Squirrels are a common sight in backyards, bringing joy with their playful behavior. Instead of fighting them off, learn how to feed them and live in harmony. By setting up a special feeding area, offering the right food, and protecting your garden, you can peacefully share your space with them.
Feeding squirrels has been popular since 2003, especially in winter in the U.S. By watching their habits and placing food and water thoughtfully, you can guide them to eat in certain spots. This method helps prevent them from eating from many trees or gardens. It also gives them a steady food source and fun.
Creating a Squirrel-Friendly Backyard
Turning your backyard into a squirrel paradise is a fun way to watch these lively creatures. By offering food and water, you make your yard a welcoming spot for them. This way, you can feed squirrels and watch their fun from home.
Establishing a Designated Feeding Area
Creating a special spot for squirrels helps keep them away from bird feeders and gardens. Pick a quiet corner or under a tree for your squirrel food. Offer them sunflower seeds, peanuts, or corn kernels. This keeps them from exploring other parts of your yard.
Think about these things when picking a spot for feeding:
- Keep it away from bird feeders and gardens to avoid conflicts
- Be close to trees for safety and cover
- Make it easy to refill and clean
Providing Water Sources for Squirrels
Squirrels also need water to stay healthy. Place a shallow dish or bowl of water near their food, about a foot off the ground. This spot is safe from dirt and easy for squirrels to reach.
| Water Container | Ideal Placement Height | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow dish or bowl | 1 foot off the ground | Daily, to ensure freshness |
With a squirrel-friendly yard, you can enjoy these lively creatures without issues with other wildlife. Keep their feeding spots clean and safe for their health.
What to Feed Squirrels
Feeding squirrels in your backyard means giving them a diet that’s close to what they find in nature. A varied diet is key to making sure they get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need. This helps them stay healthy and happy.
Nuts: A Squirrel’s Favorite Snack
Squirrels love nuts, and it’s easy to see why. These foods are full of healthy fats, proteins, and nutrients. They keep squirrels energized and healthy. Here are some great nuts to feed your backyard squirrels:
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Acorns
- Peanuts (in moderation)
It’s best to give nuts with their shells. This lets squirrels forage naturally and keeps their teeth strong by gnawing.
Offering Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Squirrels also like fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to their diet. Here are some good choices:
- Apples (remove seeds and core)
- Carrots
- Grapes
- Berries
- Corn on the cob
- Squash
Always wash fruits and vegetables before giving them to squirrels. Remove any seeds or pits that could be harmful.
Avoiding Junk Food and Processed Treats
Don’t give squirrels human food or processed treats. Junk food can cause health problems, like metabolic bone disease, obesity, digestive issues, and dental problems. Stick to natural, wholesome foods for your backyard squirrels.
| Recommended Foods | Foods to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, acorns | Cookies, chips, candy |
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | Processed human food |
| Black oil sunflower seeds (in moderation) | Salty or sugary snacks |
| Nut Balls (vitamin supplement) | Bread and baked goods |
By offering a varied diet of natural foods, you support the health and happiness of backyard squirrels. Enjoy their company and watch them have fun.
Squirrel Feeders: Types and Placement
Setting up a squirrel feeder in your backyard is key to keeping them away from bird feeders. Squirrels are quick and can easily get to bird feeders. So, using a squirrel feeder can help protect your bird feeders. There are different types of squirrel feeders, like hanging, platform, and ear corn feeders.
Hanging feeders are a top pick for squirrels. They can be hung from a tree or a pole. These feeders are made of metal or heavy-duty plastic and hold nuts, seeds, and fruit. Make sure to hang it 4-5 feet off the ground and away from trees, houses, or wires.
Platform feeders are also great for squirrels. They offer a flat surface for them to eat on and can be put on a pole or a tree. Place it away from your property line and in the middle of your yard to keep it away from neighbors.
Ear corn feeders are made just for squirrels and are fun to watch. They hold whole ears of corn, which squirrels enjoy. Putting an ear corn feeder out can keep squirrels away from your bird feeders.
| Feeder Type | Placement Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hanging Feeder |
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| Platform Feeder |
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| Ear Corn Feeder |
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Choosing the right squirrel feeder is important, but so is where you put it. Make sure it’s in a spot that feels safe and comfy for squirrels. Near trees or bushes can make them feel secure. But, keep it away from your house and other buildings to avoid any damage.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet for Squirrels
Feeding squirrels in your backyard requires knowing their specialized diets. In the wild, they eat nuts, seeds, tree flowers, and buds. But with humans, they might eat peanuts, peanut butter, and other foods. It’s key to feed them right to avoid malnutrition.
The Importance of Variety in a Squirrel’s Diet
For squirrels’ health, offer a mix of foods. Walnuts, hickory nuts, and white oak acorns are great choices. In-shell nuts help their teeth and minds. Carrots, peas, and squash are also good.
But, don’t give too much sunflower seeds or peanuts. They’re not very nutritious and can cause health problems if eaten too much.
Here’s a table with the daily diet for a 450-gram (1 pound) squirrel:
| Food Item | Daily Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rodent blocks | 2-4 small blocks |
| High-calcium vegetables | 5-7 thumb-sized pieces |
| Other healthy vegetables | 2-3 pieces |
| Fruit | 2 slices |
| Nuts/seeds (preferably in the shell) | 2 per day |
Providing Calcium Sources for Healthy Bones
Squirrels need calcium for strong bones and to prevent bone disease. Feeding them the wrong foods can make them malnourished or even kill them. Give them high-calcium veggies and natural calcium sources like deer antlers or animal bones.
Squirrels also need fresh water and sunlight. Give them 1 hour of natural sunlight a day in the summer or 8 hours of full-spectrum light indoors. Since they’re less active, watch their food and keep them at a healthy weight to avoid diabetes.
Feeding Squirrels Responsibly
Feeding squirrels can be fun for those who love these smart animals. But, it’s key to do it right. Feeding wildlife can have bad effects if not done carefully. In recent years, some people feeding animals have caused problems for both animals and humans.
In Whistler, BC, a woman got fined C$60,000 for feeding bears, which led to the bears being killed. In Vancouver’s Stanley Park, over 45 people got bitten by coyotes because humans fed them. This shows the dangers of feeding wildlife and the legal trouble it can cause.
Respecting Your Neighbors’ Preferences
When you feed squirrels, think about what your neighbors like. Some enjoy watching these animals, but others might not like them around. To keep peace with your neighbors, put your feeders in the middle of your yard, away from the edges.
Feeding wildlife can make them too dependent on humans. Squirrels might rely too much on the food you give them and struggle to find food on their own. This can hurt their natural ways of finding food and living in the wild. To avoid this, slowly reduce the food you give them and encourage them to find food in nature.
Keeping Feeder Areas Clean and Tidy
Keeping your feeder area clean is important. Leftover food can draw in pests like rats or raccoons, making things dirty and spreading diseases. Clean up any spills and use a rake or broom to remove debris. Then, throw the trash away in a sealed bin.
| Food to Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine, which is toxic to squirrels and can cause severe health problems |
| Avocado | Contains persin, which is toxic to squirrels and can lead to breathing difficulties and heart-related issues |
| Onions and Garlic | Can cause anemia in squirrels by damaging their red blood cells |
| Processed Snacks (chips, cookies) | Can result in weight gain and dental issues in squirrels |
| High-Sugar Fruits (in excess) | Can be detrimental to squirrels due to the high sugar content |
| Salted Nuts (in excess) | May lead to dehydration and kidney problems in squirrels if consumed excessively |
By following these tips and thinking about the impact, you can make a safe space for squirrels and your community. Always put the squirrels’ well-being first when caring for wildlife in your backyard.
Squirrel-Proofing Bird Feeders
Many bird lovers struggle with squirrels stealing bird seed from their feeders. To stop squirrels and let birds eat in peace, try these tips.
Using Baffles to Deter Squirrels
Installing baffles is a great way to stop squirrels. These devices, shaped like domes or cylinders, keep squirrels off your feeders. Hang your feeders with a pole and add a baffle 16 inches away to keep squirrels out.
Place your feeder 4 feet off the ground and 8 feet from any jumping spot. Squirrels can jump 8 feet horizontally and 4 feet up. This stops them from reaching your feeder.
Squirrels are very agile and can turn their feet 180 degrees. To stop them, trim bushes and branches near your feeder. This makes it harder for them to get to the bird seed.
Choosing Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeders
Using squirrel-proof bird feeders is another good idea. These feeders have special features that close when a squirrel tries to get in. Some popular types include:
- Motorized spinning perch rings that spin away when a squirrel lands, making it hard for them to stay on.
- Collapsing perches that shut off the seed ports when a squirrel steps on them.
- Tilting seed trays that tilt down when a squirrel tries to eat, making it hard for them to get the seed.
Think about the size of the squirrels in your area when picking a feeder. Some feeders work better against big grey squirrels, but smaller red squirrels might still get in. Tall tube feeders with ports at the bottom work well because squirrels can’t hang from the top to get to the seed.
| Feeder Type | Effectiveness Against Squirrels |
|---|---|
| Weight-activated (e.g., Squirrel Buster by Brome) | High |
| Caged tube feeders | Moderate |
| Tall tube feeders with bottom ports | High |
| Spinning or tilting perches | Moderate to High |
Using squirrel baffles and squirrel-resistant feeders together can keep these pests away. This lets your birds eat without trouble. Always clean your feeders to keep your birds healthy.
Observing Squirrel Behavior and Habits
Squirrels are really fascinating creatures to watch in your backyard. By observing their behavior and habits, you can learn a lot about their daily routines and likes. This knowledge helps you make your backyard more welcoming for them.
Squirrels are known for their clever ways of finding and storing food. They use two main methods: caching, where they hide food, and recovery, where they dig it up. They forage both on the ground and in trees, depending on what’s available.
Squirrels eat nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Young squirrels start by getting food from their mothers but soon learn to find and store their own. Providing a variety of foods in your backyard helps both adult and young squirrels.
Other interesting behaviors include:
- Consumption: Eating the food they find
- Resting: Being still, often in a drey or on a branch
- Grooming: Keeping clean by scratching, licking, or biting
- Vocalizing: Making sounds like chattering, squeaking, and gnawing
- Travel: Moving around without foraging or interacting
- Alert: Being aware of predators or other squirrels
- Interaction: Mating, fighting, or grooming with other squirrels
Squirrels change their behavior based on things like danger and food size. For example, they spend less time eating when they’re far from safety. Also, they’re less careful when eating small food items.
| Food Item | Average Time to Consume |
|---|---|
| Hazelnut | 5 minutes |
| Chestnut | 7 minutes 45 seconds |
| Walnut | 15 minutes |
| Black Walnut | 30 minutes |
Watching squirrels in your backyard lets you appreciate their complex behavior and habits. Use what you learn to make your backyard a better place for them. Enjoy seeing their interesting behaviors up close.
Preventing Property Damage from Squirrels
Feeding squirrels can be fun, but it’s important to prevent them from damaging your property. The United States Department of Agriculture says squirrels chew on tree bark, raid bird feeders, and nest in attics and crawl spaces. To keep them safe and your home safe, take some steps to prevent this.
Trimming Trees and Bushes Near Your Home
Trimming trees and bushes near your home can help stop squirrels from getting too close. Squirrels can jump up to 12 feet, so cut branches that let them reach your roof or attic. This makes it harder for them to get inside by creating a barrier.
Inspecting and Repairing Potential Entry Points
Check your property for places where squirrels could get in. They can fit through openings as small as one inch. Look for gaps in your siding, roof vents, and chimneys. Fix any damage you find quickly to avoid bigger problems later.
In some cases, you might need to get help from a professional electrician or wildlife control expert. This is true if you think squirrels have already gotten into your attic or walls.
To keep squirrels safe and protect your property, remove their food sources and block their access. By being proactive and using these tips, you can watch squirrels in your yard without worrying about damage to your home.
FAQ
What are the best foods to feed squirrels?
Squirrels enjoy nuts like walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. They also like fresh fruits and veggies, such as apples and corn on the cob. But, don’t give them junk food or processed treats. These can harm their health.
How can I keep squirrels away from my bird feeders?
To keep squirrels off your bird feeders, get squirrel-proof feeders or use baffles. These stop them from climbing or jumping up. Choose feeders with weight-activated perches or cages that let birds in but keep squirrels out. You can also use seed types like safflower that squirrels don’t like.
Should I provide water for squirrels?
Yes, squirrels need water just like other animals. Put a shallow dish of water about a foot off the ground for them to drink from.
How can I prevent squirrels from causing damage to my property?
To stop squirrels from damaging your property, trim trees and bushes near your home. This makes it harder for them to reach your roof and attic. Check your home’s exterior often for gaps in siding, roof vents, and chimneys. Fix any damage quickly.
Is it safe to feed squirrels in my backyard?
Feeding squirrels in your backyard is usually safe if you give them a balanced diet. Don’t give them human food or processed treats. Also, respect your neighbors’ wishes about wildlife.
What is metabolic bone disease in squirrels?
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a condition caused by a diet low in calcium or the wrong calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. It weakens their bones and can cause serious health issues. To prevent MBD, make sure they eat a variety of foods. Provide them with calcium sources like deer antlers or animal bones to chew on.
How can I create a squirrel-friendly feeding area in my yard?
To make a squirrel-friendly feeding area, pick a spot away from your property line and in the middle of your yard. Put spoiled apples, corncobs, and other unprocessed foods there. This encourages them to stay in one spot instead of exploring your whole yard. Keep the area clean to avoid attracting other unwanted animals.
