Feeding squirrels is one of the most exciting nature experiences for children and adults also enjoy the fluffy garden visitors. But there are numerous questions surrounding the topic. If you want to lure the animals into your garden, you should consider a few aspects.

Food for squirrels can be scarce, especially in winter

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. To feed squirrels?
  3. Summer vs. winter feeding
  4. What do squirrels eat?
  5. Feed properly
  6. Locations for feeding grounds
  7. Natural garden
  8. Feed wild squirrels
  9. frequently asked Questions

    10. the essentials in brief

    • There are both proponents and opponents of squirrel feeding
    • Squirrels do not hibernate and should be provided with food and water, especially in winter
    • The animals are omnivores, but prefer to eat nuts and seeds, less often insects, chicks or eggs
    • Squirrels should not be fed bread, dairy products, exotic fruits, almonds, or peanuts

    Should you feed squirrels?

    In addition to well-known nature conservation organizations, there are also private associations throughout Germany in which volunteer helpers take care of squirrels in need. They finance themselves through donations and are grateful for any help, especially in years when there is a great rush from the population. Therefore, it is recommended to feed the animals. But there are also critics who are skeptical about supplementary feeding.

    Critical voices

    From the point of view of species protection, there is no reason for additional feeding, because fluctuations in the food supply are normal. Approximately every four years there are so-called mast years, in which the trees produce an excessive amount of fruit and seeds. These alternate with years in which hardly any beechnuts or hazelnuts are formed.

    Hot and dry summers make fruit ripening even more difficult. As a result, squirrels can hardly find any food for themselves and their young, so that squirrel populations decline sharply in some years. If the food supply improves, the populations recover.

    advocate

    While the animals mostly find alternative sources of food in the forest, it is made even more difficult for them in urban areas. There is a shortage of deciduous trees, pines and spruce here, so squirrels find little food in these habitats. The limited food supply means that the population of squirrels in the city is declining.

    If there is a lack of natural food, supplementary feeding can help - at least in the short term, because the entire stock cannot be saved and is still subject to the natural fluctuations in the food supply. Feeding stations are very well suited for the nature experience, because they allow rare observations.

    Squirrels don't always find enough food

    Summer vs. winter feeding

    Anyone who has answered the question about supplementary feeding with a "yes" is now faced with the decision of how often food should be offered. Nature conservation organizations such as Nabu or LBV recommend supplementary feeding in winter. In contrast, summer feeding is discussed more frequently. However, an additional supply of food in summer does not pose any danger as long as you follow the feeding rules.

    Food supply throughout the year:

    • summer lining: shelled nuts, leaves, shoots and buds
    • winter lining: Nuts in shell, dried fruit, cones
    • all year round: Offer water

    Food supply in winter

    Squirrels don't hibernate. In winter, they feed on their depots that they have built up until autumn. Under heavy ground frost, however, the animals have no way of getting to the underground hiding places. However, these hiding places make up only a small part of the winter diet. If the squirrels cannot find their hiding place again, they look for alternatives and eat mushrooms and tree buds.

    Why winter feeding makes sense:

    • cold temperatures increase energy consumption
    • young squirrels are born in early February
    • Females need significantly more food

    food sources in summer

    Even in summer you can feed them occasionally

    Some nature lovers fear negative consequences if they offer food all year round. These can manifest themselves in the animals getting used to the feeding station and losing sight of alternatives. However, such developments have not been proven. If you pay attention to natural feeding and provide a balanced food spectrum, the squirrels' instincts should not be lost.

    This speaks for the summer feeding:

    • nature education: Observations make new experiences possible
    • biodiversity: the more species live in the garden, the more balanced the habitat
    • bird protection: Seeds also attract songbirds

    What do squirrels eat?

    Squirrels are omnivores. They feed mainly on vegetarian food and take on everything that nature has to offer in the treetops. In addition to leaves, buds and shoots, various fruits are part of their diet. Nuts and seeds make up a large part of their diet. Squirrels eat walnuts, beechnuts, chestnuts or acorns. More rarely, the rodents feed on animal food such as insects, chicks and eggs or small animals.

    way of life

    Squirrels are diurnal and spend most of their time in the trees. They live mainly in deciduous and mixed forests. The animals can be observed more and more often in gardens and parks, because there are often fruit-bearing trees here. From these, the animals collect seeds and fruit between spring and autumn.

    Squirrels create numerous hiding places in which they bury the collected fruit. During the winter, the animals do not hibernate. They plunder their hiding places, but not all camps are always found. The seeds begin to germinate underground the next spring and develop trees and shrubs. In this way, squirrels ensure natural forest cover.

    digression

    A life in the trees

    The fact that squirrels can live in the treetops is made possible by their bushy tails. This is a multifunctional tool and helps with balancing, steering and rowing. When a squirrel jumps from branch to branch, it doesn't just use its tail. It can leap distances of between four and five meters. To do this, the squirrel needs strong hind legs to jump off and sharp claws to hold on to the bark. The claws make it possible for a squirrel to climb upside down along the bark.

    How to feed properly

    Although there are always discussions about feeding the rodents, there is no need to worry. If you pay attention to a few aspects, the animals will not be harmed and they will not get used to the feeding stations. Even if feeding on a small scale cannot have a positive effect on the entire population of squirrels, nothing stands in the way of supplementary feeding.

    suitable conditionally suitable not suitable
    nuts walnuts, hazelnuts Chestnuts because of their low shelf life peanuts, almonds
    seed sunflower seeds - -
    fruit Raisins, dried apples - exotic fruits
    vegetables carrots, ripe cucumbers Small amounts of corn -
    Others anything squirrels eat naturally zwieback bread, dairy products

    feeding in the city

    In the city, targeted feeding of squirrels is recommended, as the animals hardly find any food here. The only problem is traffic when you live on busy roads. Even cats can be fatal to squirrels. Anyone who lures squirrels with food should be aware of these dangers.

    Cats can be dangerous to squirrels

    That is to be noted

    Refrain from feeding at ground level. Squirrels naturally live at high altitudes and also prefer them for food. At a height of at least two meters, the animals are better protected from predators and can flee through the treetops if attacked.

    The more feeding points are offered, the less squirrels come into the enclosure. The places should be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of pathogens. Never leave the food for more than two days. Also make sure you have a balanced diet and do not feed your cat one-sidedly.

    Tips for dealing with squirrels:

    • treat animals with respect
    • make sure that squirrels don't lose their shyness
    • provide sufficient hiding places
    • Do not offer food every day

    provide water

    Even more important than a feeder is a water trough. In recent years, many water sources and rivers have dried up. The animals have increasing problems maintaining their water balance. Many rodents become dehydrated, leaving their offspring helpless. Create water points in your garden. A small garden pond is just as suitable for this as a bowl that is placed on a raised tree stump in the bushes.

    Locations for feeding grounds

    The ideal location for the feeder is far from the house so that the animals can eat undisturbed. The box should be installed at a height of at least two meters so that cats can make it more difficult to raid and the rodents can escape in time. If you want to place the box on the balcony or terrace, you should allow the animals undisturbed eating times. If they lose their fear of people, negative consequences cannot be ruled out.

    Danger from habituation:

    • Animals can lose their natural instinct to flee
    • increasing courage pushes squirrels into unnatural environments
    • become easy victims of road traffic

    tips

    If you buy feed mixtures, you should pay attention to quality and composition. The feed should be natural and contain no additives.

    Natural garden

    Squirrels will find enough food in the natural garden

    The ideal solution is a naturally designed garden where squirrels feel comfortable and find enough food. A hedge of hazelnut bushes in combination with fruit-bearing bushes ensures a rich menu. They are attracted to walnut trees and do not disdain spruce and pine cones. The animals feel particularly comfortable in habitats with different tree species of all ages.

    The Squirrel Garden:

    • low shrubs and tall trees
    • sheltered watering hole
    • Dead wood at the edge of the bank or branches that protrude into the water

    tips

    Twig piles and stone walls provide a habitat for insects and vertebrates. The squirrels also benefit from the elements because they provide additional food sources.

    fungicides, insecticides and herbicides

    If you leave a corner of the garden to its natural course, the rest of the area should also be cared for and treated with care. In most cases, animals are also affected by the use of chemical substances or household remedies to eliminate pests, fungi and unwanted plants. Find out about the possible effects of different remedies so that there is no risk to squirrels, insects and birds. Eliminate all potential sources of danger. Even the open water butt can pose a risk if the animal falls into it.

    effect Possible dangers Follow
    blue grain mineral fertilization liquefies during heavy rain Burns on the outsoles
    slug pellets attractant sweet aroma attracts birds and rodents deadly poisoning
    acetic acid weed control Substances wet forage plants burns of the mucous membranes

    Feeding squirrels in nature

    In some regions, the rather shy animals have become accustomed to humans. In the Black Forest and in Bavaria there are now squirrel forests in which the rodents have lost all fear of humans. They are curious and even eat out of the hands of visitors. The plentiful food sources are gratefully accepted, which promises a unique experience, especially for children.

    Squirrel forests in Germany:

    • Doniswald near Koenigssee
    • Triberg Waterfalls
    • Fishing in the Allgaeu

    You must pay attention to this

    If you only offer the animals high-fat food, there is a risk of an unbalanced diet. The squirrels choose food sources that require less effort. Imbalanced feeding causes rodents to become sluggish and lazy. This makes them easy prey for natural enemies. Eat a balanced and varied diet and don't overdo it. For feeding in the wild, shelled nuts are recommended to keep the animals occupied.

    Squirrels are shy by nature. These instincts must not be lost through feeding.

    frequently asked Questions

    Can you feed squirrels?

    There is no prohibition against feeding squirrels. However, supplementary feeding in urban areas can cause problems with the neighbours. It is not uncommon for tenants to complain about the behavior of residents whose balcony is above theirs. If the remains of food fall on someone else's balcony, those affected are usually uncomprehending. Such incidents lead to the landlords themselves setting up bans on animal feeding on the balcony.

    Does it make sense to feed squirrels?

    This question is discussed again and again. There are both reasons that speak in favor of feeding, as well as facts against the unnatural food supply. From a conservation perspective, it is not necessary to feed squirrels. The stocks are subject to natural fluctuations and are regulated by the food supply in the forest. In terms of nature education, nothing speaks against feeding. Children and adults enjoy the observations.

    How long should you feed squirrels?

    In principle, nature conservation organizations recommend feeding during the winter months, since the food supply is particularly scarce here. In addition, squirrels already give birth to their young in February. They need a lot of energy during pregnancy and food to raise their young after birth. Feeding is generally not necessary in summer. However, it can expand the food supply of the animals mainly in urban areas.

    What to do if you find an injured squirrel?

    A squirrel baby is still helpless and needs protection and attention from the mother. If you find a young squirrel, you should calmly observe the situation. In many cases, the mother comes back after a few minutes and takes care of the cub. If the squirrel is visibly abandoned or injured, it needs our help. There are special reception stations that take care of the animals. Find out more from the local nature conservation associations.

Category:

Animals in the garden