Squirrels are wild animals that forage for their own food. In summer, nature is a well-stocked treasure trove. In winter, on the other hand, they have to draw on the food they have stored, because the small rodents do not hibernate. But even with the best planning, food supply does not always run smoothly in the cold season. Hunger can set in quickly. Find out when it's worth feeding squirrels and what's on these climbers' menus.
to feed squirrels
Yes, what are squirrels fed anyway? Most people should know that these tree climbers collect hazelnuts, walnuts and acorns. Here are a few additions:
- beechnuts
- chestnuts
- sunflower seeds
- Seeds of spruce, pine and fir
- small pieces of apple, pear and carrot
- animal food such as B. Larvae
Food from the supermarket
There are now specials on the market Compound feed for squirrels. It mostly consists of unsalted peanuts and sunflower seeds as well as pieces of dried fruit. However, animal rights activists advise against feeding peanuts to squirrels because peanuts are not a native plant species. Peanuts are therefore not part of a species-appropriate food.
notice: Almonds are not suitable food either, as they contain hydrocyanic acid. It can be dangerous to animals in large quantities.
Necessary considerations
But before you hurry up now feed bowl fill it up and put it outside, you should also read the rest of the text carefully. The need for feeding is examined in more detail. You will also discover information about the period in which supplementary feeding can make sense. Finally, the feeding process must be designed in such a way that the rodents really benefit.
Diligent collectors
Squirrels, scientifically Sciurus vulgaris, are diligent foragers, aware of limited food availability. They therefore set up numerous hiding places in good time, including reserves. It seems these animals are well prepared for the lean time of the year. But some factors can lead to a long-term shortage that can cost some animals their lives.
Frosty winters
Squirrels bury their food in shallow hollows in the ground and dig it up again when needed. The weather in winter can throw a spanner in the works.
- Snow covers lay over the landscape
- cover important landmarks
- make it difficult to find the hiding places again
- Sub-zero temperatures freeze the ground
- digging up food becomes difficult if not impossible
dry summers
If the previous summer was very hot and dry, fewer fruits and seeds are produced. As a result, the amount of food collected cannot adequately cover the squirrel's winter needs. At the same time, other animals are also suffering from food shortages. While wild boars first sniff out one or the other hiding place in the forest and then empty it, in the home garden it is primarily mice that develop into thieves of stored supplies.
Urban residential area
Some specimens now permanently inhabit urban areas. We often see them darting from tree to tree. But the planting of many gardens hardly provides anything edible for these rodents. Added to this is the urge of some garden owners to tidy up in the fall. In this way, edible seeds are disposed of and landmarks, which are later used to find hiding places, are destroyed.
natural regulation
Sciurus vulgaris is not an endangered species. Although the rodent population may decline in winters with little food, it recovers in fat years. That's why humans don't have to feed the squirrels. And indeed, hardly anyone thinks of feeding forest animals. In residential areas it is different. Because we meet the animals up close, sympathy quickly arises.
Higher energy demand
In winter, the animal is economical with its energy balance. It only leaves the den every hour to fetch food. He spends the rest of the time sleeping at home. But one unavoidable task increases a female's needs considerably: reproduction.
The orange-brown rodents mate as early as December and give birth to their first young in February. So it is understandable that they need enough nutritious food for themselves and their young during this time.
When is supplementary feeding useful?
When exactly should we intervene to help? A good question. There are those who advocate year-round supplemental feeding in urban areas because natural food supplies are scarcer there than in the wild. Most animal welfare associations, on the other hand, recommend feeding the squirrels only when necessary, i.e. in winter.
There are also repeated warnings that plentiful and constantly available food could make the animals lazy and neglect their own gathering. This aspect must be considered when feeding.
feeding places
Attracting an animal with food in hand might be a nice idea for nature lovers. But it is not in the spirit of these animals. They should be disturbed as little as possible in their way of life. Developed trust can prove detrimental in hindsight. When the animals no longer pay attention to their natural instincts that protect them from danger.
There are commercially available bird feeders specially designed for these rodents, which have an enlarged opening. Feed boxes with a flap are also popular. The animals enjoy discovering this mechanism and opening the flap. The feeding station is inexpensive if you build it yourself. For children, this is a challenging task. Later you can observe the animals from a safe distance.
set up a feeding station
When setting up the feeding station, a few rules should be observed:
- do not place too close to human habitation
- look for a quiet place to eat undisturbed
- Hang up or raise the feeding point so that it is safe for the cat
- Tree suspension at a height of at least 1.5 m is ideal
tip: If you have sighted several animals on your property, you should also set up several bird feeders, each with a greater distance between them. These rodents are solitary outside of their breeding season and love to fight!
filling and maintenance
Fill the bird feeder in good time before the first frost. You can feed them suitable food, e.g. B. Collect acorns. Finding acorns in nature shouldn't be difficult. But you can also find hazelnuts and beechnuts on a walk in the forest. If you can visit the feeder daily, then don't overcrowd it. Especially if you add pieces of fruit, they can rot quickly.
If necessary, clean the feeding station before adding new food. Leave nuts in their hard shells and pine cones whole for Sciurus vulgaris to "work" on with its teeth. If you run out of supplies, make sure you only buy natural fruits, nuts and seeds.
plant food
You are free to decide exactly what you provide for the animals in winter. But how about a longer lasting solution? Plant a hazelnut bush or a walnut tree. And feel free to leave old seeds standing until spring. Birds will be happy too.
notice: Always keep rain barrels covered with a lid to prevent squirrels from falling in. Although it is an adept climber, it slips and drowns on a slippery rain barrel wall.
squirrel pup