What to Feed Squirrels in Backyard

Squirrels can be a lot of fun to have around, but unfortunately for all the neighbors it’s not always easy to come up with an appropriate diet. So what should you feed your furry friends in order that they don’t cause too much trouble? Below is a list of squirrel feeding options and their pros and cons.

The “what not to feed squirrels” is a question that has been asked many times. Here are some helpful tips on what to feed your backyard squirrels.

What are squirrels’ favorite foods?

Squirrels are omnivores in the same way as humans are. That they consume both veggies and meat. They consume nuts, fungus, and seeds, and will even devour eggs, tiny insects, and even small snakes.

They aren’t discriminating eaters in the wild and will eat everything they can find. Every week, a squirrel eats its body weight. For the most part, it equates to around a pound of food every week that it must locate. Squirrels like every kind of nut that is available in the vicinity. Our squirrels in Florida like the acorns that fall to the ground.

Because they may suffer from metabolic bone disease, they will also nibble on wood, deer antlers, twigs, and leaves to help balance their mineral intake. MBD is a condition that causes the bones of squirrels to deteriorate over time.

Square/Ball of Nuts

Unsplash photo by Kylli Kittus

If you want to take it a step further, prepare a batch of squirrel-specific nut squares. Here’s how to make the basic recipe.

To begin, crush some of the rat food into a powder or small bits. This may be done using a hammer.

In a large mixing basin, combine the following ingredients and whisk well:

The rodent block had been crushed.
A handful of sunflower seeds and little hazelnut, pecan, or walnut pieces
a smidgeon of hazelnut or walnut oil (optional)
a smidgeon of cornmeal (optional)
Suet, simple and soft
To taste, add some peanut butter — the amount is up to you… They won’t eat it if you can’t smell the peanut butter.
After that, add a little flour to make a sticky dough. That’s what’ll keep everything together.
Mix or knead well.
Roll the dough into little balls, approximately the size of walnuts, or shape it into a cookie.
Roll in nuts or sunflower seeds before serving.
Freeze thoroughly.

If you prefer, here’s another recipe for you to try.

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Water

Squirrels need a lot of water to survive. They’ll use your bird bath if you have one. If you can, attempt to provide some form of fresh supply that isn’t too near to your home. You don’t want them to get too used to being so close to you.

Feeders for Squirrels

C&S CS06205 Squirrel Snak, 2.7 Pounds, None

12243 Audubon Park Wild Bird and Critter Crunch

Volkman Seed Gourmet Squirrel Mix for Small Animals…

C&S CS06608 Sweet Corn Refill Squirrelog Backyard…

Get a Quote

C&S CS06205 Squirrel Snak, 2.7 Pounds, None

Get a Quote

12243 Audubon Park Wild Bird and Critter Crunch

Get a Quote

Volkman Seed Gourmet Squirrel Mix for Small Animals…

Get a Quote

C&S CS06608 Sweet Corn Refill Squirrelog Backyard…

Get a Quote

Why Do You Feed Squirrels?

Some people feed the squirrels in an effort to discourage them from devouring unwanted items in the backyard.

Many people, for example, strive to keep squirrels away from their bird feeders and gardens. Some folks just like watching the squirrels in their own backyard. They may help keep other undesirable creatures, such as songbirds, out of your yard.

If you like feeding birds in your backyard, be sure to invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders, since these rodents have a penchant for destroying them.

What Squirrels Shouldn’t Eat

Peanuts – Avoid giving them any kind of peanuts, particularly raw ones. Peanuts are legumes, and the mildew that grows on their shells may be poisonous to squirrels. This was unexpected since most people advise feeding them all of the peanuts. They’re welcome to some, but if you do give them any, make sure the nuts are roasted.

Corn on the Cob — People like feeding corn to squirrels, and squirrels enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, they provide little significant nutritional value to the squirrels and are deficient in the minerals required for their diet.

Sunflower Seeds – Sunflower seeds have the same issue. For the squirrels, this is essentially junk food. So, if you do decide to give them these ites, keep it to a minimum.

Is Feeding Squirrels Harmful?

I’d think it’s okay to feed the squirrels in this manner. I wouldn’t attempt to personally feed them or anything, but you can set up feeders and spots in your yard where they can receive food.

Our dearest buddy nursed a newborn squirrel back to health after it fell out of a tree. For a time, everything was OK. However, they are very savage, and the last time she attempted to touch one, it nipped her hand to flee.

They also carry their own types of parasites and fleas, so show caution when replenishing the feeders. You could set up a place in your backyard for the squirrels to eat so that you can keep your distance, here we go over five of the best Feeders for Squirrels!

Is Feeding Squirrels Illegal?

Many people wonder what to feed squirrels and whether it’s safe, but you need also check with your local government to see if it’s legal.

They don’t want people to feed squirrels for a variety of reasons.

You don’t want squirrels to grow reliant on people. If the squirrel is not indigenous to the region, it may pose a threat to local fauna and plants. It’s possible that overcrowding may occur. Check with your local government to determine whether intentionally feeding squirrels is unlawful.

Conclusion

So there you have it. The fundamentals. The squirrels will be grateful that you provided some of these items for them to eat in your backyard. Especially during the winter, and if they haven’t properly stored enough.

The “homemade squirrel food” is the best way to feed your backyard squirrels. The recipe includes peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.