As the weather starts to warm up and the trees begin to bud, it’s important to remember the needs of our animal friends, particularly squirrels. With a little preparation, you can help squirrels thrive during the spring season.
Help squirrels in the spring by providing food, shelter, and protection. Offer seeds, nuts, and dried corn. Build a squirrel house or nest box. Protect them from dangers and maintain their health by keeping their shelter clean. Seek professional help for injured or orphaned squirrels.
From providing food and shelter to protecting them from potential hazards, there are many ways you can support these adorable creatures.
Providing Food For Squirrels
Natural food sources such as seeds and nuts may become more numerous for squirrels when the temperature warms. They may, however, require some additional assistance to get through the spring season. Consider putting out a feeder with seeds, nuts, and dried maize, or setting out a backyard buffet with similar things on the ground. Simply clear away any remaining food to avoid attracting further bugs.
It’s also a good idea to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to squirrels as a reward. Simply remove any uneaten goods to keep them from deteriorating and attracting bugs. You can assist squirrels acquire the nutrition they need to keep healthy and active by providing a range of food alternatives.
Building a Shelter For Squirrels
Squirrels may want a safe place to nest and relax in the spring, especially if they are raising a brood. You may help by building or purchasing a squirrel home or contributing a straw or leaf nest box. These structures can provide squirrels with a warm, dry place to sleep while also shielding them from predators.
When selecting on a location for the shelter, it is vital to consider the squirrels’ needs. Look for a site distant from high-traffic areas and away from predators. The shelter should also be placed in a sunny location to help keep the interior warm. It’s also a good idea to provide squirrels with a variety of shelter options so they may choose the one that best meets their needs.
During the spring, squirrels may encounter a variety of risks, including busy roadways, house cats, and outdoor goods that may contain poisons. Simple precautions such as keeping cats indoors and being cautious of where you store harmful things can help safeguard squirrels.
It’s especially crucial to be careful about squirrel protection if you live near a major road. Install a squirrel-proof fence or gate to keep squirrels away from the road, or build a wildlife corridor by planting native trees and shrubs that will offer squirrels with a safe route to go.
It’s also a good idea to avoid any outdoor items that may contain pollutants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These compounds can be dangerous to squirrels if consumed, so use them sparingly and carefully follow the label recommendations.
Helping Orphaned or Injured Squirrels
If you come across a squirrel in need of aid, it is critical that you seek expert assistance rather than attempting to care for the animal yourself. For information and guidance, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation facility or a professional wildlife rehabilitator. These specialists have the required skills and expertise to appropriately care for wounded or orphaned animals, giving the squirrel the best chance of recovery.
Remember that it can be risky and may not be in the squirrel’s best interests to try to care for it yourself. Handling wild animals may be dangerous, therefore emphasize the safety of both the animal and yourself.
Maintaining the Health of Squirrels
Maintaining squirrel health throughout the spring season is critical for their well-being. You may assist by feeding them a nutritious meal, keeping their shelter clean and dry, and keeping an eye out for any symptoms of disease or injury.
In addition to a range of seeds, nuts, and dried maize, you may give squirrels with fresh fruits and vegetables. Simply remove any uneaten goods to keep them from deteriorating and attracting bugs.
It’s also critical to keep the squirrels’ home clean and dry. Bacteria and parasites can breed in filthy or moist shelters, causing disease. Clean the shelter on a regular basis, removing any trash or waste and replacing bedding material as needed. If the shelter gets broken or old, consider repairing or rebuilding it so that the squirrels have a secure and comfortable area to relax.
It’s critical to keep an eye out for any symptoms of disease or injury in addition to maintaining the squirrels’ feed and housing. Lethargy, dehydration, trouble moving, and changes in appetite or behavior are all frequent warning symptoms. If you detect any of these indicators, you should seek counsel from a local wildlife rehabilitation facility or a qualified wildlife rehabilitator. These experts will be able to offer the squirrel with the necessary treatment and identify the best line of action.
You can help squirrels stay healthy and happy during the spring season by following these easy tips. A little love and attention may go a long way toward helping these cherished pets.
In Conclusion
To assist squirrels in the spring, provide a steady source of food, such as seeds, nuts, and dried corn, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables as a reward. You can even construct or buy a shelter for them to nest and relax in, protecting them from potential risks such as busy highways and poisons. Maintain their health by keeping their shelter clean and dry and looking for symptoms of disease or injury. Seek expert assistance instead of attempting to care for orphaned or wounded squirrels. You can help squirrels survive the spring season by following these easy actions.