Have you ever wanted to feed wild squirrels in your backyard, but weren’t sure what to feed them? Or, maybe you’ve seen a squirrel feeder at the store and wondered what kind of food to put in it? Either way, it can be confusing to figure out what kind of food squirrels like to eat. In this post, we’ll discuss what foods squirrels eat and which ones you should consider for your squirrel feeder.
We’ll also go over some tips on how to attract squirrels to your feeder, so you can enjoy watching them in your backyard. Whether you want to feed your squirrels something tasty or nutritious, this guide is sure to help you find the perfect food for your backyard visitors.
Overview of Squirrel Diet
Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In their natural environment, squirrels thrive off a diet of mainly seeds and nuts, supplemented with fruits, corn, insects, and bark. Though commercialized squirrel feeds designed to meet their dietary needs exist, wild squirrels are more likely to eat natural foods over something manufactured.
5 Foods to Try in Your Squirrel Feeder
Fruits
Fruits such as apples and bananas are great options for your squirrel feeder. Ensure that they are cut into small pieces so they are easier to eat, and remove any seeds or pits beforehand.
Acorns
Just like their fellow rodents, squirrels have a large appetite for acorns. Provide these in your feeders as an alternative to other foods. Be sure to remove any remaining caps before offering them to the squirrels!
Nuts
A wide variety of nuts can provide a great set of nutrients for wild squirrels. Choose some of their favorites such as peanuts or walnuts and offer them daily in your feeder.
Vegetables
Fresh veggies like carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes are all excellent options for your squirrel feeder. Serve them raw or cooked (not salted) and make sure they’re easy to grab.
Insects
Insects provide a great source of protein for squirrels. Whether you choose to offer beetle larvae, caterpillars, or mealworms, make sure you clean the feeder regularly to prevent any insect infestations.
Nutritional Benefits of Squirrel Feeding
Filling a squirrel feeder with nutritious foods is beneficial for the animals in many ways. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins helps to increase the animals’ lifespan and maintain their overall health and well-being. Offering a variety of foods in the feeders also encourages physical activity since the squirrels must search through the feeder in order to find what they want to eat.
Tips for Feeding Squirrels
Location
Set up the feeder away from areas that could attract predators or cause too much human activity near the squirrels’ habitat. As much as possible try to keep it out of direct sunlight and rain or snowfall.
Types of Food
Only offer foods that are actually beneficial for squirrels and avoid anything sugary or processed that could damage their health over time. Stick with fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, and insects whenever possible.
Cleaning & Stocking
Empty out old food from the feeder every couple of days and refill it with fresh snacks for your furry friends. Also, ensure that you clean the inside of the feeder regularly with hot water and detergent/soap solution so that no bacteria builds up over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, providing a healthy diet for wild animals like squirrels is essential for their development in both urban and rural environments. Try out some of these tips when stocking up your own squirrel feeder – you’ll be amazed at how quickly those little critters learn where their new food source is located!
