If you love squirrels like I do, you should get some squirrel feeders! Not only is it pleasant to have extra wild life in your backyard, but squirrels will be less likely to eat the expensive bird food that you have out for birds.
Squirrels can be fed year round as they do not hibernate. However, you are likely to see less squirrels in the winter because they like to stay nests in order to keep warm! Just like with birds, if you are going to feed squirrels in the winter, you will need to make sure you always have food available for them. Squirrels will become dependent on your food source, and if you abruptly stop providing them with food, it could mean trouble for the squirrels. This does not hold as true in the summer when it is easier to look for food sources.
What food do squirrels love? Nuts! Any types of nuts will be a huge hit with your backyard squirrels. However, squirrels will eat a variety of foods, such as seeds, grains, and fruits. Squirrels who live in an area where there are lots of humans can also be seen eating lots of “human food.” But please do not give squirrels rotten or moldy human food.
One of my favorite squirrel feeders is the Squirrel Diner II Feeder, pictured above. This feeder can be placed anywhere on your yard, and it does a great job of keeping squirrels away from your bird feeders! Squirrels will easily find the Squirrel Diner II Feeder, and will not even bother climbing trees to investigate your bird feeders. You can place any large seeds or nuts in this feeder, which we know are some of squirrel’s favorite foods. Plus, this feeder is made of steel and is chew resistant, so eager squirrels will not wear it down.
Another squirrel feeder that serves as a great diversion from your bird feeders is the Cobs-A-Twirl Squirrel Feeder. This feeder can hold four cobs of corn at once, and when squirrels attempt to eat the corn or jump on the feeder, the feeder will rotate. It is not too difficult for the squirrels to get the corn, but it is entertaining for you to watch! The Cobs-A-Twirl Squirrel Feeder can easily be mounted to the base of a tree.
While it is definitely fine to have squirrel feeders in your yard, never EVER attempt to hand feed a squirrel. Squirrels hve eyes on the sides of their head, and it is easy for them to accidentally bite your finger!