If you want to help squirrels build their nests, the best way to do this is to leave branches cut off from the annual tree and hedge trimmings in the garden in autumn. The animals start looking for the materials from around January of the following year.
In a nutshell
- A squirrel's nest is commonly called a roost
- Animals usually begin to build several of these dens at the same time in January or February
- they use branches for the cover and mosses or leaves for the interior
- to help squirrels build roosts, you should leave cut branches and leaves from the previous year in the garden
- it also makes sense to leave some of the last mowed grass on the meadow
What is a Kobel?
A squirrel nest fulfills several functions all year round. On the one hand, it serves as a nest for the animals in which they give birth to their young. They also use a ditch as a regular place to sleep and rest, or as a vanishing point where they can hide. Each squirrel usually has multiple dens at its disposal. The squirrels usually build their nests in the crowns of trees at a height of about six meters. The almost spherical nest is usually made of materials that the animals find in nature or in the garden. For the shell will usually
- small to medium sized branches related
- and gaps filled with mosses
When it comes to the interior, the rodents like it more cuddly and comfortable. There are used:
- mosses
- soft braids
- leaves
- grass
- feathers
- fur
- straw
The Kobel is usually placed on a stronger tree branch and of course has an entrance that is usually not visible from below.
Help build a nest
Squirrels do not need active support when building their nests. They instinctively know what to do and what materials to use. Squirrels that live in forests also have no problem finding the right material for the roost. However, animals that prefer to stay in settlements need a certain amount of human support. As a rule, they are already somewhat used to contact with people and can literally smell them. So you're not quite so shy anymore.
Notice: However, support does not mean that humans actively participate in nest building, but simply provide building materials such as branches by simply leaving them lying around when tending the garden. It is therefore about supporting the animals by offering them something like an ideal environment.
It is best to leave piles of leaves lying around.
Speaking of ideal: it always makes sense to leave a garden largely natural. Over-tended, aseptic gardens are not the thing of squirrels or other animals. Gardens that are close to nature also largely guarantee that mosses will settle. Remains of bark or other small pieces of wood should also be left in the garden. Also very important: Do not completely remove and dispose of leaves in autumn, but make sure that there is at least a small corner for the rodents to use.
Tip: If you want to watch the animals building roosts, you should behave as calmly as possible and only make very slow movements.
frequently asked Questions
Are scraps of fabric suitable for nest building?No. The animals would also not use leftovers because they smell too much like people. They are also not necessary, since nature offers enough building materials.
What should you do with a hatchling that has fallen out of the den?Unfortunately, it happens again and again that a baby squirrel or a young animal falls out of the nest. If you find such an animal, you should bring it to a wildlife sanctuary, where it will be nursed and then released back into the wild. Under no circumstances should you try to put the animal back in its pen. The smell of humans alone would lead to the parents rejecting the young animal and no longer caring for it from then on.
How can you get the animals to build a nest in your own garden?Tasty food always helps. For example, if you leave a small portion of nuts in the garden for several weeks, there is a good chance that a squirrel will settle in the immediate vicinity of the food source.
Does something like a small straw storage make sense?Necessarily. However, it is important that the animals have free access to the camp and do not have to worry about being locked in there. It is also important to consider that such a bed of straw may also be used by rodent predators as a place to sleep. A certain level of security, for example through a door, makes sense. Of course, a small opening in the door, through which only the cute little nut eaters can get, should not be missing.