what to feed your pet squirrel

Feeding Pet Squirrels

• Legumes. Squirrels can eat a variety of plants, including legumes. Peanuts are probably the most popular and widely...
• Nuts. Everybody knows squirrels like nuts. Walnuts, acorns, almonds, and other nuts are all loved by squirrels.
• Seeds. Seeds should be the bulk of your squirrel's daily diet. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and...

Full Answer

What should you not feed squirrels?

Why you should not feed squirrels?

• Peanuts. Many people are surprised to find out that squirrels aren't supposed to eat peanuts especially since the rodents love them so much.
• Junk Food. This includes salted and sugared snacks.
• Corn.
• Animal or Human Formula.
• Breakfast Cereals.
• Pet Food.
• Why You Shouldn't Feed Squirrels.
• Hire an Expert to Remove Squirrels.

What is the cheapest food you can feed a squirrel?

You can also feed the squirrels loose corn either on a tray or inside a box feeder. Dried corn is incredibly inexpensive IF you can purchase it from a farm supply store.

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 types of foods can you feed a squirrel?

| Ultimate List Of Squirrel Foods

1. Nuts. If you have a nuts tree in your backyard then it’s very likely that you have observed squirrels near it.
2. Fruits. Squirrels love fruits and passionately eat any type of fruit from trees and plants. ...
3. Vegetables. ...
4. Grains & Cereals. ...
5. Foods Containing Cheese. ...
6. Foods Found In Garbage. ...
7. Pet Foods. ...
8. Seeds for Birds. ...
9. Insects Or Bugs. ...
10. Mushrooms & Fungi. ...

More items...

What can I feed an indoor squirrel?

Low carbohydrate vegetables, low sugar fruits, nuts, seeds, edible flowers and eggs are all good choices for squirrels. Foods native to your area are especially recommended for wild born squirrels. Tree nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts are full of nutrition that will benefit your squirrel.

What should squirrels not eat?

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 food can you 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 it OK to keep a squirrel as a pet?

Squirrels may live in your backyard or neighborhood. They are fun to watch scamper around, and you may consider that they would make cute pets. As a general rule, squirrels aren't domesticated and aren't good animals to keep as pets.

What do squirrels eat daily?

Nuts and seeds make up as much as 95% of the eastern gray squirrel diet. 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. So, your squirrel will need just over a quarter pound of food every day.

What is toxic to a squirrel?

Corn. You can feed squirrels a little corn cut up in pieces but never a whole since squirrels have a tendency to overeat, sometimes even to death. Corn also turns sour quickly and grows mould so make sure that the corn is good to eat before feeding. Mouldy or sour corn can be toxic and even fatal to 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 like apples?

Squirrels enjoy the delicious sweet taste of apples and eat whole fruit along with the skin and even the apple seeds. It is however recommended that you remove the core from the apple before feeding it to your pet squirrel as the apple seeds contain toxins that can be dangerous to squirrels.

Do squirrels like bananas?

Squirrels aren't picky eaters. They love nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and almost anything humans give. Speaking of bananas, squirrels will happily eat them. Eating fruits including bananas gives them the much-needed sugar-boost and energy to scramble around.

Do squirrels eat carrots?

Like many other fruits and vegetables, squirrels can have carrots. Every part of this root vegetable is safe for squirrels to eat. They're a good, natural treat, without the extra calorie count associated with other treats.

How do you bond with a squirrel?

Put out food every day to associate your scent with feeding time. The squirrels will learn to trust you because you're a reliable source of food. Create a safe outdoor space, such as a corner of a porch or a garden. Try to feed them at the same time every day so they don't go elsewhere to look for treats.

How long can a pet squirrel live?

Pet Squirrels Lifespan In the wild, healthy adults may reach an average age of around 6 years – although in some cases, they have been recorded as having lived 12 years. In captivity, the longest squirrel lifespan on record was 20 years. However, 10-12 years is more typical.

What is life expectancy of a squirrel?

Mean life expectancy for a gray squirrel at birth is 1-2 years; the average life span of an adult is closer to 6 years. Records for maximum life span are 12 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity. Predators: The typical predators of small to medium-sized mammals prey upon gray squirrels.

Is it OK to feed squirrels peanuts?

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 do squirrels drink?

As it turns out, squirrels actually drink a lot of water, and they need even more water during warm weather, lactation and pregnancy. It's crucial that they have a clean source of water, and if they cannot get this from their natural environment, then there is nothing wrong with helping them out.

Can squirrels eat lettuce?

Vegetables. Squirrels eat a variety of vegetables, and gardeners know this all too well. If a squirrels happens upon any leafy green such as lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, or arugula, they will chow down.

How can I get rid of squirrels in my yard?

Here's how to get rid of squirrels in the yard and keep them out of your home.Don't feed them. If you feed them, they will come. ... Remove what attracts them. The sight and smell of fallen fruit, nuts and seeds lures squirrels. ... Scare them. ... Spray them. ... Exclude them. ... Deter them. ... Repel them. ... Plant flowers squirrels hate.More items...

What smells do squirrels hate?

Strong smells are a great way to repel squirrels – certain odors make squirrels wrinkle their noses. They're said to dislike the scent of coffee grounds and peppermint, or you could make up your own recipe with vinegar, garlic and onions or peppermint oil to spray in the garden.

What vegetables will squirrels not eat?

Squirrel Resistant Plants Try planting allium, crocus, lily, marigold, hyacinth, daffodil, impatiens, geraniums or columbine if you've had a problem with squirrels eating your flowers. Garlic and onions are some of the only veggies squirrels won't touch.

How can I keep squirrels away from my house?

Use Strong Odors. Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.

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 safe from predators?

Squirrel accommodations. You can create a cage that is kept inside or outside as long as your squirrel is safe from predators.

How to get squirrels out of your house?

Preparing your home for squirrels. Squirrels love to climb, play, and hide. Since they are wild animals, you may consider letting your squirrel in and out of your house. You’ll need to ensure your house and backyard are safe for your new pet, which means you should: Put away any small objects that your squirrel can knock over ...

How to train a squirrel to use the litter box?

Encourage your squirrel to use the litter box by placing their feces there, so they smell it and associate the box with using the bathroom. General training for your squirrel. While squirrels are difficult to train, you can build habits over time by encouraging certain behavior.

How to adopt a squirrel?

First, have your squirrel checked out by a veterinarian. If you decide to adopt a squirrel, it is a lifetime commitment. Once squirrels are domesticated, they lose their natural instincts to survive in the wild. Preparing your home for squirrels. Squirrels love to climb, play, and hide.

How to keep squirrels from climbing?

Put away any small objects that your squirrel can knock over and break while climbing. Cover small holes and put away appliances your squirrel can climb in to hide. Secure chemicals and other dangerous substances, including processed snacks your squirrel may get into.

How big should a squirrel cage be?

The cage should be a minimum of two feet across on all sides to be big enough for your squirrel to move around and taller than it is deep. Feeding your squirrel. The best strategy for feeding your pet squirrel is to match what they would eat in the wild. This includes: Pinecones. Seeds. Mushrooms. Flowers and buds.

Why won't my squirrels understand being punished?

Your squirrel won’t understand being punished when they are “bad” because many of their less desirable behaviors are natural instincts. Instead, remove objects that you want them to leave alone, or move them to another room or area with fewer distractions. Pagination. 1.

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.

How much water do squirrels need?

Squirrels drink a lot of water. According to the Squirrel Board, they can drink about 2-3 tablespoons per day, depending on the squirrel.

How to keep squirrels from eating rodent blocks?

If your squirrel pet doesn’t want to eat the rodent block, try coating it with a thin layer of unsalted peanut butter. (squirrels love peanut butter) Feed them 3-4 blocks per day and throw away any of the uneaten blocks. They won’t eat a block that is not fresh.

What type of squirrels are adopted?

The most common types of squirrels that were adopted or bought as pets were: Grey Squirrels. Red Squirrels. Flying Squirrels. Though the gray squirrel was the most common type to see as a pet.

How to keep a baby squirrel from coming back?

If you find a baby squirrel that is on its own and is not injured, leave it alone for a few hours. This will give the mother enough time to find it and carry it back to the nest. Continue to monitor the squirrel to keep it safe from predators. If it has been a couple of hours then the mother isn’t coming back.

How wide should a squirrel cage be?

You’ll want to get a cage that is at least two feet wide and two feet wide. Basically, you want to create a large aviary or large enclosure. Don’t use the fine mesh that you would use for birds. You need something strong that a squirrel can’t chew through. You may want to opt for a metal cage over wood or plastic.

How old do squirrels have to be to train?

Most people who have raised one usually found it as a baby and rescued it. You’ll do much better training a squirrel that is still a baby. Once they reach 9 weeks of age, it becomes harder to train a squirrel. At that point, they are skittish of humans and it will be hard to gain their trust.

Can you keep a squirrel as a pet?

Squirrels are wild animals and there are laws and regulations that make it illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. However, this hasn’t stopped people from domesticating wild squirrels and raising them as their own pet. We all know that some people love exotic animals. I suggest before you get a pet squirrel, you research the laws in your area.

What to feed squirrels with rodent blocks?

If your squirrel does not show interest in eating its rodent blocks, try coating them with a very thin layer of peanut butter or rub them with apple or grapes to sweeten them.

How to keep squirrels healthy?

Supplement your squirrel's diet. 1 Adding additional food sources can boost your squirrel's calcium intake, which is important to maintain strong bones and teeth. 2 Purchase crickets to feed your squirrel from a local pet store. 3 Offer your squirrel a variety of fruits, but in moderation. These might include berries (e.g., blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) and cut-up pieces of larger fruits (e.g., banana, apple, peach, mango.)

How big of a cage do squirrels need?

A pet squirrel will require a cage that is at least two feet wide, two feet deep, and several feet tall (about 0.6 meters wide, 0.6 meters deep, and at least a meter tall.) Squirrels are active animals and need to be able to move around. Provide covered spots for your squirrel to hide in when it wishes to do so.

How to get a squirrel to sleep?

Give your squirrel a nest box. Squirrels like to have a secure and cozy place to sleep. Place a small cardboard box in the cage with a hole in it large enough for your squirrel to crawl in and out. You can also purchase a wooden nesting box for your squirrel at a pet store or online.

How to keep squirrels from hiding in wood?

Provide covered spots for your squirrel to hide in when it wishes to do so. Squirrels have very strong teeth, so opt for a metal cage over wood or plastic. Make sure to buy a secure cage as squirrels are good at getting through small spaces. ...

How old do squirrels have to be to adopt?

Make sure you adopt a squirrel at the right age. After about nine weeks of age, squirrels will have difficulty acclimating to strangers. If you are thinking about taking in an abandoned squirrel, be sure that it is young enough to accept and trust you.

How to get a baby squirrel to find its mother?

Leave the squirrel in the wild if you can. If you come across a baby squirrel that is on its own and uninjured, leave it alone for at least a few hours to give its mother a chance to find it. Monitor the small squirrel from a safe distance to ensure that it survives during that time. Retrieve the baby squirrel if:

When did squirrels become pets?

Dating back to the early 1700’s , squirrels have been en vogue as pets, and they’ve been often kept as housemates for wealthy families. Even notables like President Warren Harding —the 29th President of the United States—kept a pet squirrel he called ‘Pete’.

Do squirrels bark?

They’re a common sight throughout most of North America, and to many, squirrels are as cute and furry as they are entertaining. They’re small, too—they don’t bark , and they even seem to have personalities all their own.

Can squirrels be pets?

We’ve established that pet squirrels can be good pets if they’re domesticated very early in their life , and we’ve shown the reasons why a Flying Squirrel in particular could be a good pet if certain guidelines are followed.

Legumes

Nuts

• Everybody knows squirrels like nuts. Walnuts, acorns, almonds, and other nuts are all loved by squirrels. They love to hold them in their tiny paws as they eat. 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.

See more on thesprucepets.com

Seeds

Vegetables

Fruits

Insects

Formulated Pellets

Supplements