Squirrels are master climbers and turn out to be true building specialists. They don't just build a nest, but several dwellings to be prepared for different situations. However, it is not difficult to make a nest out of wood yourself.

Squirrel nests are called roosts

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. way of life
  3. building instructions
  4. places
  5. Tips on attracting
  6. frequently asked Questions

    7. the essentials in brief

    • Squirrels build nests from twigs and leaves in tree cavities or on the forks of branches
    • The animals are also happy to accept squirrel houses made of wood by humans
    • Inside should be padded with moss and bark - as in the Kobeln

    way of life

    Squirrels are diurnal and very good climbers, spending most of their time in the treetops. Squirrels only come down to the ground to look for food. The rodents feed mainly on seeds, nuts, fruits and plant parts. It also happens that squirrels live predatory lives and eat carnal food. The animals build their nests, which are called Kobel or Kogel, in tree cavities or branch forks.

    digression

    mating and gestation

    Squirrels can give birth to offspring up to twice a year. The first litter usually occurs between March and April, while the second litter is born between May and August. Males can be seen making their first attempts to approach them from the end of January. If the food resources are not sufficient for rearing the young, the first mating can be omitted. Females give birth after a gestation period of 38 days. During this phase, they have an increased energy requirement.

    Kobelbau

    It takes squirrels between three and five days to complete their nest. Sometimes they also accept abandoned bird nests from hawks or magpies, which are then converted. A Kobel can have a diameter between 30 and 50 centimeters. The interior is slightly smaller and has a diameter of 15 to 20 centimeters.

    This is what the nest looks like:

    • spherical structure with two loopholes
    • assembled from twigs and leaves
    • Padded inside with moss, leaves and feathers
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    function of the Kobel

    The nest serves as a waterproof and wind-protected retreat for the animals in summer and winter. Two loopholes are necessary so that squirrels can escape in case of danger. If the main entrance is besieged by a robber, the rodents can flee through the rear exit, which always points downwards.

    In addition to a main nest, squirrels build many other secondary nests. In the meantime, squirrels seek protection in these so-called shadow nests. These roosts are simpler than the main nest. The rodents also set up so-called emergency nests. These are used when the main bucket is dirty from birth or is no longer sufficiently secure.

    Instructions for building your own

    Building a Kobel doesn't require much expertise. With the following assembly instructions, you can build a simple model that gives the squirrel enough space to raise the young.

    Building a squirrel nest yourself is not difficult

    tips

    You can customize the building instructions as you wish. If you cut the side walls with a slant, the roof will later lie on an incline and ensure better water drainage.

    Required material:

    • wood panels
    • nails or screws
    • Screwdriver or cordless screwdriver
    • Pencil, compass and ruler
    • jigsaw

    What to look out for

    Use materials that do not pose any health risks for animals or the environment. The wood should be untreated. Softwoods such as maple, beech and pine are ideal. The wood is ideally 1.5 centimeters thick. Depending on the type of wood you use, the material must be treated with a glaze.

    benefits disadvantage
    beech durable and very strong heavy, prone to cracking
    maple hard-wearing, easy to work with not weatherproof
    jaw light weight, cheap not weatherproof

    manual

    Draw the outlines for the components on the wood and saw them out with a jigsaw (€36.18). Then mark the holes with a compass on two side walls. The rear loophole should be lower than the front entrance. The roof panel is slightly longer than the base panel so that it protrudes slightly above the box. All components are assembled into a box with nails or screws.

    Dimensions for the components:

    • Floor space: 26 x 26 centimeters
    • side walls: four panels, each 26 x 30 centimeters
    • roof panel: 30 x 26 centimeters
    • loopholes: diameter of seven centimeters

    glaze

    In order to better protect the Kobel from the effects of the weather, you should treat the wood with an environmentally friendly glaze before assembly. There are various natural products that are ideal for impregnating wood.

    Oily substances are applied several times in thin layers until a water-repellent film is formed on the wood. Solid substances are less easily absorbed by the wood. After hardening, they form a protective layer on the wood. The drying times of the glazes (€66.50) vary. At a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, linseed oil is dry after about a week, while resin oil is dry after 24 hours.

    benefits disadvantage
    resin oil dries quickly, does not become greasy expensive
    linseed oil penetrates the pores old glazes become sticky
    beeswax Wood remains breathable low durability

    The more natural the better

    interior design

    After assembling the house, you can decorate the house yourself with moss, pieces of bark, feathers and leaves, or let the squirrels decorate the interior. Keep in mind, though, that rodents lie stuffs. It is not uncommon for the climbing artists to use washing lines and items of clothing to disappear without a trace.

    tips

    Cut old fabrics such as fleece blankets, bed linen or jute bags into pieces about 20 x 20 centimeters and offer them in a basket.

    Ideal places for the nest

    Squirrels prefer to live at high altitudes. It happens that rodents build their nests under the roof. They feel comfortable in treetops that are at least ten meters high. Feeding stations lure the animals to lower altitudes. However, dangers such as martens or cats lurk here, which can be dangerous for the squirrels.

    Squirrels prefer dizzy heights and the tops of deciduous trees. Here they are safe from predators and if there is danger, they can flee through the branches.

    hang up

    Hang the house on a tree that is as tall as possible. A minimum height of five meters is ideal. The higher you can hang the Kobel, the more comfortable the animals feel. Don't attach it to the house. Although adult animals can also climb rough house facades, their offspring are easily endangered. Young animals cannot hold on sufficiently and easily fall out of the nest.

    How to hang the Kobel correctly:

    • close to the main trunk
    • ideally in a branch fork
    • Slightly tilted forward so rain does not flow into the main hole
    • just before the mating season in winter and spring

    Tips on attracting

    If the squirrels don't settle in your den by themselves, you can help a little and attract the rodents. Offer the climbers a varied range of food. In summer this consists of leaves, shoots and buds. Provide mostly shelled nuts. Just before winter, replace them with nuts in the shell. Squirrels collect the treats and bring them to their hiding places, which the animals feed on in the winter.

    Squirrels like:

    • Acorns, beechnuts, chestnuts
    • Dried fruit, carrots and corn in small amounts
    • walnuts and hazelnuts

    avoid danger

    Remember to make your yard squirrel safe. Cover open rain barrels (€53.99) or provide an exit aid as squirrels can easily fall into the water when trying to drink. Hang a branch in the bin for the animals to hold on to and climb out.

    frequently asked Questions

    What is the name of the squirrel's nest?

    The technical term for the squirrel nest is Kobel. Occasionally the term Kogel can be found.

    Where does the squirrel build its nest?

    The rodents either use abandoned bird nests to reshape it into a spherical nest, or they gather branches themselves and use them to build a den. The nests are placed in treetops. Occasionally they also build their huts under the roof.

    How long do squirrels stay in the nest?

    The young leave the nest for the first time after six weeks. Until then, they are dependent on the protection and care of their mother. They feed on their mother's milk until they are eight to ten weeks old. Only then do the young animals go in search of food themselves.

    Who builds the nest?

    Squirrels are mainly solitary creatures and meet at mating season. Therefore, males and females build their own nests for resting and sleeping. The female is responsible for building the main den in which the young are born.

    What to do if a squirrel fell out of the nest

    Get an overview of the situation and try to find out if the squirrel is injured. Abandoned hatchlings need help as they have not yet developed a distinctive coat and freeze or starve to death easily. There are some emergency call centers you can contact. Nature conservation organizations such as Nabu and LBV are also contacts when a squirrel is in need.

    Should I remove the nest in winter?

    To prevent parasites from spreading, the cavity should be cleaned twice a year. If there are young in the nest, they must not be disturbed. Also in winter you should not open the Kobel, because then the animals retreat to their nests for the hibernation. Wait until young and mother have left the nest. Clean the house with hot water only.

Category:

Animals in the garden