out. Also, you could pick a few spots in your yard that are away from each other and put one in each spot. One bulk order would provide enough for 6, almost 7, squirrels for one month.
Q: What is the shelf life of the squares?
A: The coconut oil, being a medium chain fatty acid, has a protective effect on other, non-hydrogenated oils. Over time the only thing that can happen to these squares is that they'd become a little less nutritious. Since calcium is the most important thing in the squares, a little less nutritious is a moot point. We recommend storing the product in the freezer to slow this process. You are more likely to run out of product or they may become a bit freezer burnt before they'd become less nutritious! Also, the mix is made fresh weekly from Squirrel Nutrition and I re-order my mix every week, so your squares are getting to you fresh!
A: When you purchase pre-made Nut and Veggie Squares, you are purchasing the supplies and time to make the product for you. I purchase the mix and the items to make them and spend the time to make and dehydrate them so you get the end product without any of the work.
Q: How many should I purchase?
A: Please know this is a nutritional supplement. It is not meant as a squirrel food that is to be set out handfuls at a time. For indoor squirrels, it's fairly straight forward: 1 square per squirrel per day. Outdoor squirrels are a bit more tricky. If you can befriend them, feeding is much easier to follow the 1 per squirrel per day (learn how at SquirrelNutrition.com). But if you aren't looking to befriend squirrels, my personal suggestion is to put 1 out per day seeing as if you put out more, the first squirrel to get to it will take the others as well to bury and will be uneaten. If you wish, once it is gone you can put another one out. Also, you could pick a few spots in your yard that are away from each other and put one in each spot. One bulk order would provide enough for 6, almost 7, squirrels for one month.
Q: What is the shelf life of the squares?
A: The coconut oil, being a medium chain fatty acid, has a protective effect on other, non-hydrogenated oils. Over time the only thing that can happen to these squares is that they'd become a little less nutritious. Since calcium is the most important thing in the squares, a little less nutritious is a moot point. We recommend storing the product in the freezer to slow this process. You are more likely to run out of product or they may become a bit freezer burnt before they'd become less nutritious! Also, the mix is made fresh weekly from Squirrel Nutrition and I re-order my mix every week, so your squares are getting to you fresh!
Q: Should I defrost my squares?
A: It isn't absolutely necessary. If you defrost, it is suggested to only defrost as much as you are going to be feeding for the day. However, squirrels seem to enjoy them frozen (especially in the summer)!
Q: Are they safe to send in hot weather?
A: Yup! A few days in shipment won't harm the squares (see explanation under "What is the shelf life of the squares?"). Just put them in the freezer once you get them.
Q: I do not like giving out my email address, do I really need to supply it?
A: Please rest assure, I will not spam your email with advertisments or anything other than sending you the information you need. As far as emails go, you can expect getting a confirmation of your purchase an your shipping information. If you contact me with a question, I will answer it (if I don't, please contact me again, I sometimes start a reply and get pulled away and forget!). Other than that, I won't send you anything else. It is only requested to get you the information you need about your order.
Q: I haven't received confirmation of my purchase, what should I do?
A: If you put your email in correctly and you have checked your spam folder, contact me using my contact form. Usually, I respond quickly - around noon and early evenings are the best time for me. It is best to include what you purchased (eg: 1 month nut square) and the name it should be under. If the order did not process, I will let you know. From there, if you wish, I can send an invoice to pay to your email instead.
A: It isn't absolutely necessary. If you defrost, it is suggested to only defrost as much as you are going to be feeding for the day. However, squirrels seem to enjoy them frozen (especially in the summer)!
Q: Are they safe to send in hot weather?
A: Yup! A few days in shipment won't harm the squares (see explanation under "What is the shelf life of the squares?"). Just put them in the freezer once you get them.
Q: I do not like giving out my email address, do I really need to supply it?
A: Please rest assure, I will not spam your email with advertisments or anything other than sending you the information you need. As far as emails go, you can expect getting a confirmation of your purchase an your shipping information. If you contact me with a question, I will answer it (if I don't, please contact me again, I sometimes start a reply and get pulled away and forget!). Other than that, I won't send you anything else. It is only requested to get you the information you need about your order.
Q: I haven't received confirmation of my purchase, what should I do?
A: If you put your email in correctly and you have checked your spam folder, contact me using my contact form. Usually, I respond quickly - around noon and early evenings are the best time for me. It is best to include what you purchased (eg: 1 month nut square) and the name it should be under. If the order did not process, I will let you know. From there, if you wish, I can send an invoice to pay to your email instead.
Q: I want to order multiples, where is the shopping cart?
A: I apologize for not having a shopping cart as the cost of one that does what I need is not within my budget. If you would like to order multiples and I have not supplied an adequate shopping button for your needs, I invite you to use my contact form and let me know what you are looking to purchase so I can send you an individualized invoice. If I see a strong purchasing trend, I will most likely add it in as its own "buy now" button. Also, please consider "we" are just 1 person. At any time, I can only keep about 500 nut squares and 500 veggie squares on hand ready to ship. To keep the freshest squares on hand, I suggest ordering as much as you would use in 3 months. If you have a need for a large quantity, please contact me so we can work something out.
Q: When can I expect my package?
A: This process has been going through a lot of changes due to the recent events of 2020. Ideally, I like to get the orders collected for one day, made the next, and out the door after they're done dehydrating. However, I am still currently in the process of a major life change. Back January 2019, my husband passed away unexpectedly. I was still able to continue my business the best I could. Covid hit and changed more things with my work putting me on furlough, my daughter's schooling going fully online, and me as a single mom trying to balance all that while dealing with grief. I was, fortunately, living with a wonderful family that helped me though until I found my own place in October 2020 and got another job. As of February 2021, I have been promoted and trying to train. It has been spreading out the square making process. I appreciate your patience in this matter and encourage you to reach out to me through my contact form. I'd be more than happy to reply with the information you need.
Q: Do you ship outside of the United States?
A: Yes I do. Please fill out my Canadian/International Form and I will send you an invoice with corrected shipping and handling.
A: I apologize for not having a shopping cart as the cost of one that does what I need is not within my budget. If you would like to order multiples and I have not supplied an adequate shopping button for your needs, I invite you to use my contact form and let me know what you are looking to purchase so I can send you an individualized invoice. If I see a strong purchasing trend, I will most likely add it in as its own "buy now" button. Also, please consider "we" are just 1 person. At any time, I can only keep about 500 nut squares and 500 veggie squares on hand ready to ship. To keep the freshest squares on hand, I suggest ordering as much as you would use in 3 months. If you have a need for a large quantity, please contact me so we can work something out.
Q: When can I expect my package?
A: This process has been going through a lot of changes due to the recent events of 2020. Ideally, I like to get the orders collected for one day, made the next, and out the door after they're done dehydrating. However, I am still currently in the process of a major life change. Back January 2019, my husband passed away unexpectedly. I was still able to continue my business the best I could. Covid hit and changed more things with my work putting me on furlough, my daughter's schooling going fully online, and me as a single mom trying to balance all that while dealing with grief. I was, fortunately, living with a wonderful family that helped me though until I found my own place in October 2020 and got another job. As of February 2021, I have been promoted and trying to train. It has been spreading out the square making process. I appreciate your patience in this matter and encourage you to reach out to me through my contact form. I'd be more than happy to reply with the information you need.
Q: Do you ship outside of the United States?
A: Yes I do. Please fill out my Canadian/International Form and I will send you an invoice with corrected shipping and handling.
Q: I don't wish to pay online. Can I pay another way?
A: Absolutely. Just contact me using the contact form with what you wish to order and your email address. I will send you an invoice you can print up and send to me with your payment of cash, check, or money order. Checks will need to clear first before shipping.
Q: I am local to Boise, ID. Can I pick up my order instead?
A: Yes you can! Contact me using my Local Pickup Invoice Request Form and I will send you an invoice without the shipping and handling. You can either pay the invoice with a card or pay with cash in person when you pick up (I cannot take cards in person at this time). The invoice will include my address and other contact information. You can expect to pick up the following day, or you can schedule a pickup day. Pick up will be around State Street and Collister area. I am looking to soon add a page for a smoother way for local pickup orders.
Q: What is the fastest way to get a hold of you?
A: First, the contact form would be the fastest, if I am at home, as I will be alerted. I will respond as soon as I am able and you will receive an email from my gmail account. (When I reply, the subject line will be: "New Form Entry: Contact Form".) Second, you can try on my Facebook page - however I do not get alerts for this and I am not always on.
Q: I have questions that this list doesn't cover, may I call you?
A: If your question is relating to squirrel health, nutrition, or care - I cannot help you, please go to SquirrelNutrition.com. If your question is about nut or veggie squares themselves, you can use my contact form. If an answer must be given by phone, let me know at that time.
A: Absolutely. Just contact me using the contact form with what you wish to order and your email address. I will send you an invoice you can print up and send to me with your payment of cash, check, or money order. Checks will need to clear first before shipping.
Q: I am local to Boise, ID. Can I pick up my order instead?
A: Yes you can! Contact me using my Local Pickup Invoice Request Form and I will send you an invoice without the shipping and handling. You can either pay the invoice with a card or pay with cash in person when you pick up (I cannot take cards in person at this time). The invoice will include my address and other contact information. You can expect to pick up the following day, or you can schedule a pickup day. Pick up will be around State Street and Collister area. I am looking to soon add a page for a smoother way for local pickup orders.
Q: What is the fastest way to get a hold of you?
A: First, the contact form would be the fastest, if I am at home, as I will be alerted. I will respond as soon as I am able and you will receive an email from my gmail account. (When I reply, the subject line will be: "New Form Entry: Contact Form".) Second, you can try on my Facebook page - however I do not get alerts for this and I am not always on.
Q: I have questions that this list doesn't cover, may I call you?
A: If your question is relating to squirrel health, nutrition, or care - I cannot help you, please go to SquirrelNutrition.com. If your question is about nut or veggie squares themselves, you can use my contact form. If an answer must be given by phone, let me know at that time.