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 attract animals to your garden, there are a few things you should consider.
Which food is suitable for feeding squirrels?
Squirrels should be fed, especially in winter, as their natural food supply is more scarce. Suitable foods include walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, raisins and dried apples. Avoid bread, dairy products, exotic fruits, almonds and peanuts.
Should you feed squirrels?
In addition to well-known nature conservation organizations, there are also private associations throughout Germany in which volunteers take care of squirrels in need. They finance themselves through donations and are grateful for any help, especially in years when there is a high demand 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 a species conservation perspective, there is no reason for additional feeding, as fluctuations in the food supply are normal. About every four years there are so-called mast years in which the trees produce excessive amounts of fruit and seeds. These alternate with years in which hardly any beechnuts or hazelnuts are produced.
Hot and dry summers make fruit ripening even more difficult. As a result, squirrels find it difficult to find food for themselves and their young, meaning that squirrel populations decline sharply in some years. If the food supply improves, the populations recover.
Proponents
While animals in the forest usually find alternative sources of food, it becomes even more difficult for them in urban areas. There is a lack of deciduous trees, pines and spruces here, so squirrels can hardly find food in these habitats. The limited food supply is leading to a decline in squirrel populations in the city.
If there is a lack of natural food, supplementary feeding can provide relief - at least in the short term, because the entire population cannot be saved and is still subject to the natural fluctuations in the food supply. Feeding places are very suitable for experiencing nature because they enable rare observations.
Squirrels don't always find enough food
Summer vs. winter feeding
If you answered “yes” to the question about supplementary feeding, you now have to decide how often food should be offered. Nature conservation organizations such as Nabu or LBV recommend supplementary feeding in winter. Summer feeding, on the other hand, is discussed more often. But there is no danger in providing additional food in the summer as long as you follow the feeding rules.
Food supply throughout the year:
- Summer food: Nuts without shell, leaves, shoots and buds
- Winter food: Nuts with shell, dried fruit, cones
- all year round: offer water
Food offer in winter
Squirrels don't hibernate. In winter they draw on the deposits they have built up until autumn. However, when the ground is severely frosty, the animals have no way of getting to the underground hiding places. However, these hiding places only make up a small part of the winter diet. If the squirrels can't find their hiding places 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
You can also feed from time to time in summer
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 place and losing sight of alternatives. However, such developments have not been proven. If you pay attention to natural feeding and provide a balanced range of food, the squirrels' instincts should not be lost.
This speaks for summer feeding:
- Nature education: Observations enable new experiences
- Species diversity: the more species live in the garden, the more balanced the habitat is
- Bird protection: Seeds also attract songbirds
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are omnivores. They eat primarily vegetarian food and embrace everything nature has to offer in the treetops. In addition to leaves, buds and shoots, their diet includes various fruits. Nuts and seeds make up a large part of their diet. Squirrels eat walnuts, beechnuts, chestnuts and acorns. Rodents rarely feed on animal food such as insects, chicks and eggs or small animals.
Lifestyle
Squirrels are active during the day 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, as there are often fruit-bearing trees here. The animals collect seeds and fruits from these between spring and autumn.
Squirrels create numerous hiding places in which they bury the fruits they have collected. Animals do not hibernate during the winter. They loot their hiding places, but not all of the camps are always found again. The seeds begin to germinate underground the next spring and develop trees and shrubs. In this way, squirrels ensure natural forest cover.
Excursus
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 jump distances between four and five meters. To do this, the squirrel needs strong hind legs to jump off and sharp claws with which it can 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 rodents, there is no reason to worry. If you pay attention to a few aspects, it will not harm the animals and they will not get used to the feeding places. Even if feeding on a small scale cannot have a positive effect on the entire population of squirrels, there is nothing standing in the way of supplementary feeding.
| suitable | conditionally suitable | unsuitable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuts | Walnuts, hazelnuts | Chestnuts due to short shelf life | Peanuts, almonds |
| Seeds | Sunflower seeds | – | – |
| Fruits | Raisins, dried apples | – | exotic fruits |
| Vegetables | Carrots, ripe cucumbers | Corn in small quantities | – |
| Other | everything squirrels eat naturally | rusks | Bread, dairy products |
Feeding in the city
In the city, targeted feeding of squirrels is recommended, as the animals hardly find food here. The only problem that becomes a problem is traffic if you live on busy streets. Cats can also be fatal to squirrels. Anyone who attracts squirrels with food should be aware of these dangers.
Cats can be dangerous to squirrels
This is important to note
Avoid feeding places at ground level. Squirrels naturally live at lofty heights and prefer these for feeding. At a height of at least two meters, the animals are better protected from predators and can escape through the treetops if attacked.
The more feeding places are offered, the less likely squirrels get into each other's enclosures. The places should be cleaned regularly to prevent pathogens from spreading. Never leave food for longer than two days. Also make sure you have a balanced diet and avoid one-sided feeding.
Tips for dealing with squirrels:
- Treat animals with respect
- make sure that squirrels don’t lose their shyness
- Provide plenty of hiding places
- Do not offer food daily
Provide water
Even more important than an automatic feeder is a water trough. In recent years, many water sources and rivers have dried up. The animals are having increasing problems maintaining their water balance. Many rodents become dehydrated and have to leave their offspring helpless. Create watering holes in your garden. A small garden pond is just as suitable for this as a bowl placed on a raised tree stump in the bushes.
Locations for feeding areas
The ideal location for the feeder is a place far away from the house so that the animals can eat undisturbed. The box should be installed at a height of at least two meters to make it more difficult for cats to raid and to allow the rodents to escape in time. If you want to install the box on a balcony or terrace, you should allow the animals to eat undisturbed. If you lose your fear of people, negative consequences cannot be ruled out.
Danger through habituation:
- Animals can lose their natural instinct to flee
- increasing courage pushes squirrels into unnatural environments
- become an easy victim for road traffic
Tip
When you buy feed mixes, you should pay attention to quality and composition. The food should be natural and contain no additives.
Natural garden
Squirrels find enough food in the natural garden
The ideal solution is a naturally landscaped garden in which squirrels feel comfortable and have 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 cones from spruce and pine trees. The animals feel particularly comfortable in habitats with different tree species of all ages.
The Squirrel Garden:
- low shrubs and tall trees
- protected water point
- Dead wood on the edge of the bank or branches sticking into the water
Tip
Twigwood piles and stone walls provide a habitat for insects and vertebrates. The squirrels also benefit from the elements because they provide additional sources of food.
Fungicides, insecticides and herbicides
If you leave one corner of the garden to natural flow, the rest of the area should also be carefully cared for and treated. In most cases, the use of chemical substances or home remedies to eliminate pests, fungi and unwanted plants also harms animals. Find out about the possible effects of various agents so that there is no risk to squirrels, insects and birds. Eliminate all potential sources of danger. Even the open rain barrel can pose a risk if the animal falls into it.
| Effect | Potential hazards | Follow | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrain | mineral fertilization | liquefies in heavy rain | Causts on the outsoles |
| Slug pellets | Attractants | sweet aroma attracts birds and rodents | fatal poisoning |
| Acetic acid | Weed destruction | Substances wet fodder plants | Caustic 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 Bavaria there are now squirrel forests in which the rodents have lost all fear of humans. They are curious and even eat out of visitors' hands. The abundant food sources are gratefully accepted, which promises a unique experience, especially for children.
Squirrel forests in Germany:
- Doniswald near Königssee
- Triberg Waterfalls
- Fishing in the Allgäu
This is what you need to pay attention to
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. Unbalanced feeding causes rodents to become lethargic and comfortable. This makes them easy victims for natural enemies. Make sure you eat a balanced and varied diet and don't overdo it. Nuts with shells are recommended for feeding in the wild to keep the animals occupied.
Squirrels are naturally shy. These instincts must not be lost through feeding.
Frequently asked questions
Can you feed squirrels?
There is no ban on feeding squirrels. However, feeding in urban areas can cause problems with neighbors. It is not uncommon for tenants to complain about the behavior of residents whose balcony is above theirs. If leftover food falls onto someone else's balcony, those affected are usually uncomprehending. Such incidents lead to landlords themselves setting up bans on feeding animals on the balcony.
Is it useful to feed squirrels?
This question is discussed again and again. There are reasons in favor of feeding as well as facts against the unnatural food supply. From a conservation perspective, it is not necessary to feed squirrels. Populations are subject to natural fluctuations and are regulated by the food supply in the forest. From a nature education perspective, there is nothing wrong with feeding them. Children and adults enjoy the observations.
How long should you feed squirrels?
Basically, nature conservation organizations recommend feeding during the winter months, as the food supply is particularly scarce here. Squirrels also give birth to their young in February. They need a lot of energy during pregnancy and food after birth to raise their young. Feeding is generally not necessary in summer. However, it can expand the animals' food supply, mainly in urban areas.
What to do if you find an injured squirrel?
A baby squirrel is still helpless and needs protection and attention from its mother. If you find a young squirrel, you should calmly observe the situation. In many cases the mother returns after a few minutes and looks after the young animal. If the squirrel is visibly abandoned or injured, it needs our help. There are special reception stations that look after the animals. Find out more from local nature conservation associations.
