If you want to watch squirrels frolic in your own garden, you have to create an environment in which they feel comfortable. Squirrel nests are definitely one of them. Luckily, building a squirrel nest like this doesn't require great skill.

In a nutshell

  • are also called Kobel
  • each animal has several pens with different tasks
  • Orientation on the basic shape of a bird house
  • comfortable interior that is attractive to squirrels
  • Place Kobel as high as possible in a tree so that it offers protection

Background - the meaning of the Kobel

It is a real pleasure to watch squirrels in your own garden in spring and especially in summer. In order for this to succeed, however, the garden must be as attractive and appealing as possible to the tree acrobats. This not only means that there should be enough tasty food available, but also a certain number of squirrel nests, the so-called Kobeln. Every animal has several of these kobels in nature. They serve primarily as

  • Throwing place and lift place for the boys
  • Resting place where adult animals sleep
  • Places of escape and retreats that offer protection from predators
  • Storage for nuts and other fodder

It is important that no Kobel fulfills all these tasks at the same time. A squirrel, for example, would never set up its food store in the burrow in which it also sleeps or in which it raises its offspring. Squirrel nests are extremely important to the animals and are essential if they are to feel comfortable in a certain environment.

Basics to build

The basis for our squirrel nest in our own garden is the principle of a bird house. Unlike out in the forest, our Kobel will not have the shape of a sphere, but rather a rectangle or square. We mainly use wood as a material. The wood for the walls should be at least two centimeters thick and, if possible, be a soft wood such as beech, maple or pine. Only untreated wood should be used. A glaze to protect against moisture is recommended, but it must be organic.

The basis for a squirrel nest is a bird house.

Build a squirrel nest

Step 1: Determine dimensions

The footprint of our squirrel house should be at least 26 x 26 centimeters. However, it is better not to save on space. The base plate is then cut to size according to the base area that you have decided on. The four side parts should not be less than around 30 centimeters in height. It is advisable to bevel the walls for the left and right sides a little and cut the front two centimeters shorter. In this way it is possible to attach the roof at an angle so that the rainwater can run off. The roof panel should be larger than the base area and, in particular, should extend a good two centimeters over the side walls.

Step 2: build the house

Once the individual pieces of wood have been cut to the right size, you can start building the actual house out of them. First, the four side parts are attached to the sides of the base plate. Ideally, small nails or fine screws are used for this.

The roof is best attached with two small hinges at the back so you can open it at any time to get inside. However, a secure closure is then necessary so that other animals cannot get into the hut via the roof. A simple hook fastener is usually sufficient.

Notice: Wood glue is less suitable as it can contain chemicals that could harm the squirrel.

Step 3: Cut Entry Holes

Each Kobel should have at least two inputs and outputs. These are usually circular holes that are cut into the wood. The diameter should be seven to eight centimeters each. One of these holes is ideally placed in the base plate near the trunk, so that the squirrel can quickly escape from the den in case of danger.

Step 4: Dress up and glaze the house

In order to camouflage the house as well as possible, it is a good idea to cover it with pieces of bark or moss, for example. These can simply be glued to the outside. Before that, however, the house should be given a biologically based glaze to protect it from moisture.

Step 5: Interior Design

In order for the squirrels to really feel comfortable in their hutch, the interior should be as comfortable and cuddly as possible. are suitable for this

  • mosses
  • weave
  • leaves
  • straw
  • hay

Fill the interior from above via the open roof. If you use a mixture of hay and straw, after filling, a hollow is pressed in with the hand clenched into a fist, in which the animals can snuggle up.

Step 6: Placement

Since there are usually fruit trees in the garden, it makes sense to place one or more Kobel in their treetops if possible. To do this, select a stable side branch. Attach the Kobel to this branch in close proximity to the trunk. Either nail this on or tie it to the trunk with a sturdy cable tie. It is important that you place only one squirrel nest per tree.

nests in the forest

In the wild, squirrels build amazingly strong and durable roosts. They usually make the animals from branches and pieces of bark that they find in the forest and shape them into a spherical shape. The squirrels use moss and leaves for the interior decoration of the Kobel. However, placement is much more important to them than shape or equipment. A Kobel is usually built in the forest in treetops with a height of at least four meters. This height is intended to ensure a minimum level of protection against predators:

  • marten
  • weasel
  • foxes
  • domestic cats

A Kobel in the great outdoors always has two entrances and exits. The second exit is usually on the underside and is placed as close as possible to the tree trunk. This gives the squirrel the opportunity to be brought to safety quickly in the event of an imminent danger. Each squirrel has several Kobel. They are each used differently. This includes

  • Birth and rearing of young animals
  • sleeping places
  • food hiding places
  • retreats in case of danger

nests in the garden

Nests in your backyard are usually only built to house squirrels. They should therefore meet the requirements that the animals make of them in the forest. For the sake of simplicity, however, the spherical shape is not used during construction, but is based on the principle of a birdhouse. However, it is of great importance that the house is placed as high and safely as possible in a treetop. In any case, it makes sense not just to build a single nest and offer it to the animals, but always several nests at the same time. The animals have a free choice. The roosts in the garden usually become

  • placed high up in the canopy of fruit trees
  • attached to a stable, larger side branch
  • as far away as possible from places where people often stay

If possible, you should distribute the various Kobeln over the entire property and not cluster them in one place.

frequently asked Questions

Do the squirrels also accept a self-made kobel?

This can only be decided by the animal and cannot be predicted. It is clear, however, that the Kobel appears attractive to the squirrel and the chances that it will take possession of it certainly increase.

How many nests should you have in the garden?

Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered unequivocally either. It is important that the animals can choose. Consequently, it should definitely be more than just a single nest. An offer of at least three different nests in the garden is usually ideal.

How are squirrels attracted?

This usually works best with food. Untreated nuts, which must not be salted, are ideal for this. But certain grains and seeds are also a treat for the squirrels. You can also offer certain fruits such as apricots. Lemons and oranges, on the other hand, should be avoided. They are usually too acidic for the animals.

Category:

Animals in the garden