So, if youre wondering, If you have a resident squirrel population in your area, then. But that doesn't mean you can't get legally dinged for setting out a bird feeder. The diet of a squirrel is quite varied, but mainly consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, fungi, eggs, insects, and even small animals. What should I feed squirrels in my backyard during the winter? These crafty critters also have a fondness for seeds, including sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, which offer a tasty and nutritious snack. They enjoy eating most nuts, but Nichole recommends large varieties. By considering the pros and cons of feeding squirrels, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal preferences and the well-being of these furry visitors. Many people think these are great for squirrels, but the truth is that they have poor nutritional value, plus peanuts can harbor poisonous mold that is bad for squirrels. This multi-functional feature is perfect for your backyard wildlife and feeds both birds and squirrels. A varied diet is the key to good health and the supplementary feeding of a few peanuts to wild animals will do far more good than harm. This was a great experience for all of us here in Scarborough, Maine. Unfortunately, squirrels can be a lot like children because if left up to them they would eat only the food that gives them the most pleasure - aka, nuts. Seeds. Jamie seconds the Henrys brand above. One of the best ways to keep squirrels (and other wild critters) away from your gardens and feeders is to establish a feeding space just for them. If you have home and garden ideas or anything related, feel free to get in touch with us. That being said, peanuts and corn are fine in small amounts or as part of a more varied diet. Squirrels particularly enjoy hickory, hazelnuts, pecans, no citrus fruits, and pumpkin seeds. in a Nutshell, Understanding the dietary needs of squirrels, Nutritional Requirements for backyard squirrels, Feeding squirrels: Best practices and recommendations, Ensuring proper portion sizes and feeding schedules, Providing shelter and nesting opportunities, Overcoming challenges in feeding squirrels, Dealing with squirrel-related garden damage. Squirrels are regarded as opportunistic eaters and will feed on anything that you leave them. In this guide, we'll dive into the delicious dilemma of "What to feed squirrels in backyard?" By incorporating these supplementary food sources, youre providing squirrels with an array of choices while promoting a harmonious coexistence between nature and your backyard habitat. Sciencing has some great tips on how to DIY squirrel feeders from old soda bottles. She nursed him back to health with puppy replacement milk. You know I am a huge fan of dogs and cats, having dedicated my life to them- but what you may not know is how much I love squirrels (and lemurs) too! Squirrels, fortunately, have a diverse diet. Hazelnuts and especially Pecans from Henry's in the shell were challenging and I cracked some for them until they got the hang of it. The mold found on peanut shells is toxic for squirrels. Opt for natural and wholesome options to keep these backyard visitors healthy and happy. Get the best homesteading guides, DIY tips,and garden inspiration in your inbox! Ive had a real tough time trying to grow strawberries, as the squirrels in my backyard love destroying them before theyve ever had a chance to grow. To prevent overeating or dependence, offer a variety of foods and supplement their diet with natural foraging opportunities. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. These three categories are further broken down into many squirrel types, such as Albino, Mountain Tree, Antelope, Spotted, Grey, American Red, Douglas, Fox, Pygmy, Northern Flying, Southern, Arizona Gray, Idaho, Arctic Ground, Alberts, Franklin, Richardson, Rock, White and Black squirrel. (livescience.com). The two major problems to avoid. Typically, a 7 inch by 7-inch bottom and 8 to 10 inches tall box is best for the squirrels. You can also buy in bulk, thats the secret to saving money on items you buy for your home. Consider planting shrubs like wild cherry, red osier dogwood and hawthorn. Go out and collect a sack. by Derrick | Last Updated: August 7, 2021 There has been a long time debate regarding whether or not it's ok to feed squirrels. They will consume practically everything they can get their paws on. Their natural instincts for digging and foraging sometimes lead to unwanted damage. Offer food once or twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon, to encourage regular visits from squirrels. Ive ventured on the journey to finding out about these amazing creatures and will share everything I know with you. Good news! Providing trees, shrubs, and climbing structures: Squirrels are skilled climbers and love to traverse through trees and shrubs. Ive dedicated a post to what squirrels eat because it is lengthy. Typically, squirrel feces and urine consist of a wide range of contaminants , such as leptospirosis and salmonella. The RSPCA recommends shredding the food, which stops them burying bigger pieces in your yard. Monitoring for signs of illness or malnutrition: Watch for signs of lethargy, weight loss, abnormal behavior, or visible injuries. So, what do these bushy-tailed creatures crave in their meals? If you don't already have squirrels, you can attract them to your yard quickly if they can easily find food. Squirrels have a knack for storing excess food, so its best to offer them moderate portions that they can consume within a day or two. This will just be an invitation for them to have at it along with their food. I realize that there are mixed feelings about providing food for squirrels. Note that this is not, however, a recipe for getting rid of squirrels. Encourage their natural instincts by providing trees, shrubs, and other plants that produce nuts and fruits. Scientists have discovered that sunflower seeds contain a substance that stops the absorption of calcium. To meet their nutritional needs, include a variety of food options in their diet. Pet food: Your pet food is formulated for your pet and not for squirrels. I will be listing the basic items that you need to help you get started, be sure to come back often as Ill be adding more ideas as I find them through my research and personal experience. They seem to prefer non- citrus fruit and bananas should be avoided as they contain too much fruit sugar. ], But if you provide food for them, you can coax them away from your prized flowerbeds and enjoy their acrobatic displays instead of worrying about how to keep squirrels out of pots, or away from, Fortunately, the grey squirrel has such a varied diet that theyll eat a whole bunch of different foods. Yes, some foods can be harmful or toxic to squirrels. Bread: This is another one to avoid. Nonetheless, select food carefully to ensure that they are well-taken care of. However, these make great nesting boxes for squirrels. Method 1 Choosing a Feeding Method 1 Use a hanging feeder to entice tree squirrels into your yard. Wow, that is so amazing! Both of these are available at pet stores. What to Feed Squirrels in Your Backyard: A Guide for Wildlife Lovers Having bushes and trees that squirrels can run and hide in lets them feel safe and more likely to visit your yard., Stephanies second tip is to provide a clean water source. The Benefits of Bringing Wildlife Into The Yard: Researchers from Millikin University surveyed just under 3000 people to find out why they fed birds. One thing to look out for is predators, however - when squirrels feed on the ground, it makes them susceptible to attacks from predators such as cats. Additionally, squirrels are known to nibble on vegetables like corn, carrots, and leafy greens, adding essential fiber and nutrients to their diet. You should not feed cashews, sunflower seeds, dried corn, pine nuts, Red Oak Acorns, junk foods, etc. You can pick up something called a baffle, which is a little like a light shade that fits over the feeder and prevents squirrels from breaking in. Keep an eye out for our email, which will arrive in a few minutes. Peanuts should not be the primary food source as they can lead to imbalances in their diet. They like crunchy things better than mushy. There is no doubt about it, they are a lot of fun to watch. One of the best investments you can make is investing in a squirrel proof bird feeder or baffle. Consider dividing their daily meals into two or three feeding sessions, spaced throughout the day. In the meantime, if youve thought of any novel ways to protect your bird feed or vegetable patch, or you make your own squirrel food, drop us a comment below! What Do Squirrels Eat - Tasty Foods You Can Feed Squirrels And What To Corn: Ensure this is always in small amounts because squirrels tend to overeat it. Buying nuts in their shells is expensive and you are going to need a lot of them! What to feed squirrels in your backyard - motleyzoo What Can I Use to Feed Squirrels in My Backyard Vegetables. And of course, these little beasts have the power to dig through the ground, which is why youll often see them storing food under the surface in winter. It provides opportunities for wildlife photography, educational. Ensure that the corn is ready to eat before feeding because it turns sour fast and even grows mold. Types of Squirrels Color Size and Shape Region; Tree squirrels: Black, brown, gray or red with cream-colored bellies: Between seven and 12 inches long, with tails as long as their bodiesFox . The best thing you can do is put the feeder and house as far away from your house as possible, as long as you can still see it. Squirrels love sunflowers and will happily pilfer those seeds instead of your bird feeders or carefully cultivated plants. Sprinkling natural repellents like cayenne pepper or planting repellent plants such as mint or lavender can create an unpleasant experience for squirrels. Most importantly if you are going to feed squirrels, you need to ensure that the food you provide is not harmful. Squirrels will eat anything, but that doesnt mean that it is the right food for them. link to Alabama Squirrel Hunting Season [Rules & Regulations], link to What Do Prairie Dogs Eat? They are often active for only several hours a day during winter. But its not all about the nuts and seeds! Just be aware that they might indulge in your garden produce, so protect your crops if necessary. Elle is the founder and visionary of Outdoor Happens. What To Feed Squirrels in Backyard? - Yard and Garden Guru This is just an invitation to your home. Pro Tip: With over 200 squirrel species, its important to research the types of squirrels that live in your area. 1. These juicy treats provide them with natural sugars and vitamins. Thank you so much for your informative comment :). Once you know where they tend to travel, plant or place food items and water along that path to keep them focused on what you want them to consume. I think he has been pounced on too many times. This would include natural peanut butter and roasted peanuts. Feeding the squirrels makes them forget their natural fear of humans. They are incredibly interested and may attempt to consume anything they do not intend to eat. We have grey squirrels and their diet is pretty simple. If they are not properly cared for, they will die. Lets dive into their natural diet and discover the delightful treats that keep them energized and satisfied. What to Feed Squirrels - Perky-Pet Squirrels can chew away at flower bulbs, dig holes, and strip the bark from trees. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to feeding squirrels. Attracting insects and other natural food sources: Squirrels have a diverse palate and enjoy the occasional insect snack. Personally, I think its a personal choice on whether you want to feed wildlife or not. It doesnt require a lot and its not even that expensive. Can I feed squirrels fruits and vegetables from my garden? Dont worry, Ill be sharing tips with you to help you do that as well. While its tempting to spoil our squirrel friends with an endless buffet, its important to maintain proper portion sizes to prevent overfeeding and ensure their overall health. Stick to plant-based foods for their diet. Consulting with a wildlife expert or veterinarian: If you encounter a squirrel in distress or suspect it requires medical attention, reach out to a wildlife expert or a veterinarian experienced in treating wildlife. Dont miss the super-cute picnic table feeder below though, squirrels appreciate style as much as we do! While birds cant taste these things, your squirrels wont be coming back for a free meal in a hurry. Planting a variety of trees like oak, walnut, and hickory provides natural sources of nuts and creates a playground for squirrels. These are their stories - told by squirrels and starring squirrels. These structures mimic natural tree cavities and provide squirrels with cozy homes to raise their young and seek shelter during inclement weather. Creating a squirrel-friendly environment goes beyond food. Additionally, adding physical barriers like squirrel baffles on bird feeders or applying sticky substances on surfaces they frequently visit can deter their unwanted presence. What to Feed Squirrels In Backyard - Tips That Really Work - Plain Help Fill their feeding stations with a mix of walnuts, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. But you still want to make sure that you wont be fined for putting out a squirrel feeder. Hi, thanks so much for stopping in! The water bowl also serves as a birdbath and place for other wild critters to drink. Feeding Squirrels What You Need to Know to Get Started There are books and documentaries about what they need to stay healthy, and you can learn about their habits and ways too. What to Feed Baby Squirrels In Your Backyard (UPDATED) Elle. Always keep your cats inside and your dogs contained. So, if youve got a budding vegetable garden, be sure to protect it with netting just remember that squirrels are some of the most adept climbers around! Every state has different rules and regulations about feeding wildlife. My kids love exploring and spotting wildlife. You might not be looking for how to attract squirrels, but rather how to keep squirrels away. These add minimal or no nutritional significance and may result in malnutrition. It is possible that you may find yourself faced with the prospect of raising an orphaned squirrel pup. Although they can take seeds in and aren't bad for them, they aren't the most effective choice. In the meantime, if youve thought of any novel ways to protect your bird feed or vegetable patch, or you make your own squirrel food, drop us a comment below! Squirrels have a sweet tooth for fruits like apples, berries, and grapes. They don't all work out as well as we hope, but it's about trying your best. Serve them leafy greens like broccoli, carrots and peas, and zucchini, as well as yellow squash. Or as far away from your home as possible, as long as you can see it while youre sitting on your deck. They belong to the rodent family and their teeth grow continuously. We are backyard and garden enthusiasts, we share our unique knowledge and expertise. Set out nuts with the shells still on to maximize their benefit for the squirrels (the gnawing keeps their teeth healthy) and the viewing fun for you. It is also not uncommon for sympathetic people to offer food to hungry wildlife. What to Feed Squirrels in Your Backyard? In this guide, well dive into the delicious dilemma of What to feed squirrels in backyard? So grab your squirrel-sized chef hat and lets embark on a culinary adventure that will leave both you and your furry visitors jumping for joy. As weve alluded to above, squirrels have no reservations about eating their way through a stash of vegetables. [A Look At Their Diet]. They are brilliant critters and will eventually find it. Lamentably, neither of these nourishments is extraordinary for squirrel wellbeing. Its an opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature and foster a deeper connection with the wildlife that shares our world. These are likely fruits you have in your refrigerator or pantry, and your squirrels will thank you for them! We used to have a horse that was like this - he'd stand by the kitchen window looking in, then poke his head in the door. We just need to avoid giving it to them. Leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli, yellow squash, peas, or zucchini can all be considered as the favorite food of squirrel. If you squirrels fill up on sunflower seeds, they do not get the correct amounts of calcium needed to maintain healthy bones. Great Article! If you decide to take this on, you can find all the details in this comprehensive guide or this article about the nutritional needs of squirrels. He mentions that MBD can potentially be turned around if the squirrel is not too sick yet, especially with proper exposure to sunlight. Slice up some apples, strawberries, and grapes for a burst of sweetness. Squirrels also love processed peanuts, although you should limit the quantities as it does not have much nutritional value for them. Theyre completely capable of busting into your food stores through doors, windows, or gaps in the roof if you dont properly seal the store. There have even been reports of squirrels becoming aggressive when not fed. The feeding schedule is exacting and must be followed carefully. There are things that you can do to keep them out of your garden, like using hot spices as deterrents, using plants they hate as boundaries, getting a dog or cat to help you protect your garden. Outdoor Happens is reader-supported. Can You Stop Neighbors From Feeding Dangerous Wild Animals? (dont worry, theyre not picky eaters). If all else fails, then try coating your bird feed in hot sauce or chilli powder, like the Flaming Squirrel Hot Sauce which is specifically made for birds its also a cheaper solution. The tips you have mentioned in this article is really impressive. However, bird seed is one of their favorite foods. Provide a designated area with their preferred food and treats, such as a squirrel feeder or platform. The very best food for squirrels is the nuts, fruits, and vegetables they would eat in the wild. You can lay down: Theyll even munch their way through certain types of biscuits the nuttier the better! Related: How to Attract Squirrels to Your Yard. Fleas and ticks available in squirrels transmit a number of diseases.