what to feed a squirrel in captivity

Food for Captive Squirrels

• Nuts. They also provide natural proteins and essential fatty acids, both vital dietary components for healthy squirrels.
• Vegetables and seeds. ...
• Animal protein. ...
• Vitamins and minerals. ...
• Natural sunlight. ...
• Read about unsafe food for squirrels here: Unsafe Foods for Squirrels. ...

Full Answer

Why feeding squirrels can be dangerous?

Why feeding squirrels can be dangerous. When squirrels, whether native or not, becomes dependent on humans for food, they can lose the instinct to feed themselves and lose their fear of humans An area overpopulated with squirrels can mean an increase in diseases (like Lyme disease) that can be transmitted to pets, humans and other rodents (like more squirrels).

Do squirrels make good pets what you should expect?

Squirrels are a member of the Rodentia scientific order, meaning they’re rodents. People do keep some rodents as pets. For instance, mice, rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters are all commonly kept house pets, and they can be great starter pets for kids. Based on this, it makes sense that squirrels might make good pets too. But think of the flipside.

What to feed squirrels to keep them healthy?

What Squirrels Eat

• Squirrels consume variety of food from plants such as nuts, berries, roots and freash leafy green vegetables.
• Squirrels also eats fungi, eggs, insects, caterpillars, and other small animals.
• They enjoy cereal, bird seeds occasional bit of meat.
• Squrrels do not like to eat spicy food such as onion, raw garlic, peppers.

More items...

Where do squirrels get their food?

Three Ways Squirrels Hide Nuts and Other Food

• Scatter Hoarder Nut Caching. The most common tree squirrels, the Grey and Fox, demonstrate classic “Scatter Hoarder” behavior. ...
• Midden Nut Caching. On the complete other end of the nut storage spectrum from Grey squirrels are the red squirrels such as the Pine and Douglas squirrels.
• Burrow Nut Caching. ...

What is the best food to feed a squirrel?

As most people know, squirrels love most types of nuts but they will also eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The best thing to feed these animals are either Nuts in Shells, Jumbo Peanuts or specifically made Squirrel Food.

What foods are toxic to squirrels?

Toxic foods are poisonous to squirrels and should be completely avoided....UNHEALTHY FOODSHigh-sugar foods (candy, cookies, granola, sweetened breakfast cereals)High-starch foods (pasta, bread, rice, potatoes)Salty foods.Human junk food.Cashews.Sunflower seeds.Dried corn.Pine nuts.

What do you feed an abandoned squirrel?

Don't allow him to become chilled while you work with him. At about 6 weeks old your squirrel will be ready to start nibbling on solid food. These foods may include kale, broccoli, apples, grapes, sweet potato, and hard-shelled nuts out of the shell and a good quality rodent diet.

What can I feed a squirrel?

In general, squirrels eat a mixture of seeds, nuts, corn, fruit, leaves, fungi and bark. Setting out a variety of these items can help them get a balanced source of nutrition. Even a few of these things, like sunflower seeds and peanuts, will satisfy most squirrels.

Is bread OK for squirrels?

Nutritionally, it is OK to give squirrels an occasional piece of Whole grain or multi-grain bread. Be sure that it is not moldy, as bread molds are toxic. Also, do not put out more than the squirrel will eat, as it will mold quickly. Burying or hiding excess food is in squirrel's nature.

Do squirrels eat carrots?

Other favorites aren't exactly natural, but the squirrels love them anyway. These additional foods include peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, pistachios, grapes, corn, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, strawberries, carrots, apples, sunflower seeds and even snack items, such as Oreo® cookies.

How do you feed a small squirrel?

When the baby is warm, give slightly diluted milk, with a pinch of glucose and a drop of curd. Second feeding onwards (every four hours), you can give thick, undiluted milk and also a little curd. Newborn squirrels will also have to be stimulated to make them pass urine and motion.

How do you care for an orphaned squirrel?

Tips for Success Use plenty of bedding so the baby can get away from the heat if he gets too hot or burrow down for warmth if he gets cold. Keep household pets and small children away from the baby squirrel. Don't leave the baby outside, in a garage, or on a porch; bring him inside.

Can you keep a squirrel as a pet?

Squirrels eat nearly anything, which is partly why they are illegal to keep as pets in California. Given the prevalence of wild squirrels in California, it may surprise you to learn that keeping one as a pet is illegal.

What can I feed a squirrel at home?

Feeding Pet SquirrelsLegumes. Squirrels can eat a variety of plants, including legumes. ... Nuts. Everybody knows squirrels like nuts. ... Seeds. Seeds should be the bulk of your squirrel's daily diet. ... Fruits. Handheld pieces of berries, melons, apples, and other fruits can be offered sparingly. ... Insects.

What fruits and vegetables can squirrels eat?

Squirrels like to eat vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables and the leaves of root vegetables, such as carrots. But squirrels will eat pretty much any vegetable, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, butternut, pumpkin, spinach, and tomatoes.

Do squirrels eat carrots and celery?

Squirrels will also eat other delicious veggies such as tomatoes, radishes, corn, squash, beans, corn, peas, root vegetables, greens (such as beet greens and the greens of any root vegetables), okra, eggplant, brusssell sprouts, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, leeks–basically ...

What to feed squirrels?

Many Northern and Southern flying squirrel owners prefer to feed these pellets with some added nuts, seeds, and other foods to ensure they are providing a well-balanced diet. Parrot biscuits and monkey biscuits can also be fed as additional food but are not formulated to be the primary diet for pet squirrels.

What are some good foods for squirrels?

Nuts are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and even fiber for a pet squirrel. Provide a few nuts a day as treats to your pet squirrel.

What do squirrels eat?

Squirrels can eat a variety of plants, including legumes. Peanuts are probably the most popular and widely loved legume, but they aren't the only ones you should be feeding your pet. Peas, lentils, and beans are all excellent sources of plant protein. You should aim to provide a few legumes in a squirrel's daily diet.

What animals does Adrienne Kruzer work with?

Adrienne Kruzer, BS, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Squirrels are quick critters who need to eat throughout the day to maintain their energy levels and body weight.

Do squirrels need calcium?

Many squirrels, especially flying squirrels, will need a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement if they don't get enough from the food they eat. In order to make sure your squirrel is getting enough calcium and vitamin D, you can dust fruits and vegetables with calcium powder made for reptiles a few times a week.

Do squirrels eat mealworms?

While you may not like the idea of your little squirrel munching on a crunchy mealworm, your little rodent friend sure might! Squirrels will often enjoy the occasional mealworm or super worm, or may even jump at the chance to chase a cricket.

How to keep squirrels away from my yard?

Take a cup of coffee or tea outside, sit in a lawn chair and watch your backyard world go by. Soon you’ll notice that squirrels take the same paths through your yard. They’re creatures of habit, just like us, Tammi says. Once you know where they tend to travel, plant or place food items and water along that path to keep them focused on what you want them to consume.

What does Tammi eat?

Tammi places spoiled apples, corncobs and other unprocessed foods underneath a pear tree. Then instead of raiding all her trees, the hungry mammals tend to stick to one spot. Check out these 13 funny squirrel photos that are just too cute. If you can’t beat squirrels, feed them corn and nuts.

Do squirrels eat nut?

An American red squirrel holds a nut in its paws. Keeping squirrels out of your bird feeders or gardens can seem like a losing battle—and it probably is. (Psst—here are the best squirrel-proof bird feeders !) Urban tree squirrels live and look for food almost everywhere.

Do urban tree squirrels live?

Urban tree squirrels live and look for food almost everywhere. So instead of waging a war you will not win, perhaps it’s time to learn what to feed squirrels, and how to live peacefully alongside the furry creatures.

Do squirrels get thirsty?

Squirrels get thirsty just like other wildlife. “They are notorious for chewing emitters and sprinkler tops,” Tammi says. “They can hear the water and can’t figure out how to get to it.”. Her squirrels stopped nibbling when she placed a shallow dish of water about a foot off the ground.

What are some wild foods that squirrels eat?

Wild Foods—Unlimited while in season. Magnolia cones, pine cones, pine branches and bark, branch tips of nontoxic trees, roses from your garden, wild rose hips, purslane, plaintain, lambs quarters, and dandelion greens can be gathered fresh daily. Look to see what the wild squirrels are eating in your area.

What do squirrels need?

Your squirrel needs a balanced diet containing protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals, including lots of calcium. Feed a variety of foods from each category in the amounts indicated. Note: Amounts are for a 450-gram (1 pound) squirrel, and should be adjusted as necessary depending on your squirrel’s weight.

How to keep squirrels healthy?

1 hour per day in an outdoor cage or screened porch during the warm months provides Vit D and will help keep your squirrel healthy. An open window screened with aluminum screening or hardware cloth is another option.

Is there a vegetarian formula for squirrels?

Vegetarian formulas contain no preservatives, phytoestrogens, or nitrosamines. The 2014 is a low-fat, low-protein formula suitable for older squirrels. The 2018 is for growing squirrels ( under 18 months old). Store in the refrigerator. $5.00 for 5 lbs at the Crafty Rat:

Is a squirrel overweight?

Being overweight causes all kinds of health problems and is a major factor in diabetes in older animals. “Healthy weights” may vary: northern squirrels tend to be heavier than southern squirrels, and foxers are heavier than greys. In general, your pet should look like the healthy wild squirrels in your area.

What do squirrels eat?

Wild Squirrels Favorite Food. All squirrels love nuts, acorns, vegetables, fungi, plants, and pretty much anything they can get their hands on. Squirrels eat anything, so it’s not hard to satisfy their hunger. If you’re just starting to venture into feeding them, they will be scared of you.

What is exotic squirrel complete?

Exotic Squirrel complete is wholesome nutrition for squirrels that visit your backyard as well as pet squirrels. This healthy blend consists of cranberries, rose hips, pumpkin seeds, corn, sweet potatoes, and apples that replicate the natural flavors squirrels love.

What animals eat corn on the cob?

The corn on the cob is perfect for feeding other wildlife such as raccoons, ducks, gray jays, blue jays, and geese. We’ve found that the best way to feed them is to use something like a corn squirrel feeder bungee. We’ve also just thrown the corn on the ground and watched them carry it back to their nest.

Do squirrels like ball nuts?

Squirrels love homemade ball nuts and the best part is that they are nutrition for them. I’ve created squirrel nut squares (they look like a granola bar) and squirrel nutballs once. Both times, I set them outside where squirrels hang out by my feeders and both times, they were gone within 8 minutes.

Do squirrels eat bird seed?

After doing some research and experimenting with backyard squirrels, I discovered that wild squirrel squirrels eat pretty much anything, even bird seed. However, my backyard squirrels seem to love Wild Squirrel Delight products that are extremely affordable and provide them with the nutrients they need.

Does Amazon sell wildlife food?

Amazon sells several different kinds of wildlife food. We love giving our backyard friends treats in the winter or colder months, when food is harder to come by. It makes it easier for them to get their nutrition and it makes us feel good knowing we’re helping out mother nature.

Can squirrels eat sunflower seeds?

Can you feed squirrels sunflower seeds? Yes, they absolutely love eating them and will do anything to get to them. That’s why we’ve written this article to help you protect your beautiful sunflower plants.

What to feed squirrels that shy away from pellets?

If you squirrel tends to shy away from eating the pellets or clocks, it's suggested to include an additional vitamin or mineral such as Exotic Nutrition's Squirrel Booster (multivitamin) and/or Squirrel-Cal (calcium supplement) in the diet. Natural sunlight for 1 hour per day in an outdoor cage or screen porch during warm months provides vitamin D ...

What do squirrels eat?

Vegetables and seeds are common in herbivore's diet. Since squirrels are predominantly herbivores, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, apples, and rose hips are all used in Squirrel Complete to replicate natural flavors. Animal protein in the form of dried insects such as crickets, mealworms, and black soldier fly larva are ...

What is squirrel complete?

Exotic Nutrition's Squirrel Complete is an all-natural diet made with tree nuts, vegetables, berries, seeds, and squirrel blocks for added nutrition and dental health. This is a great option for providing picky Squirrels with complete nutrition without compromising taste.

What is the best pellet diet for squirrels?

Are your looking for a healthy, easy to feed diet for your pet squirrel? Exotic Nutrition's Deluxe Squirrel Diet is the recommended pellet diet for captive pet squirrels. It is precisely calculated with the correct amount of protein and vitamins your squirrel needs to thrive. This diet is made with premium ingredients including walnuts, pistachios, pecans, almonds, pumpkins seeds, dried fruits & vegetables, and high protein pellets.

What to use for squirrels to keep teeth groomed?

The pellets in Squirrel Complete will help with tooth grooming, but it's also suggested to use apple sticks, chew toys, and a pumice chew block to help grind teeth down during use. Shop our chew toys.

How long should I feed my dog pellets?

When offering a pellet diet for the first time, we recommend feeding 100% pellets for 5 days straight , with zero other food options or treats. Even one minuscule piece of nut can discourage them from eating the pellets because they think they will eventually be offered more nuts if they continue withhold eating.

What to feed squirrels to keep them from burying food?

carrots. spinach. green beans. bean sprouts. celery. Shredding food can also prevent issues with squirrels burying food in your garden for later. Feeders and feeding stations need to be cleaned and have the food replaced regularly to reduce disease risks.

How to encourage squirrels in garden?

A better way to encourage and enjoy wildlife in your garden is by planting suitable trees and leaving wild areas alone.

What to do with squirrels in your garden?

Create a habitat for squirrels instead. Planting trees in your garden which provide habitat and food for squirrels, such as oak, beech, sweet chestnut and hazel. Not chopping down tree branches which might affect active squirrel nests and result in injury to squirrels and their infants.

How to tame grey squirrels?

Attempting to tame grey squirrels by hand feeding them or handling their young will make it difficult for them to survive in the wild, so it's always best to avoid doing this. Enjoy wildlife from a distance to see them exhibit their natural behaviours.

Is grey squirrel a problem?

Grey squirrels can either be considered as cute or a problem, with some people liking them in their garden and others seeing squirrels as a nuisance. If you would like to encourage squirrels to your garden, create an environment suitable for them.

Do nest boxes increase squirrel numbers?

Nest boxes increase squirrel numbers. Nest boxes can increase the number of grey squirrels in an area, which will lead to an increase in the demand for suitable sources of food and shelter. This could be a problem for you and other people in the area. Therefore, it's best to let squirrels choose the most suitable area to naturally build their nests.

Seeds and Nuts

Flying squirrels are arboreal mammals that reside in coniferous and deciduous forests. Thus nuts are an essential part of a healthy diet for them. They feed on various nuts, from hickory nuts to pine nuts, walnuts, and acorns.

Fungi

Flying squirrels feed on fungi, lichens, and mushrooms. These gliding squirrels inhabit forests. Thus, fungi, mushrooms, lichens, and even truffles are often essential for their diet. The fungi are spread out of the forest floor in a dense web.

Fruits and Vegetables

Flying squirrel species have the ability to adjust their diet according to seasons and availability. During summer, their diet includes more fruits like strawberries and vegetables. The flying squirrel diet consists of persimmons and wild grapes as the weather turns warmer.

Tree Sap, Flowers, and Buds

Flying squirrels also hop on to tree sap and other fluids from plants. While they are omnivores, they can survive on a plant-based diet, including flowers and buds. However, they need to supplement their diet with various animal-based foods to keep a healthy balance.

Insects, Eggs, and Birds

Even though northern flying squirrels eat insects, eggs, birds, and nestlings, the southern species are more inclined towards an animal-based diet. Insects prove to be an excellent way to provide squirrels in captivity with protein, calcium, and Vitamin D3. You can feed them mealworms, crickets, and moths.

Small Animals and Carrion

Flying squirrels do not get a lot of sunlight since they are nocturnal mammals. Small animals like other rodents found in the forest and carrion provide these squirrel species with calcium as they can gnaw on bones. A southern flying squirrel is more fond of such a diet.

Formulated Pellets

You can feed your flying squirrel with specially formulated pellets to ensure a balanced diet in captivity. However, it is prudent to add some nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects to the mix to supply all the nutritional essentials.

What do squirrels eat?

In particular, squirrels prefer acorns, hickory nuts, and beech-nuts. Insects and other food derived from animals make up under 2% of a squirrel’s diet.

Why are grey squirrels regulated?

Gray, Red and Fox Squirrels are regulated in all states mainly because of their game (furbearer) status. People legally hold flying squirrels, Chinchillas, Prairie Dogs and a variety of exotic wildlife from around the world and that is no more or less ethical. Wildlife of any kind should be in it’s native habitat.

How old are squirrels when they reach sexual maturity?

Maturity. When your squirrel reaches sexual maturity hormonal changes will effect it’s behavior. Female squirrels 1st estrus is usually at around 1 year with a mean of age of 1 year 3 mos but can be as early as 5-7 mos. Males mature between 1-2 years and their 1st rut is usually less of an issue than a females estrus.

How do you know if a squirrel is sick?

Signs of illness include lethargy, dull eyes, labored breathing, hunched over with puffed fur, nasal or mouth discharge and difficulty eating or no appetite. Incisor teeth should be orange not white and nails should be dark with white tips, not white and chalky. If your squirrel does get sick we can help you find a squirrel friendly vet in your area. Email admin for help. Squirrels generally carry no diseases that are dangerous to people and squirrels are NOT rabies carriers – so relax and don’t worry if you get bitten. Just use standard bacterial precautions and wash well with soap and water. Infected squirrel bites are from bacteria present on your skin being pushed into the wound not from the squirrels mouth. If you have to go to a doctor regarding a bite don’t tell them it’s from your “pet squirrel”. In many jurisdictions reporting is mandatory and you will likely receive a visit from animal control to have your squirrel seized.

Why are squirrels injured?

Every day squirrels are injured in accidents involving falls, cars, machinery, from predators, wildfires and many other causes. Every injury is different and must be evaluate by a vet to make sure the squirrel can survive with a pain free existence.

What is the safest squirrel play room?

The safest squirrel play room is an empty one with just climbing perches, ropes, and squirrel safe toys. All electrical cords for lamps etc must be removed or your squirrel will be electrocuted when it bites into a cord. Your squirrel will chew on everything in it’s path so be vigilant and supervise at all times.

Why do squirrels claw their nails?

A squirrels nails are very sharp to allow for gripping when climbing and they can cause pain when leaping onto you or running around your person like a tree. Sometimes a squirrel will bat you with it’s front claws like a cat but the majority of the time scratches are from climbing/landing, not aggression.

What to feed a squirrel?

Alternately, natural foods like nuts and berries along with certain kinds of greens are beneficial. You’ll want to take the time to find out what to feed your squirrel, and how much. Babies require small frequent feedings of special milk-type formula given through a syringe.

What is the best food for squirrels?

Like young children, they love foods that aren’t good for them, so you’ll need to plan their menus carefully. The local veterinarian can advise you on the best available pet food products for your squirrel. Alternately, natural foods like nuts and berries along with certain kinds of greens are beneficial.

Why are baby squirrels so cute?

Take Safety Precautions. Baby squirrels are so cute and cuddly looking that many people forget how dangerous they can be. Even small babies have long claws intended to dig into tree trunks for climbing and securing a seat on a branch. Claws also tear apart food for easier eating.

How to keep a baby squirrel warm?

A small animal pouch like those used for possums will help to keep the baby warm as well. If a baby squirrel does get chilled, don’t feed it until the body temperature rises to normal, as babies cannot digest food while cold. Keep the cage clean as you would for other domestic pets like hamsters or gerbils.

What happens if a squirrel doesn't get water?

If they don’t get the right food, they could develop diarrhea and even die. Fresh water can be provided through a plastic tube and syringe attached to the cage. Some owners put a small dish of water in the bottom of the cage, although the squirrel will likely make a mess of it.

Do squirrels like to urinate?

Squirrels like clean living space and they toss debris like leftover food or toys out of the cage. They’ll even defecate and urinate on the sides of the cage to keep it away from the interior. You might want to place newspaper or a tarp under the cage to catch fallout.

Can claws tear apart food?

Claws also tear apart food for easier eating. Their sharp teeth can likewise break open hard nut shells and chew tough foods that require significant preparation for eating. However, these skills used for food preparation also function as weapons when necessary.

Legumes

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Seeds

Vegetables

Fruits

Insects

Formulated Pellets

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