Feeding squirrels is a very discussed topic recently, and there are almost just as many different opinions about it that there are squirrels. In some municipalities, it isn’t allowed to feed squirrels, and some people have a strong opinion on why you shouldn’t feed squirrels in the first place. However, I’ve another opinion, especially during winter.
There are multiple ways to help the squirrels during winter. The most effective way to help a squirrel is to build a squirrel house and constantly refill it with food. Examples of foods are nuts with shells, acorn, seeds, and other types of legumes.
I have built and made a dozen squirrel houses in my days but also bought a few, and there is not much that beats the feeling to see that the food inside it has decreased since the last fill.
Through this article, I will give you my best advice how to build the house, what to fill it with and not to fill it with.
Should I feed the squirrels during winter?
Before you embark on this project, I suggest you contact your municipal office and check if there are any restrictions in feeding squirrels. The rules may differ per season. In some cases, there are restrictions because squirrels are seen as an invasive species and would harm the biodiversity if their population stays the same or increases. 20-50% of all Americans feed birds. Why not give the squirrels some love, too, while 25% of them do not survive their first year.
In case you are allowed to feed squirrels during the winter I would say go for it! You might also want to read my other article focused on how to keep squirrels warm in winter.
Where do I start?
First thing to think about is where to put your squirrel house. Many think they want their bird house in their garden or yard. Sure, it’s cozy to drink your coffee in the morning, looking out through the window and see both Chip and Dale eating their breakfast to. However, there are some downfalls with putting the house in your garden.
If you live near traffic, the risk for the squirrels running over the road is quite severe. When rumor spreads in the squirrel community there’s a nice human giving out treats there will be multiple squirrels in no time. Over time the squirrels will be more and more familiar with your garden and take more risks. The day I got two squirrels running around in my house I will never forget. The other downside by having them in your garden is the neighbors cat. A couple of squirrels looks like a smorgasbord for cats.
Instead – go for the woods, where they belong
Finding a good place to feed squirrels
I would suggest you put your squirrel feeder in the woods just far enough that you have the motivation to go out and refill it. From the people I have spoken to, they recommend putting it as high as you possibly can, without needing a ladder. So my advice would be eye-height. So you can refill it with ease. However, RSPCA recommends 6 meters (19 feet) up.
There are different types of houses and feeders. Some you hang on a branch and some you nail into the tree.
Since I do not wish to harm the tree, I went in another direction. Working best for me has been nailing a house into a dead branch with the proper height I found on the ground. In cases I haven’t found a branch; I brought a plank from home. I dug a deep narrow hole in the ground and made it stick.
What to think about when choosing a squirrel feeder
- If you wish to use a bird feeder for both the birds and squirrels to share, make sure it’s safe for squirrels first. Otherwise, it’s a risk the squirrel will get stuck inside.
- Choose a feeder with a window where you can see from afar if it needs refilling.
- The feeder needs to be a bigger version of a bird feeder and the entrance hole approximately 3 inches (7cm).
What is the best food for wild squirrels during winter?
Squirrels don’t look for food that much during the winter season. During summer, they spend most of the day gathering and hiding food, but during winter, they only spend about 4-5 hours each day if they remember where they have hidden all their food that says.
Since squirrels require high-calorie dense foods, I recommend rich fatty foods. I’m not talking about french fries or chips, but instead of nuts with high-fat content.
What I feed the squirrels during winter and their fat content:
| Food | Fat | Calories |
| Macadamia nut | 76g | 718 |
| Pecan | 72g | 690 |
| Brazil nut | 66g | 655 |
| Walnuts | 65g | 654 |
| Hazelnut | 61g | 628 |
| Almond | 50g | 579 |
| Peanuts | 49g | 567 |
If you are planning to give the squirrels peanuts, beware they need to be lightly roasted first. The shell can otherwise easily mold, which can be toxic. Too much brazil nuts aren’t that good for squirrels either.
What food is bad for squirrels
A squirrel eats about anything, really. So you have to be the one that gives them the best nutrition. During winter, it’s important to give them high-calorie dense foods that provide them with enough fats. During summer, when they eat regularly, you can feed them regular stuff, like sunflower seeds, corn, or other salty foods. However, that is classified as junk food for them since it does not contain sufficient nutrients.
Some foods you shouldn’t give to squirrels:
- Salty foods like cheese force the squirrel to drink more water
- Wet dog or cat food, however dry food and dog biscuits are good in moderation
- Cashews, since it a high amount of phosphorous, can cause calcium loss.
Conclusion
- Check with your municipalities if it’s allowed to feed wild squirrels during winter
- Check to see if the feeder is squirrel safe before purchasing and it can’t trap the squirrel inside.
- Squirrels usually eat both vegetables and nuts, but during winter they need extra fat so focus on high-fatty nuts as food source
- Avoid foods that contain high amounts of salt