But, while it might be tempting to put native tree nuts in a feeder, you will soon find it to be an expensive proposition to feed your squirrels pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.Īffordable food options that squirrels love include: Squirrels are omnivores that will eat just about anything but their favorite food is generally the tree nuts found in its natural habitat.
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Wildlife specialists will tell us that we should not interfere with natural cycles and we shouldn’t take efforts to help wildlife make it through the winter. The fat layer serves both as insulation and a nutrient reserve. In the fall squirrels will gorge on whatever then can find in order to bulk up with a protective layer of fat. Surprisingly, it even helps squirrels survive winter by feeding them in the fall. You can help with food by putting up a squirrel feeder. You can help with shelter by putting up a squirrel house. There are two factors that can help a squirrel survive winter, availability of shelter and food. Winter is tough on squirrels and is one reason that most wild squirrels only live for a year or two. This way I get to watch birds and squirrels and everybody gets tasty treats! Most songbirds love safflower but it is not a food that squirrels enjoy. I give the squirrels a safe place to eat corn or other snacks and fill my bird feeders with safflower seeds. To me the answer to the bird feeder problem was obvious. You can spend well over $100 on a Droll Yankee squirrel proof bird feeder and still end up frustrated. Trying to keep squirrels out of birdfeeders is a multi-million dollar business. Personally, I love to feed squirrels and I have no moral issues doing so because it serves two purposes: Hmmmm……does something seem “squirrely” about that to you?
#SQUIRREL FOOD HOW TO#
It makes sense on many levels.Īnd yet these same sources that tell us not to feed wildlife simultaneously offer us extensive guides on how to feed wild birds and keep squirrels out of birdfeeders. After all, squirrels are wildlife and every wildlife authority will tell you that feeding wildlife is bad.įeeding wildlife makes them dependent upon humans, exposes them to something other than their natural diet and increases negative interactions with household cats and dogs. Should I Feed Squirrels in My Backyard?Ī fundamental question that gets asked is whether or not you should even feed backyard squirrels in the first place. If you can provide all of these requirements then the squirrels will be more attracted to your yard and you will have a lot more fun watching their antics. “In a nutshell”, squirrels need food, water, shelter from the elements and protection from predators. I am not saying that you need to “go nuts” and spend hundreds of dollars on products and gadgets, but simply take a little time to think like a squirrel when you are setting things up. However, if you really want to have the most fun with these furry critters then you can think more holistically and create a habitat that includes feeders, shelter and a water source. On one hand, feeding squirrels can be as simple as tossing a handful of peanuts onto you deck and seeing if any squirrels are brave enough to grab them.
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Let’s get started and take a look at everything you need to know about feeding squirrels! You need to have a handle on the proper foods to put out, how to attract squirrels and how to make sure the squirrels can safely enjoy the snacks that you are providing. If you are thinking about feeding the squirrels in your backyard then, just like feeding birds, there are quite a few things to consider.