Squirrels are one of the most popular wild animals. Hobby gardeners give them a warm welcome and lay out nuts for the nimble fellows in winter. However, is it true that squirrels also eat birds and other meat?
In a nutshell
- Nuts, seeds, mushrooms and wild fruits are the main diet of squirrels
- Squirrels have low protein requirements
- only feed on insects, bird eggs and young birds in exceptional cases
- Nest boxes provide shelter for birds
- additional feeding of the squirrels recommended
Table of contents
- diet of squirrels
- Are squirrels carnivores?
- Protect birds from nest predators
- frequently asked Questions
diet of squirrels
Every kid knows that squirrels love nuts. Additionally feed the cute animals from
- seed
- mushrooms
- Berry
- Fruit
However, when this food becomes very scarce, squirrels have to come along
- insects
- worms and caterpillars
- bird eggs
- fledglings
satisfy their hunger.
A notice: From time to time, in such cases, they also become scavengers and gnaw on dead mice, birds and small animals.
Are squirrels carnivores?
Squirrels eat birds and other meat on a small scale. They become nest robbers when nuts, seeds and wild fruits are not available in sufficient quantities. Pregnant females have a particularly high energy requirement. If they cannot cover it in any other way, squirrels may rob bird nests and eat young animals in particular.
Usually, however, squirrels and birds coexist peacefully. From time to time they even spend the winter together bird feeder to see.
Protect birds from nest predators
With appropriate measures, you can protect bird nests from predators. How to prevent cats marten, birds of prey and squirrels eat birds:
1. Install prickly obstacles
If you notice a bird's nest in a tree, tie thorny brambles around the trunk.
A notice: Alternatively, you can tie so-called cat defense belts around the trees. These consist of wire elements with long spikes that prevent nest predators from climbing up. Cat repellent belts are available in different sizes for thin and thicker logs.
2. Hang blinking objects
Objects such as old CDs or glitter foil move in the wind and reflect the sunlight. This deters birds of prey and squirrels and will leave the bird's nest alone.
3. Provide secure nesting boxes
nest boxes offer birds good protection against nest predators. Hang the boxes at a height of at least three meters in hard-to-reach places. We recommend installing nest boxes in a quiet place, sheltered from wind and rain.
4. Provide food sources and habitat
Make your garden as natural as possible. A garden where insects and small animals find food and shelter is the best basis for peaceful coexistence of birds and squirrels.
frequently asked Questions
We recommend positioning two belts on top of each other. Place the first at a height of one meter and the next about 50 centimeters above it. This creates a real obstacle for nest predators.
If squirrels become competitors at the aviary, you can try creating separate feeding stations for each. Suitable food for squirrels are hazelnuts and walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, corn, raisins and finely chopped apples, pears, grapes and carrots. You can buy ready-made mixtures in specialist shops.
Yes, but no gray squirrels have been observed in Germany so far. However, it is expected that gray squirrels from Italy will soon come to Germany. Gray squirrels are stronger and more robust than the European squirrels. Among other things, they are held responsible for the decline of many songbird species.
Especially the eggs and young birds of small songbird species such as tits, finches and robin are popular food sources for squirrels.
