Squirrels are frequent guests in gardens and parks as they look for food there. Because food sources in nature are becoming more scarce, rodents have to turn to other resources. Bird feeders are a welcome addition that are helpful at different times of the year.
How should a squirrel feeder be designed?
A squirrel feeder provides the animals with an additional source of food and should be safe, easily accessible and hygienic. Suitable materials are untreated wood and plexiglass. The feeder can be purchased online or from specialist retailers or built yourself, with instructions available.
Why a bird feeder makes sense
More and more natural habitats are falling victim to various construction projects. Mixed forests are cut down on a large scale and are often replaced by coniferous forests. Squirrels are increasingly struggling with food shortages. They are forced to seek alternative sources of food. This brings the rodents close to people.
They are extremely adaptable and can adapt to less comfortable living conditions as long as there is enough food. But in tidy gardens, rodents can hardly find suitable food trees. Because they take up too much space in the garden, oaks, beeches or walnut trees are banned from the garden. A bird feeder offers the animals an additional source of food that is not only accepted between autumn and winter.
This speaks for summer feeding:
- pregnant and lactating mothers have high energy requirements
- Infants are thrown out of the nest when there is a lack of food
- In spring, young animals need not only leaves and sprouts but also fruits and nuts
- Tree fruits only ripen in late summer
Eichhörnchen entdeckt neues Futterhaus
A bird feeder should have these characteristics
Good models are shaped so that rainwater runs off the roof and does not enter the interior. However, they cannot completely prevent moisture from accumulating inside. Therefore, you must ensure that the water that has penetrated can escape again. A spacious seating area in front of the house is not just for convenience. While eating, squirrels can look in all directions and thus have a better view of possible enemies.
That's what matters:
- Ventilation: keeps food fresh
- Water drainage: prevents mold formation
- Accessibility: Lid should be easy to move
- He alth: natural and harmless material
- Safety: no sharp edges or crevices with risk of crushing
Buy a bird feeder?
There is now an unmanageable range of feeders in stores that try to impress with particularly low prices. Even if they appear attractive, they have rarely been tested for functionality. The first use shows that the rodents cannot get to the treats or that the food spoils within a short time.
What to pay attention to?
Even if a house is built with solid craftsmanship, it can pose risks for the animals. Models are often equipped with a lid that the animals have to open to eat. If a second squirrel jumps onto the feeder, the eating animal can be crushed. Stomata openings are therefore the better option. They also provide ventilation, which means the food spoils less quickly.
To protect against moisture, many models are sealed all around with strips or silicone. But this causes moisture to accumulate in the interior, which can no longer escape to the outside. The food becomes moldy and the fungal spores settle in the cracks, so that the house quickly becomes unusable. Avoid feeding stations that are made of particularly thick wood. Lids with a wood thickness of 19 millimeters can no longer move the animals.
The bird feeder should definitely have a lid
Pressure-impregnated wood ensures long durability, but endangers the he alth of the squirrels. At the latest when nuts and fruits have released their aroma into the wood, the animals gnaw on the material and ingest the toxic ingredients. Conversely, the chemically impregnated wood releases its ingredients into the food. When purchasing, make sure that the material is untreated.
Background
Pressure-treated wood
So that the wood is better protected from environmental influences, it is treated with s alts and various substances such as copper, chromium, arsenic or boron. They have an insecticidal and fungicidal effect, making the wood unattractive to pests and fungi. Such treated wooden components should never come into direct contact with food or animal feed, as they are extremely harmful to he alth.
Models in stores
The large online retailers and competitors Ebay and Amazon have a wide range of feeding stations that often do not meet the requirements. The Esschert Design brand offers aesthetic models, but they are not convincing in terms of quality and functionality. You quickly notice the models in the local hardware store. But here too there are big differences in quality. Only a few models impress with a good price-performance ratio. Dehner's own brand stands out from the crowd.
| Offer | Price range | Material untreated | Model from own brand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornbach | not a big selection | 20 euros | no | no |
| Obi | different models | 10-20 euros | partially | no |
| Dehner | various versions | 10-20 euros | yes | yes |
| Bauhaus | small product selection | 20-30 euros | no | no |
| Fressnapf | not a big selection | 20 euros | no | no |
Suitable dealers
The well-known hardware store chains often have similar models that hardly differ in terms of workmanship. If you decide to buy a feeding station, you should look in special shops. There are a number of associations and providers that specialize in protecting nature. The models on offer are of high quality, are characterized by high functionality and are harmless to he alth.
- Squirrel Protection e. V.
- Eichhoernchen.info
- Vivara – specialist for nature conservation products
- Nature Conservation Center
Build yourself according to the blueprint
If you would like to do it yourself, you can download various building instructions as PDFs online. These kits differ in terms of material requirements and level of difficulty. The following DIY craft instructions represent a simple version.
Dimensions for the required components (height/length x width):
- Dimensions for base parts and back wall: 27 x 14 centimeters
- Roof panel: 22 x 14 centimeters
- Side walls: 27 centimeters high at the back and 20 centimeters high at the front, 20 centimeters wide
- Plexiglass: 18 centimeters high and approx. 14 centimeters wide (adjust if necessary)
Preparations
Draw the outlines for each component on a sturdy wooden board that should be no thicker than 19 millimeters. You can saw out the components with a jigsaw. Use sandpaper to sand sharp edges and rough surfaces to avoid the risk of injury. The roof panel will later lie tilted forward on the side walls so that rainwater can drain away better. A seating area for the rodents is created on the protruding base plate.
The side walls each require a notch on the inside, which is sawn about a centimeter away from the shorter edge. If you saw the groove all the way to the bottom, squirrels have to lift the lid and steal the coveted treats. You can also leave a gap above the base plate so that the animals can access the food directly from the seat. For this variant, saw the notches up to about one centimeter above the ground.
Tip
A hinge makes it easier for you to fill and clean the bird feeder. However, the lid must not pose a danger to the animals. Leave a gap between the Plexiglas and the lid so that no squirrels can get trapped.
Montage
Attach a hinge in the middle of the back wall and the roof so that it can be opened up later. The base plate is screwed to the rear wall, to which the side walls are then attached. The long edge of the side walls faces the back wall. Finally, push the plexiglass into the notches and fill the
Feeding Tips The easiest way to feed squirrels is through feeders that are as high up as possible so that no other animals are attracted. They should be easily accessible (no smooth walls) and with good escape options, especially from cats? Nuts and seeds, preferably with a closed shell, can be filled into the feed boxes: For example, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine or cashew nuts, chestnuts, sunflower, pumpkin and pine nuts, beechnuts, dried rose hips, dried rowan, maple, Hornbeam or pine seeds. No fruit and vegetables as they will get moldy. Never bread and grain. Peanuts and corn only a little. Squirrels are coniferous forest dwellers. If you don't have any fir, pine or spruce trees nearby, you can collect cones and offer them. But please don't complain: they crumble terribly? If you have squirrels in your garden, you should start feeding them at the beginning of February. Then the first young animals are born and lactating mothers need a particularly large amount of fatty food. If you want to attract squirrels, you should start feeding them now, as the animals' range of motion is much smaller in winter and the animals need time to get used to the new feeding place. Please do not feed sporadically❗ If you feed regularly, the squirrels rely on the food source and plan their paths and their nests (Kobel) according to the food supply. If it falls away, it will be difficult for them to find a new source of food. The ideal feeder has a light lid that is not painted or coated because the animals can then slip off. Unfortunately, the platforms on the feeders are often quite small and in winter the big bottom and big paws have to fit on them - if necessary, you can screw a slightly larger board underneath. There are feeding house instructions for hobbyists here: https://www.wilde-kreaturen.help/wissenswertes/bauanleitung-futterhaus/ Do you feed and do you regularly have squirrels visiting? squirrels squirrels squirrellove wildanimalhelp wildanimals animallove animallove animalhelp winterfeeding squirrellove
A post shared by Eichhörnchen Notruf (@eichhornchennotruf) on Nov 6, 2018 at 12:59am PST
Material and processing tips
Basically, wood is more suitable than metal because it is a natural product and, if left untreated, has no impact on the environment or he alth. Sheet metal can be used as rain protection on the roof. Make sure to sand down sharp corners and edges. Such a rain deflector plate does not necessarily have to be made of sheet metal. You can also use a multiplex board made of birch plywood. This is waterproof, does not warp and is particularly thin.
When squirrels get their food from the feeding station by lifting the lid, you should pay attention to safety. You can also provide the Plexiglas plate with edge protection so that the sharp edge does not cut into it. Make sure that the lid does not remain vertical and become a snap trap if a curious squirrel pounces on the open food box.
Protect from environmental influences
So that you can enjoy your self-built bird feeder for a long time, the wood should be weatherproof. You can process the material with a glaze that is harmless to humans and animals. Various oils such as linseed and olive oil or wood wax have proven to be suitable remedies. If you apply it several times, the oil penetrates the wood pores and protects them from moisture. The result is a silky matt surface on which rainwater simply rolls off.
How to use linseed oil:
- apply first layer thinly with a sponge
- let dry at 20 degrees Celsius for at least a week
- apply two more coats with appropriate drying time
Attach and fasten
A safe bird feeder requires the right place in the garden so that potential predators do not pose a danger to the rodents. The higher you hang the feeder, the better the squirrels are protected. However, filling and cleaning is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
The feeding house should be accessible to people and out of reach of dogs and cats
Where to attach?
You can attach your bird feeder to a tall tree as well as to the balcony. Hang the structure from the main trunk of a tree so that it rests on a branch. Here the animals can quickly escape if a robber appears. A sheltered but clearly visible spot on the balcony is recommended. An unsuitable place is an open area. The shy rodents don't feel comfortable here because there are no options for protection.
Squirrels live in seclusion and become more and more curious due to lack of food. Careless behavior makes rodents more vulnerable to predators.
Attracting Tips
Squirrels sometimes need a little time before they discover the new food source. Sprinkle some bird seed on the seating board. After a short time, birds help themselves to the lavishly filled dinner plate and show the squirrels the new food source. Clamp a nut between the lid and the plexiglass. When the squirrel gets the nut, it understands the mobility of the hinged lid. It quickly learns how to get the coveted food. The animals quickly register whether the food box is full. They orientate themselves using their sense of smell.
Feeding
The right food belongs to the feeder. Squirrels are omnivores. They not only eat a vegetarian diet, but also actively hunt for animal prey. In order to ensure a varied food supply in the feed house, you should orient yourself towards nature. The closer to nature the menu is, the more comfortable the animals will feel in your garden.
In spring, it is best to feed nuts and seeds without shells, as the young animals cannot yet crack the shells. Unshelled nuts are only made available in autumn. Fruits and vegetables should be offered with caution, even when dried, as the food contains water.
| Spring – Summer | Autumn – Winter | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuts and seeds | Beechnuts and sunflower seeds | Hazelnuts, walnuts, spruce seeds, pine cones | ||
| Fruits | Berries, rose hips | dried bananas, apple chips, raisins | ||
| Natural food | Young birds and eggs | Mushrooms, buds and shoots |
Tip
Use only dry food that does not release moisture. It is better to offer fewer nuts and refill more often so that the food does not spoil.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I put my bird feeder?
If a predator comes from another direction, the animal must be able to escape quickly. Attach the feeder to a fork of a branch. A rough house wall is also suitable as a place for the feeding station. Squirrels can hold on to plastered surfaces easily.
How high to hang?
The ideal height for a bird feeder is two meters. At this altitude, squirrels are safe from cats. If you can hang the house higher so that it is easily accessible via a ladder, then the fluffy guests will be even better protected from predators.
Which food is suitable for the house?
Between spring and summer, you should preferably offer peeled seeds and fruits so that the young animals also have enough food. In autumn and winter you can feed nuts with shells such as walnuts, hazelnuts or beechnuts. Sunflower seeds, spruce seeds and pine cones enrich the food supply. Dried fruit and vegetables can contain water and are better offered at a free feeding place.
What should I do if I find an injured squirrel?
A squirrel in need needs our help. Young animals in particular are helpless without their mother. However, you shouldn't act hastily if you find a squirrel that seems to need help. Observe the situation calmly to assess possible injuries or illnesses. Contact nature conservation organizations such as Nabu.
