Red squirrels are
a very vulnerable species in Great Britain today. Various factors have contributed
to their decline. These include; competition from greys, squirrel pox virus
(It has been shown that grey squirrels act as carriers for squirrel pox virus
without developing the disease and aid the spread of the disease into red
squirrel populations); habitat loss; road kill; and starvation. Without our
help, the red squirrel will be extinct from the North East in just a few years.
Red squirrels can reproduce twice a year. However, research has shown that
if food is scarce red squirrels not only face starvation, but are also much
less likely to reproduce at all, and this can have a serious impact on the
survival of squirrel populations. Therefore, supplementary feeding can help
to counteract this affect and lead to greater numbers of squirrels reproducing
on a regular basis, thus increasing red squirrel populations.
Feeding red squirrels in your garden can not only provide a valuable source
of food and nutrients, but can also provide hours of wonderful entertainment
as you watch their amusing antics!
IMPORTANT: Please read our advice below regarding cleaning and hygiene. Top
The following is based
on information compiled by our colleagues at Ponteland Red Squirrels using
information from Red Alert.
WHY DO RED SQUIRRELS COME TO YOUR GARDEN?
Although squirrels come to your garden to look for materials such as moss
for nest lining, or to drink from your garden pond, the biggest attraction
is food.They are natural foragers and spend a large part of their time looking
for food. Top
WHAT SHOULD YOU PROVIDE?
It is best to feed a variety of different foods, similar to those that the
squirrel might forage for in the wild. In fact, the red squirrel will pillage
the nuts and seeds found naturally in your garden.
The most suitable foods for red squirrels are hazelnuts, sunflower seeds,
beech (cob) nuts and pine nuts. Sweet chestnuts and walnuts are also suitable.
Unsalted peanuts are a favourite too, but should be not be given in isolation.
Some squirrels also like oats! Please note that red squirrels don't like maize
(sweet corn)!
Young red squirrels can suffer from calcium deficiency if they feed too often
on the wrong sort of food. Therefore, peanuts should not be given exclusively,
but as part of a varied diet.
If available, an additional calcium source could be provided with your squirrel
food. This is particularly valuable during the summer for juvenile and female
squirrels. To reduce calcium deficiency provide: pieces of apple or carrot;
a supplement added to the feed or a dish of drinking water; bone meal added
to the dry feed mix; a cuttlefish bone or antler placed near the feeder.
IF YOU DO FEED, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT:
HOW
OFTEN SHOULD YOU FEED SQUIRRELS?
Regular feeding every few days is best rather than having food permanently
available, as this will encourage the squirrels to forage for natural food
too. This way, you are providing a supplementary food source rather than the
only source of food and you will not encourage them into bad habits. However,
please top up your feeders more regularly during the summer months when natural
food is scarce. Top
FEEDING THROUGH THE SEASON
Feed your red squirrels throughout the year. In the wild, red squirrels feed
on shoots and flowers in spring, and nuts and fruits in autumn and winter.
The critical period to feed reds is during the summer months before the fruits
and nuts are ripe, when their natural food is in short supply. Continued feeding
throughout the winter will also provide an additional boost to the squirrels
in your area.
Urban areas have less natural habitat and natural food available for red squirrels.
Therefore, supplementary food is essential for urban red squirrels – to prevent
them from starving to death and to encourage more regular breeding (red squirrels
will mate more than once a year if food is plentiful). Top
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Clean your feeders (every week is recommended). VIRKON or CITROX (a mild animal
safe disinfectant) are excellent as they safely destroy bacteria and prevent
cross-contamination.
Grey Squirrels love maize and mixed squirrel food, therefore, to discourage
them, don't provide these foods. Reds prefer hazelnuts or beech and pine nuts,
so fill your feeders with these to encourage them.
It should be pointed out that all animals have an acute sense of smell and
the grey is no exception. There is a suggestion that when greys are passing
through a red area they are able to pick up the scent of a red and follow
it knowing it will lead them to a feeding area. Therefore if you do have a
feeding station for reds ensure it is visible.
If you are aware of greys in the area monitor closely your bird/squirrel feeding stations.Greys will be flushed out where food is readily available. Top
