Squirrel Advice

fab5482 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2011, 10:44 AM

Hello I've just joined the site, and would like some advice please. I put up a wooden "Squirrel Feeder" to encourage them to use that rather than the bird feeders. It is a success, and I've also used a baffle on the bird feeders. However, I do not want it to become a problem being inundated with a squirrel infestation (my block of flats is next to a wood). Can anyone advise about how to feed the squirrels responsibly, and quanities please. I've been putting out a mug of peanuts per day. Thank you very much.

Farplace · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2011, 11:47 AM

Welcome to WAB. I cant guarantee that you won't get lots of squirrels - word gets round - but I would advise that you dont JUST feed them on peanuts. A peanut-only diet can result in health problems, and although they will be able to get other food, they may not bother, as peanuts are rather addictive.
Fill your squirrel feeder with a mixture of seeds, nuts and dried fruit. Shop-bought hamster food is ideal, and throw in the occasional dried mealworm or chopped up fat-ball for good measure.
My captive grey squirrel also likes fresh fruit, brown seeded bread, dried bananas, peices of carrot etc.

fab5482 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2011, 02:19 PM

I'll try a more mixed diet for them. Thanks for the advice.

fab5482 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2011, 10:10 AM

Hi.
Just to let you know I've substituted "nuts only" for Hamster Feast with fruit and veg, mixing in some seeds and nuts. There's not a constant stream of squirrels at the moment (I was concerned about being inundated), so it appears the selective squirrels have gone elsewhere for peanuts. The few that still use the squirrel box appear to be selective in what they eat, discarding what they don't want (no table manners). So I've had to improvise and place something under the feeder to catch the bits. Thanks again for the advice. P.S Great site, loved the link on "fat balls", my husband made some.

actionfinch · #5 (**permalink**) 22-01-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fab5482

Hello I've just joined the site, and would like some advice please. I put up a wooden "Squirrel Feeder" to encourage them to use that rather than the bird feeders. It is a success, and I've also used a baffle on the bird feeders. However, I do not want it to become a problem being inundated with a squirrel infestation (my block of flats is next to a wood). Can anyone advise about how to feed the squirrels responsibly, and quanities please. I've been putting out a mug of peanuts per day. Thank you very much.

likewise ... i have had my box up but they didnt adhere to it .. i had to ask for advice on squirrel proofing my feeders which i got a lot of.
I had 1-2 squirrels when i first started and now i have up to 5 at one time, all taking it in turns to feed out of the box.
It's interesting to read the reply by farplace, and (its costing me a fortune in peanuts

) so i might put some bird mix in there as well , might keep them away from the feeders.