A little known fact about squirrels is that they have a valve at the base of their tail that is able to open and close and either restricts blood flow through the tail in winter to keep warm blood in the main part of their body. And in summer, that same valve opens to increase blood circulation through the tail to help cool the blood and regulate body temperature as air flows through their bushy tail, that acts as a radiator to dissipate heat!
Even though squirrels are social animals and group together in drays’ and dens to keep warm in winter, the cold takes its toll on those that are ill prepared for winter weather. A healthy squirrel should have a nice layer of winter fat and thick under fur to cope with the harshness of winter weather. Winter is a good time to feed Avocado to wild squirrels to give them a good source of fat energy.
A little known fact about squirrels is that they have a valve at the base of their tail that is able to open and close and either restricts blood flow through the tail in winter to keep warm blood in the main part of their body. And in summer, that same valve opens to increase blood circulation through the tail to help cool the blood and regulate body temperature as air flows through their bushy tail, that acts as a radiator to dissipate heat!
167 Comments
Licia Macaluso-Rabitoy
3/3/2013 12:48:20 am
Wow Bill: I thought I knew a lot about squirrels but I didn't know this. Thanks for the info.
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Tara
5/6/2018 06:27:00 pm
Hello Bill I was wondering if squirrels shed their winter tails I saw a squirrel on my way to work and he was very thin and didn’t have a lot of hair on its tail. I feel awful for it . thank you
Lori
11/19/2018 04:57:59 pm
Bill, we hsve a baby 14 weeks with a broken back. He is paralyzed from the back down. He has been dragging himself and looks like becoming raw what can I put on it. Ty!
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William
11/19/2018 05:10:06 pm
Hi, Lori!
Elizabeth Russell
4/8/2013 03:12:38 am
Do you have an email contact. I have a few questions about my squirrel that do not pertain to this blog. One of them is....have you ever kept one of your squirrels rather than release? I know release is the very best result.
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4/8/2013 07:17:19 am
Hi Elizabeth! My e-mail is SquirrelNutrition@Yahoo.com
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Ryan
2/22/2018 08:54:00 pm
Could I build a squirrel box on my deck or tree only ? I just wanna make sure my local squirrels are safe. We are having cold nights
Hi, Ryan!
Licia Macaluso-Rabitoy
4/8/2013 06:54:15 am
Elizabeth I have had a squirrel living with me for almost 4 years, I tried releasing her but she just kept coming back. And since I have a mean neighbor who shoots squirrels if they enter her yard I have been keeping Galileo in last spring and this one. I used to let her go out. She seems okay with it I let her have free run of the house when I am home and she makes all sorts of messes and trouble but I love her so much that it's okay. The only thing is you have to make sure you feed the squirrel right. Make sure he/she gets plenty of calcium rich foods. And squirrel blocks from Bill helps or another place that deals with squirrels. Galileo gets lots of avocado and fresh baby spinach and some of her other food I sprinkle ground calcium and mix it in. If I don't get the squirrel blocks.
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Tracie
4/20/2013 06:20:01 pm
How high in the tree should I place the nesting box? Thanks.
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4/21/2013 05:58:43 am
Hi Tracie! A nesting box should be 20 to 30 feet above the ground in a non-food tree, ( don't put them in nut trees.) Ideally, hole should face South to take advantage of winter sun when the sun is tilted toward the South. Squirrels usually only occupy them for giving birth as they are too hot to live in during Summer. Besure to clean it out after every occupant...Bill
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amber
3/19/2016 10:03:55 pm
Hi I have a baby squirrel in my care and since I have never raised one could use a little help any help is appreciated Hello Bill, I have asked you questions before when we were raising an orphaned squirrel for the first time. Since that time our little squirel( Sophie) has come back to the house each time to have her litter of baby squirrels. I once heard you say that you put a squirrel box attached to a plank and walked it up the tree trunk ( I am now to old to be climbing trees) . Could you give me some details on how this is done. We have so many squirrels from Sophie on our property now from Sophie squirrel space for winter and nesting is at a premium What size of board is best ? Can I bolt 2 - 8ft lengths together to get the box higher or will this be to hard for seniors to manage? Thank you Bill. Appreciate your wisdom and all your advice very much.
Licia
4/20/2013 10:41:30 pm
Hi Bill: I want to order a nut square kit problem is I don't have a dehydrator and worry that other animals may get to the nut squares if I leave them outside. How long does it take for them to dry in the house in a sunny window?
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4/21/2013 06:06:37 am
Hi Licia!
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Licia
4/21/2013 06:24:29 am
Hi Bill I am going to feed them to both Galileo my inside friend and some to the outside friends as well. But Galileo is my main priority as I have raised her from a baby and she lives with me. She's going to be 4 years old this year. I tried setting her free when her first spring came and she enjoyed coming and going but I found out the neighbor who lives in the house behind me shoots squirrels that she catches coming into her yard. So I keep Galileo indoors now. She seems happy as long as I let her have free run of the house when I am home. She's pretty funny. When I come in if I don't get her out right away she starts thumping and making noise as if to say hey don't forget about me, let me out.
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Hi June!
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Faye
5/27/2014 02:05:11 am
we came back from wintering in FL to our MN home (rural area north of the Twin Cities ) early in may and still have not seen even one squirrel in our yard. Usually we have a gazillion squirrels as we have many tall trees and border a large pond and wetlands area. This year i put out corn cobs to keep them from my bird feeders, but theyve not even been touched in a week so far. did this years harsh winter kill them all?
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Hi Faye!
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1/6/2018 09:39:22 am
I feed the squirrels in my back yard, Daily. I enjoy watching them scurry around, chasing each other, and always burying the shelled nuts that I put out. At night I chop an apple into slices and put it outside. Do Squirrels eat apples? I also have one Rabbit it back....is he eating the apple? It is always gone in the morning. I feed my Sqirrels a mix made for them, by my local Elevator company. I add nuts in the shell, also, I have a heated water bowl out there. I will get some fresh avacado & baby spinach for them today. I am thrilled to have found you, Thanks for the scoopage on how to take the best care of my Squirrels. ❤️🤗
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Anita Jenkins
8/11/2014 12:05:19 am
I took in an orphaned squirrel and I set him free about 5 weeks ago. He is doing great. I see him everyday. My concern is this winter. Is there anything that I can leave out for him to take to his nest to help keep him warm this winter. I did cut up an old shirt I used for nesting when he was a baby and he took a square up to his nest. I planned on leaving him out food this winter to make sure he is ok. I will feel much better once he makes it through his first winter.
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Hi Anita!
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Anita Jenkins
10/15/2014 03:55:20 am
I have left out avacodo slices and he hasn't eaten any yet. Is there anything else I could try? Should i just do as I am and leave him out nuts. I leave walnuts, peacans, almonds, and cashews. Is that going to be enough? He has moved into his nesting box which my husband added a shingle over the slanted roof. Thank you for your help.
jon pecaut
12/8/2016 10:07:47 am
please send me the squirrel box plans.
Jennifer Pool
11/16/2017 09:24:51 am
Squirrel box plans please
Joanne
9/2/2014 12:59:39 am
The tabs for the recipes don't come up on my screen. Also, one of the wild squirrels that comes to our bird feeders lost most of his/her tail late last winter. I want to ensure it has good nutrition.
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Hi Joanne!
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In the outdoor, sheltered 6' x 6' cage where I have just put my 4 orphaned squirrels. I am now wondering how old they should be before I open the door of the cage.I am guessing they are close to 3 months old. I rescued them about 2 months ago. the door of the cage will remain open for them for as long as they want to come back and eat and sleep. Thane you. june
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Hi June!
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madeley
10/14/2014 02:31:50 pm
Hi Bill,
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Hi Madeley!
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kathy
11/3/2014 07:18:39 am
Hi my name is Kathy and I have a pet squirrel who visits me everydaty,what can I put in my tree that will keep him warm during the winter months
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Hi Kathy!
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Karen Hodgens
11/20/2014 01:08:18 am
I'm dehydrating the squares now, but it didn't say what temperature to use. Now they are on 95, low enough to not kill off nutrients. Is that will 24 hours? I'm feeding a lone black squirrel that hangs around in the trees and on the roof of the condo across from my patio. I don't know where it goes at night. Think it's a she, because of the size. Yesterday she ate the avocado I left, one of the raw almonds and I saw her burying another.
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Hi Karen!
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Mary Jo McConnell
1/25/2015 02:55:02 am
I am wondering how much Squirrel Biscut Mix I need to buy in order to feed my wild squirrels? There are about 5 of them they feed in our yard. And a female just to up residence in the squirrel box in our tree. I'm so excited! Also, I did try this summer to be friend our squirrels- I did everything I read on here and yet the squirrels were skittish and never came close to me but would eat the nuts I left for them when I was 20 ft away. We live in town in Cresson, PA. I do have 2 little chichuaus that roam the yard too- one of them will the squirrels up the tree when they are on the grass belie our bird feeders. Thank u very much for your site, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning! I am an animal
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Hi Mary Jo!
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candy snell
7/10/2015 01:39:47 am
I think my squirrel has a cold, he has a nest on the porch . It was damp and the fan was on. He's still drinking water but not running around like normal.
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Kevin
9/22/2015 07:09:07 pm
My pet squirrel is acting different when I feed him he takes all of his nuts out of his food bowl and hides them in his house and he growls when we walk past his cage as if he thinks he needs to guard his food. Is this because of the changing season? I have considered having him neutered what are your thoughts on this?
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9/22/2015 07:35:39 pm
Hi Kevin!
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Jack Lyons
10/17/2015 03:33:10 pm
I live on a lake in southern Illinois. There are numerous large oak trees and hickory trees in the area along with a sizable population of gray tree squirrels. I have lived here for over 30 years and this is the first year none of these trees produced nuts.. Not one! My question is, how will this population of squirrels survive a normal cold winter without this critical food source?
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10/17/2015 06:56:40 pm
Hi Jack!
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Adaire
10/21/2015 12:08:56 pm
Hi, Bill!
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10/22/2015 07:59:08 pm
Hi Adaire!
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Adaire Sage
10/23/2015 02:23:12 am
Hello again, and thank you for responding, Bill.
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L.C. Hill
11/6/2015 01:04:20 am
Adair, you might ask for advice at the interactive website of The Squirrel Board, thesquirrelboard.com ; that Board networks together squirrel rehabilitators nationwide. The Board is very active. Quite possibly they can help you locate an expert in your city or close by. I was in just your situation a year ago and received very prompt, expert, and continuing help from that group. I live in a cold-winter area, was an utter newbie raising two baby squirrels born in the Fall, was hopelessly devoted to them, and was desperate to know whether, when, where, and how to release them (answers: Not yet; build them a "release cage" with nest box to live in indoors for the winter. In the Spring after the trees have leafed out --end of May, here. At your place, if at all suitable. No hurry, with acclimatization time in their release cage outdoors, five weeks in my case, April and May, here.) and what to do in the meantime (Ans.: Love them, pay attention to their nutrition --Henry's Healthy Pets --see their website-- has recipes & supplies and nutritional guidelines.). Everything Bill has said here echoes what I learned there.
L.C.Hill
11/7/2015 08:43:07 am
Adair, allow me to simplify the advice I wrote to you, above. First, proceed one step at a time. I remember how overwhelmed I felt, and how urgent it seemed to get my babies placed outdoors at this time last year.
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Licia Macaluso-Rabitoy
11/15/2015 06:21:09 am
Hi Will: How have you and Lucky been doing. Last time I read anything Lucky was having her ovaries removed. And came through the surgery fine. I hope she is still doing well I myself have been very busy lately, I do care giving and as of late Uber driving and have a boyfriend now. All this keeps me pretty busy.
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11/15/2015 07:02:26 pm
Hello Again!
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11/15/2015 06:46:18 pm
Hi Licia!
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Joanne Surprenant
12/10/2015 06:19:30 am
im sorry to ask so many questions, but just a beginner. I am starting to make progress. I bought acorns on an acorn co, but how many of them do I give my outdoor squirrel per day,, thanks so much Joanne
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Hi Joanne!
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joanne
12/10/2015 04:20:54 pm
how many acorns per day for 1 outdoor squirrel
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12/10/2015 06:51:31 pm
Hi Joanne!
Joanne Surprenant
12/14/2015 07:03:02 am
Bill: Is there any way you can make the vegie squares for me and then mail the 100. I will be glad to pay whatever. I am in my 80;s and had a hard time making them. It would be much easier for me. and I want to take care off my outdoor squirrels (2 so far) thank you
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12/14/2015 11:07:17 am
Hi Joanne!
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Noelle
12/19/2015 06:10:50 pm
Bill,
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12/19/2015 08:13:12 pm
Hi Noelle!
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Noelle
12/20/2015 05:59:00 am
Thank you Bill for your quick response. A lot of good info and facts I didn't know! I feel better now and won't worry so much. My yard has 4 oak trees so the acorns are practically endless and she loves them. I guess I just have "1st baby" jitters ;) Happy Holidays, Noelle
Clarissa
12/29/2015 07:01:55 am
Oh, my! Such plagiarism and misinformation you do tell! I'm really surprised you're not ashamed of yourself. Karma will catch up to you sooner or later.
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joanne surprenant
12/29/2015 07:27:11 am
what is clarissa talking about, I have not been given any misinformation from you. everything you tell me is good
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joanne surprenant
12/29/2015 08:42:59 am
what is clarissa talking about, I have not been given any misinformation from you.everthing you tell me is good
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1/2/2016 04:26:52 pm
Hi Joanne!
Joanne
2/17/2016 12:39:46 pm
someone told me if I feed my outdoor squirrels peanuts in the shell it would give them diarrhea. is this true also I have 2 or 3 squirrels they all look the same I cant tell if they are all getting the Vegie squares I bought They seem to all chase one another away. can You overfeed your squirrels, or do they leave when they are full. Don't eat the sesame seeds, but like the sunflower seeds.
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Hi Joanne!
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joanne Surprenant
3/13/2016 08:14:52 am
I have 3 outdoor squirrels that come diaily for their food. they will not eat sesame seeds but like sunflower seeds, when the weather gets warmer do I still feed them or are they ok to fend for theselves. or can I just leave them a few nuts in the summer or maybe some fruit. thank you they are all fat
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Hi Joanne!
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joanne surprenant
3/28/2016 07:26:50 am
do you sell any packaged squirrel food for the warm weather time. I have been feeding them sunflower seeds and walnuts and its getting expensive. I was told not to feed them sunflower seeds and that corn was ok. pls. let me know
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I have been feeding the squirrels since late fall. I'd like to stop feeding them, as they are making a mess out of my deck. Don't get me wrong, I love them. I just want to know if they forget how to forage, If they've been fed for a few months. How do I taper off, so they don't die?
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Hi Marilyn!
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Anna B
5/4/2016 10:56:24 am
My backyard borders the woods. In the winter I put out food for the squirrels and for the birds year round. Now that Spring is here the squirrels are always begging. I also see them chewing on the tree trunks and branches. I am really worried that I have caused a dependency since there were a few very young squirrels born late in the season before winter. It's very sad to see them still hoping I will put out food. Can you tell me if there is food in nature at this time of year (April) or are they really starving. Also can you tell me what if anything is available in nature that they can survive on right now? Or, what kind of food I should put out for them and how they will learn to eat without being fed by me?
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Hi Anna!
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Lynn King
5/15/2016 01:10:23 pm
Hi. I have had a baby squirrel I've been caring for since April 18th. A Raven from the area had landed w/the squirrel in our yard, our cat ran down which scared off the bird & our dog ran down also. The squirrel was still alive, so traumatized by the bird, cat & dog that it was frozen stiff & crying like a baby. The Raven was right there in the tree squawking so loud & very mad. The baby squirrel's eyes were open & had fur. I would say it was maybe 5 weeks old not sure. We tried to let it go the next day in the area we know it came from, but it was a cold day, didn't know exactly where it was taken from & it was still so traumatized. So we decided to take care of it till ready to release him in the area we know it came from. It's been going well so far & we've done everything websites have recommended. I feel soon it will be time to release it but I need for it to warm up to be able to bring him outside in a cage. But the area we are in is filled w/night time predators so that even making a cage would not keep the squirrel safe. The cage I have him in now is too big to bring in & out every day. I have a smaller one I was going to use for trying to get it acclimated. I have read horror stories about other dominant squirrels in the area, people, etc. Also, I have kept my cats & dog away from the squirrel which is what I read to do. I'm also afraid of keeping him too long to a point he becomes aggressive. Right now he's a joy to have. I am looking into getting or making a nesting box in order to keep him safe & to have a place to store his food bit how do you keep other squirrels from getting in that want to cause harm. I worry cause he's alone. I didn't want to turn him over to a rescue place cause I knew he was from the area. Has anyone else been in this situation that can give advice/recommendations. I would be appreciated & thank you for your help.
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Hi Lynn!
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Lynn
5/19/2016 03:15:05 pm
Thank you for your advice & help.
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joanne
7/11/2016 02:44:01 pm
I have an outdoor squirrel I feed that is pregnant. Will she be able to build her own nest. Can I put a nesting house on the ground between shrubs so she will be safe. I have no predators in my area. Or do they have to be high up. I don't want to waste my money if she wouldn't use my squirrel house on the ground. Pls help, I worry about her. She is around my house most of the day.
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Hi Joanne!
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Lesley McCann
11/23/2016 11:58:38 am
I have a female black/grey squirrel who cannot use one of her back legs, she has to drag it but she manages to climb but with some difficulty. Would she survive the winter to retreive the food she stored. My dogs scared her quite bad one day as someone let them out without first checking the yard and I havent seen her for 4 days but has been extremely cold, I live in southwestern Ontario Canada. I would appreciate anything to ease my heart from crying for her. Thanks
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Hi Lesley!
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Heather
12/8/2016 06:56:28 am
I have a 8 month old squirrel I've raised from a baby. When she opened her eyes I was the first thing she saw besides my husband. We took turns feeding her and fell in love with her instantly. Now that she's older it's of course more difficult. We know the best thing for her is to be released but she's so dependent on US and their are so many predators in just our back yard I wouldn't feel right letting her go while they wait to get a go at her. Also she's always been nice never hitting until recently. Is this hormonal ? My husband has been given testosterone by his doctor. Is she smelling it and getting agitated ? We feed her a very good thorough but varied diet. Am I missing something? She now only wants me and still gets aggressive with me some. She still hasn't bit me like she did him. I'm worried somethings wrong but keep reminding myself she's a wild animal and that's her nature to protect her nest and food. Am I right??? Thank u for taking the time to answer. Heather
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Hi Heather!
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Kathleen danchise
12/29/2016 12:04:22 am
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squirrle
1/27/2017 07:18:59 am
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Jason
7/8/2017 10:20:31 pm
Hello, I was wondering if a pregnant " wild " squirrel if caught & placed in a cage will still take care of her young? A friend of mine caught a female, she had 4 babies but they all died within 48 hours. Did the mother not feed the young or did she kill them?
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Hi Jason!
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Teresa
9/27/2017 08:49:36 am
Hello,
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Hi, Teresa!
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Robin
10/13/2017 05:49:42 pm
Hi Bill, I have 3 Squirrel siblings who are 3 months old- I have them in a cage in a screened porch so they are getting used to the temperature change- i was going to release them in early November but I read that you recommend keeping them over the winter to increase their chance at survival- they will be 16 weeks in early November- so I don't know if I should keep them until the leaves come out on the trees, probably April? That would be 5 more months.
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Hi, Robin!
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Gail
2/12/2018 01:59:44 pm
I submitted a message to you and I haven't heard back from you.
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Donna J Donofrio
3/2/2018 01:57:21 pm
I have a lone baby squirrel, that started eating my bird food all summer, fall, and now winter. He comes every day, and I missed a day of feeding my birds, as was out of town, and when I came back no squirrel. I am worried he died. It got really cold, and water could have been a problem. How long can they go with out water and food? I was only gone over the weekend. I miss him so much, he was such a joy. I feel I let him down.
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Hi, Donna!
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Bill Giese
3/30/2018 07:14:10 am
Hi Bill. I have been feeding my squirrel friends through a very nasty winter. As it warms is it unkind to wean them off the feedings?
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Lisa S.
4/24/2018 07:09:27 am
Hi Bill. You have some of the best info. on squirrels online that I've found. I'm not a wildlife rehabber and I'm not sure I could handle the emotions of that, but part of me wants the information they learn to help some of my backyard squirrel friends at times. I'm trying to find books on how to help the wild squirrels during various seasons. I have a list of rehabbers near me I can call. But, for some reason, early spring here in the Midwest seems to always be so hard on the sweeties. I usually get 1-2 sick squirrels this time of year and often, it's too late for the rehabbers to help them. I'm interested in nutritional information and preventive things for these little ones. I want to be a good steward of wildlife. I feel I might encounter a higher number of sick or injured squirrels and other small animals, birds, etc. since I relocated and live near a greenbelt now. What books can I read? I did a quick search and there's not a ton of good ones with updated information. Thanks in advance.
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Hi, Lisa!
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David B
5/2/2018 07:43:16 pm
Hi Bill, we cut the top off a large tulip poplar last summer due to a crack. I had the tree company mount a nice nest box next to a limb about 35 feet up. All winter there have been 4 squirrels using it. I see them playing on the flat top of the tree at night and on the limb next to the nest box.Then they all get in the box right before dark. Tonight I saw two of them sleeping on the limb outside the box and they didnt go in it when it turned dark. Did I spoil them and now they dont have a leaf drey to sleep in now that it's warmer? Is it normal for them to sleep out like that not in a nest?
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Dave B
5/2/2018 08:27:44 pm
Thanks Bill!
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Ruby
7/12/2018 07:34:18 pm
Hi Bill, I found a baby female squirrel in March of this year, I was never sure of her age but at the time she looked to be between 7 to 9 weeks old but I really wouldn't know. She's very much dependent of me, for feeding and everything. I started letting her go out to explore but always brought her in before dark, I'd call for her and she come back or sometimes she would return to my patio on her own. The last time I let her out (2 weeks ago now) she didn't return and I've actively looked for her but no luck. Could she have just reverted to being wild? My heart breaks thinking that something could have happened to her. Do female squirrels disappear during June for mating?
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Hi, Ruby!
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ruby
7/14/2018 07:24:54 pm
thank you so much for your reply Bill!!!
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echodelta
9/6/2018 11:03:28 pm
I got rid of attic access for the squirrels in my neighborhood, however I left access under the eave of the new roof but over the old flat roof outside. When they were in the attic I put a camera on the main area to watch them, even feeding them right in front of the lens. So far one winter and they love the eave space. I have two cameras one sees in the dark and is aimed at the nest at the end where steel mesh stops further access and there is a normal camera behind the mesh which is out of focus in color. It's fun to watch during the winter months. As many as 4 snuggle up, I may put in a webcam. Perrin Neighborhood Squirrel TV. Our 'hood symbol is the Oak and it's nuts, the mother tree is right next door.
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Karen
10/6/2018 04:36:21 pm
Hi, I have an issue I hope you can help me with. I've been feeding backyard squirrels for about 20 years. I make sure they eat everything so no food is left out to attract racoons, etc. I thought I have been quite clever about it. I love all animals, even the hawks, but this week I have seen one (or several) eyeing the squirrels and tonight it was landing in different trees and going after them. I stepped in and waved my arms and he finally flew off. Ive seen mostly Coopers Hawks over the years (I think they only go for other birds?), but this one could be a Redtail, which I hear eat small mammals and even squirrels. I had one fox squirrel for 9 years who was almost tame and I adored her. Now I have had a little gray one for a year who comes to see me every day (among a half dozen others). I think I helped his mange last winter by giving him a little coconut oil on different nuts I give him. He is very shy and has a short tail and doesn't move as fast as the other squirrels, but defends himself pretty well. He stayed in my squirrel nesting box in winter up in the maple tree, but now he's out and about and so much healthier. I have different numbers of squirrels at different times. I haven't seen the adorable fox squirrels in a long time unfortunately. I have always thought I should try and wean them off of the nuts and peanuts, but so afraid they won't know how to get their own food. It's fall now, in northern Illinois, and I don't know what to do. I get them the best nuts and peanuts and provide fresh water. They don't even bother my bird feeder anymore. I don't feed the birds on the ground anymore because of these hawks. My patio is like a landing pad. Do you have any helpful hints to be humane about it? I may need therapy! :--) I've tried feeding just the little "pet" gray one with the short tail, but there are always 5 or so that are nearby. I hate to think I have to go outside at dusk every day to ward off the hawks. I even had screech owls in the nesting box once, but they didn't bother the squirrels. I would love if the hawks would eat mice, shrews, etc. Of course nature isn't selective that way. This makes me so sad. Thanks for any advice you might have. The squirrels are very intelligent and I have enjoyed taking care of them.
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William
10/6/2018 05:02:22 pm
Hi, Karen!
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Karen
10/6/2018 05:32:35 pm
Bill, wow thanks for the quick reply! You are right, the paths they take to get to either my 2nd story deck, or the ground level patio, where I sometimes feed them, or the squirrel peanut box on the birch tree at ground level near the patio, all require them to cross the yard to get to, pretty much from all directions. They all have a range of about 6 yards. I have a huge maple tree and river birch, but they are still very vulnerable crossing the yard. There is a lot of shrubbery too, which is good for protecting the birds. Depending on the weather, I either fill the peanut box or feed them directly on the deck from my back door. The hawk has been here about a week that I know of. Today he was bolder. I heard ravens and bluejays making noise at mid day today and thought it was just their fall arrival, but now I know they were after this hawk. The hawk could be either a young Coopers or a redtail. I've never seen the coopers go after squirrels. This week I've seen the hawk on the ground near the patio but he didn't get anything. I have seen him on the chain link fence right near squirrels on the ground or on the fence next to him. It seems he is awkward getting to them that close ? The squirrels are either so tame (my fault) or don't know to be afraid when it's just sitting there. When they see the hawks fly, all the birds and squirrels let it be known by crying. But today I saw him jump up on different high branches, once there was a young squirrel right up there and it was crying. I thought it was a done deal but the hawk flew off. He stayed around until I bugged him enough and finally flew off. But I'm sure he will be around. I'm thinking I stop the feeding for awhile. It will be really hard, and the squirrels will still be around and vulnerable, but I can't think of anything else right now. Maybe put their nuts under the shrubbery? They go everywhere in the yard anyway, but that might at least hide them while they're eating. I don't have any covered areas like you do, it sounds like a great design! I do leave the high branches that connect to my neighbors trees iand not trim them, so they can move from tree to tree without having to come to the ground. I remember when I had 2 nesting boxes in the tree, when I had the pet fox squirrel. She had babies in one of the boxes, and I discovered that there was a screech owl family in the one next to it! I freaked out, but nothing ever happened. I think screech owls are too small to get squirrels. Thanks so much for your reply! So nice to know there are such compassionate people out there, and I'm not the only "squirrel nut." Hopefully I'll get some more nice replies. I know I should wean them off of my feeding, it's a selfish thing. I hate to think I have harmed them.
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Andrea Holder
1/28/2019 11:32:58 pm
I just want to say that I too live here in Northern Illinois and am a squirrel fanatic that cannot get enough of my backyard buddies! I have chased off MANY hawks more times then I like. I am so in fear for our squirrels.with these horrible -20+ degrees and now the next 2 upcoming -50 degree days. I have been making sure to.have food out at all times. I noticed one of the fox squirrels is staying in a hole in my big tree. I am so afraid he does.not have enough leaves to stay warm. We have a squirrel box the local Wildlife Rehab put on the tree when they released some here last year. Not sure if any are staying in there. I saw a screech owl in it a cpl weeks ago. I thought about putting out polyester filling from a pillow and some in tje squirrel box. What are you doing for your squirrels in this weather?
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Karen
1/30/2019 10:19:54 am
Hi Andrea, Yep, it's COLD out there! I "chase" the hawks away too, and there were several that I saw last week, before Chi-beria set in here in the western suburbs of Chicago. All Coopers hawks I think. So far, as far as I know, the squirrel community is safe. I tell myself that. But like you, I am worrying about the temps. Yesterday started the -20 degrees overnight. Right now it’s only 9 below. I have a favorite gray squirrel who I have nurtured for a year now. He had mange and I like to think the coconut oil I gave him cured him. But the one squirrel nesting box I always thought of as "his" - this year the current habitants aren't letting him in there, so I have watched him look for alternative spots. That breaks my heart. Last night I saw him go to another tree and then I couldn't see where he went. This morning at 7:00am, before it was even sunny, -22 degrees, he was at my back door munching on the nuts I left out. I was thrilled to see he made it okay, but he looked really cold. He has a very short tail, and that’s why I worry about him. He seems to be affected in other ways, like he’s not as fast as the other squirrels and sort of hops more than runs. And his eyes looked kind of “stressed.” I should send a picture to Bill. Sometimes I wonder if he is very old, but I don’t think so cause he appeared last year when other young ones did. And he got a lot bigger in the last year. But I suppose his tail operates like a regular one, where they can turn off the heat in the tail so there is more heat in the body. Several other squirrels have been here all morning eating. I have a sunny south deck. After he ate today, I saw him going under my neighbor's deck that has a foot or so of space underneath it. I guess he's okay with the bunnies under there :-). Meanwhile I rigged up 2 cardboard boxes, inserted into the other in an L-shape, with a big towel in them, and wedged under a lawn chair, so it's sheltered from the wind and faces the house. A few squirrels have checked it out this morning, not sure if they would use it. I know they prefer to be high up, but maybe just for emergency. They must be finding spots in the trees, but I can't tell if there are actual hollow spots. I don't see that many nests. The fox squirrels were always better at building nests, but they haven't been around for a few years. I'm thinking of getting some kind of a cage or a good strong wooden box (or boxes), with squirrel size openings and maybe hinge and latch on one side for cleaning (if they actually use them). I also thought of somehow attaching it higher up on the deck, or underneath (it's a 2nd story deck). Another "odd" job for a handyman! It makes me feel better anyway. These little guys are part of my habitat and they're not freezing or going hungry on my watch. I know I can't save them all, but I can save some of them? At least they know where to come to get food and water. I only wish I could tell the gray squirrels to be friendly to the fox squirrels so they would come back again. Those are my favorites. I haven't had any here since I had the one I named Momo. She was my buddy for 9 years and I installed my first squirrel box for her and she moved right in. I guess she was the leader cause no one messed with her and she was another one that had a shorter tail. I like the special needs ones. I used to laugh cause the fox squirrel babies always seemed to emerge from the nest full grown! The grays seem to be booted out a lot earlier, so they're tougher. So now I have this little gray guy with the short tail and he's my favorite. He's very shy but trusts me. So anyway, so far so good for the squirrel gang. Birds are flocking to my feeders too, feels so good to take care of them all.
Simone
10/29/2018 06:05:21 am
Hi Bill
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William
10/29/2018 06:36:35 am
Hi, Simone!
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Ed
11/6/2018 10:48:18 am
Hello Bill! You are so informative. We are currently attempting to release a rescued black squirrel that we found when it was about 7 weeks old and is now somewhere around 15 weeks old after we raised her in a cage in our house. We built her a nice house that has her store bought squirrel bed and some small towels in it. She's been outside in the house for several days now. Problem is, it is currently only about 6 feet off the ground since we didn't read enough ahead of time and wanted to be able to easily feed her since I'm sure she has no idea how to forage for food yet. Is it just too dangerous for her to be in one this low? There are definitely cats in the area. Should we still try to raise it even after she's used to it where it is? It is also going to be getting real cold real soon and I fear she just will not be able to say warm enough as the temp really drops. Should I attempt attempt to place some type of fleece blanket inside the rather large 12x12 box? Any help would be greatly appreciated and I apologize if I'm am re-asking some previously explained topics here.
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William
11/6/2018 12:33:53 pm
Hi, Ed!
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Karen
2/5/2019 09:15:58 am
Hi Bill! So happy it's a "heat wave" here - we've had the couple of 40 degree + days and a lot of the snow is melting. Now an ice storm tonight, which will hopefully melt tomorrow. My gray squirrels have survived very well and seem fat and happy. Including my little male with the short tail. I would love to know where he stays. I knew when it was extremely cold, but as it warms up, he seems to go across the street where there is a retention pond. He crosses that street every day to come and eat here, and every day I pray that he and the others stay safe from their biggest threat, the traffic. I would love to hear about your release cages. Would I be able to set something like that up on my south facing deck, for the really cold weather? It's a half story high, as I have a raised ranch house. There is about a 4-5 foot open space under the deck also. Thanks for all that you do.
Ed
11/6/2018 01:24:54 pm
Thanks a bunch Bill! Raising a squirrel house from 6 feet to 12 or more feet is mainly to avoid which predators? Cats and raccoons? Frankly, I am more concerned about a cat getting her while she's on the ground and not properly alert to predators. A hawk almost got her already while she was climbing quite high in the tree. How bad an idea would it be to move her house to a tree about 10 yards over where I could place it higher? I would probably have to do this while she was in it or I would be concerned she wouldn't even find it again.
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William
11/6/2018 02:41:48 pm
It's both, plus when they are close to the ground, young opossums like to take them over as sleeping rooms.
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Karen Berry
11/6/2018 03:17:59 pm
Hi, I just unsubscribed from this blog by mistake. Can't find where to sign up again, or a place to contact you. Can you let me know how to sign up? Love this blog!
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William
11/6/2018 03:26:13 pm
Hi, Karen!
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Karen Berry
11/21/2018 05:09:06 pm
Well, I did it again! I clicked the link to Unsubscribe by mistake. Can you re-add me to the blog? Thanks!
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William
11/21/2018 05:59:05 pm
I think you do it through the RSS feed http://www.squirrelnutrition.com/1/feed
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Renee
1/19/2019 06:08:10 am
A squirrel nest blew out of the tree and the ground is covered in abt a foot of snow and ice. Squirrels are searching for food. Assuming they lost all their stores since nest is down. What can i do to help them? Thanks!!!
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Karen
1/19/2019 06:38:52 am
Hi Renee, We have several inches of new snow here in Chicago area. Like I've been doing for about 20 years, I still put out food -nuts, peanuts, seeds - and they find their way to my back door, even before I've shoveled. I've given up on trying NOT to feed them, it's impossible. Do you have babies that are in trouble? I've never rehabbed any baby squirrels. I do know they are extremely hearty even in snow and ice.
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Renee
1/19/2019 06:49:37 am
Hi Karen!
Hi, Renee!
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Renee
1/20/2019 04:47:46 am
Hey Bill :)
Karen
1/19/2019 09:01:54 am
Great idea! I've tried different fruits, and carrots. They're spoiled with the nuts I give them, but will eat anything if they're hungry. I spend way too much on them, but what the heck, they're like my pets.. I know Bill will have info on how much nuts they should get. They get roasted unsalted peanuts, shelled and un-shelled almonds, pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts and sometimes pistachios, but they save those till last. They also eat the fruit and nut seed alongside the birds. They also like Bill's squirrel nut and veggie squares! Needless to say, these gray squirrels are happy and have enough squirrel blubber to get them through the most brutal winters. I baby one of mine that had mange last year. A little dab of coconut oil on a nut once in awhile, he loves it. I miss the fox squirrels so much, I guess the grays are too aggressive for them. I had a pet fox squirrel for 9 years! She was the queen of the neighborhood. Sorry for the long story, I'm so happy to hear you are taking care of your squirrels. Let us know how it goes!
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William
1/29/2019 08:16:24 am
Hi, Karen!
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Andrea Holder
1/30/2019 12:43:56 pm
Hi Karen! We are both from the same neck of the woods! I love how you think and care for our buddies too! I had one girl, Pochahontas I became close with that had mange terrible last winter and lost most of her tail. I babied her and she stuck close and survived. She sat next to me all summer while I would have my morning coffee and would take peanuts from my hand. This fall she broke her top two teeth and our local animal rehab trimmed them evenly and released her back here after a month with them. She stuck around one day and never returned. I think the stinker was mad at me for capturing her in cage and taking her to them. I just am happy she hopefully had a better chance having her teeth fixed out there and maybe relocated. The winter before last we had squirrel pox attack the local fox squirrels and I nursed a bunch of them back with extra nutrition and got close with one we call Pox, he is still around and comes most days. I am lucky to have both the fox and grey vusit but those grey sure do rule the roost as you pointed out! I hope the foxes come back to you too!❤. How awesome that your squirrel has found a sanctuary under your neighbor's deck. And what a lovely set up you also made!! Here's to all of our "babies" making it through this polar vortex!!!!!!!
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Andrea Holder
1/29/2019 09:00:37 am
Hi Bill! I just watched you video of how squirrels keep warm in winter and I feel better about these next few super cold days in Northern Illinois and the midwest! Thank you for being here for all of us and the squirrels. I woke up this morning to see 5 of the fox squirrels eating at the 5 different "food stations". So they are doing what they need to for keeping themselves fat😊. I did put some polyester non cotton fill in the squirrel box but the tree hole is much too high up to add any. However is looks to be more snug quarters for warmth! Thanks again for being here.
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David
2/11/2019 10:11:56 pm
Bill
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3/10/2019 04:05:36 am
My husband made a squirrel box with a hingedifferent door on top that has to be lifted for access to the black oil sunflower seeds. He taught the mother squirrel how to lift it using a safety bin stuck into the side to hold the lid about half of inch open. After she learned to open it, he took off the safety pin and she taught her babies to open the lid and that was about 30 yrs ago when he became disabled. Every generation since then has learned to use it by watching or the squirrels learned from mothers since they have used it ever since. He keeps it filled all the time. All the seed pieces
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Angel
10/18/2019 07:52:03 pm
I have 2 squirrels Male and female. They are around 9 weeks now I've had them a week before their eyes opened. Im wondering a couple of things
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William
10/19/2019 05:08:49 pm
Hi, Angel!
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Michael McCarthy
12/12/2019 12:08:12 pm
Hi Bill,
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Hi, Michael!
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Michael
12/22/2019 03:00:53 pm
Thanks so much Bill. Reassuring to know.
Karen Wannenburg
9/23/2020 10:24:28 am
Hi There - I live in an apartment building on the 2nd floor, and have been feeding the local birds and squirrels since the beginning of summer. Somebody said I should stop before winter so they are forced to find their own food, but I just feel awful doing that! Is it okay to keep feeding them daily? I buy an assortment of bird and little critter food that they absolutely love! I have tried different fruit but apparently this lot are very fussy and haven't taken to anything I give them! Any advice would be wonderful as I love having them around so much. Thanks!!
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William
9/23/2020 11:03:11 am
Hi, Karen!
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Karen B
9/23/2020 12:30:01 pm
William, great story! I'm so sorry you lost your little LuLu!. It's hard to believe what some will do to hurt animals. I'm always so glad to hear from people who treat them like the special little creatures they are. I have had several "pet" squirrels. (My first one lived 9 years and her name was Momo). They always seem to be special needs ones, with hurt tails or paws or mange. I lost one in Feb of this year due to an ice storm. He had a short tail. He was the dearest little thing! He had sort of a worried look all the time. At first I called him Stubby, but then he became "My little guy." All the squirrels I have fed for the last 25 years are very in to a routine, just like children. I always have a group of regulars. I worry and am very said when one doesn't return. My current "pet" of the group came to me this last spring with a flat tail. Don't know if she got it run over or not. It gradually grew more and now is in a question mark shape, and she has a little hop to her gait. They get stronger when you care for them, Anyway, we have a special job feeding them. I talk to neighbors and find out that they dislike the wildlife, and then I don't wonder why they come to my house. I try my best at every opportunity to show the good things about them, and how they respond so beautifully when you are kind to them. Sometimes it works. I actually think that some people think it's more acceptable to dislike squirrels and act like they are a nuisance. But they truly have their own personalities. Thanks for being a fellow wildlife lover, and also thanks for the tip on avocado!
Courtney
10/9/2020 07:21:52 pm
Hi Bill,
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William
10/10/2020 04:42:01 pm
Hi, Courtney!
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Dane r mcpeak
11/14/2020 01:11:19 pm
Thanx Bill for your work! Are pistachios ok for squirrels?
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11/14/2020 05:42:48 pm
Hi, Dane!
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Dane r mcpeak
11/14/2020 06:02:54 pm
Thanx Bill, so, only a balanced diet of nuts,seeds, and the fruits and veggies as previously described. No table Salt or sugar, or fruit juices.
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Denise McGreevy
11/19/2020 05:55:38 pm
Hi Bill, I'm very glad to have found your site. So many of my squirrel questions have been answered. But I need some advice. A squirrel has been getting in my attic. First I put up a nest box in the tree next to her attic entry. I don't think she has shown any interest in it yet. I live in Missouri so it's beginning to get quite cold at night, low 30's. So, I waited for the weather to warm up for a few days n nights and then covered the attic entry. That first night she had a fit. Poor thing was so upset. It's been two days now and she seems better. But last night, (in the dark), I saw her and a friend eating the food I set out for her. The warm weather will not last and I'm worried that she may not have a home, And that I may have separated her from babies.
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Rachel
1/31/2021 06:44:58 am
Hello,
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It has been 30 below zero amd colder for approximately 2 weeks this February in NW Minnesota and I have not seen my Squirrels this entire time. They were actively burying the shell on nuts I placed for them for weeks before this and have not been eating at all. I'm worried they have died, from cold or starvation.
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Karen B
3/5/2021 06:54:44 am
Hi everyone, I have had a poor little gray squirrel visiting my patio for a few weeks now, where I have fed birds and squirrels for 20+ years in Illinois. This little girl has a tilted head, and can't sit up for long. She actually lays down to eat. Her appetite is good. She also likes the half oranges I put up on the tree. She is continuing to get herself over here (I think she lives next door), although she can't climb very high on the maple trees, which worries me.. It has been very cold and we had a lot of snow, which has now almost melted. I'm worried about her being able to get shelter at night and stay safe from predators. The squirrels like the boxwood shrubs around my patio where they can shelter temporarily, but I know they need to be up high at night. She is sitting up a little longer now, but when she has any distance to go across the yard, she actually rolls her body. She tilts her head like she is dizzy. This is breaking my heart and I don't know how to capture her without capturing one or more of the other gang. The other squirrels are used to her and don't jump at her any more. I typically have around 6 to 8 squirrels visiting. I'm so worried about foxes, hawks, etc. I wouldn't hesitate to get her to a vet, but just don't know how to get her trapped. She comes in the mornings and sometimes afternoons. Any advice? I continually get these little injured squirrels, and most of them have survived and are happily living in my habitat.
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scrambled
3/6/2021 04:18:42 am
That's so sad...I would be worried too...I was wondering though, how do you know the sex? I have a few squirrels that come around and I don't know how to tell if they are male or female. The one is a bit more round than the others and has more white hair in the back of its ears...they are so cute....Good luck with your squirrel :)
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Bruce Cushman
7/14/2021 04:12:10 am
We have been feeding squirrels for years and suddenly we have rats in the yard. How do we stop feeding the squirrels - is this time of year (summer) a good time to stop feeding them. We feel horrible about having to stop feeding them but rats are not welcome. We live in Rhode Island
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Jennifer
10/15/2021 11:43:13 am
I have 2 squirrels. A male & a female. They are about 2-3 weeks different in age. I raised them from a bottle. The male is about 2-3 months old. I'm wondering if I was to let them go this time of year if they would survive? Or is it best to keep them until spring?
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Alberto Saal
10/18/2021 05:00:37 am
Dear William,
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Elizabeth Jones
11/10/2021 06:02:14 pm
Hi. Will you give me some advice, please, if you have the time? I rescued and have cared for a male, baby squirrel since Labor Day weekend, At about three weeks of age, he was displaced during a tornado in the area. He is doing very well, but he is outgrowing the large dog kennel (indoors) and large birdcage (outdoors) that I have set up for him - both with branches and hanging nesting baskets. He has lots of energy and needs more freedom than the several hours a day I let him have free run of the bedroom he is currently occupying. I want to move him outdoors permanently. I have an old shed / fort out back with a wood and chicken-wire door and glass framed windows. It has airflow, but is fairly weather tight as far as rain and snow are concerned. I have a squirrel box on a shelf in the shed and several branches for climbing and exercise. I also put the large bird cage (4 feet tall and 2 feet across) in there with the door opened... I am wondering if I should let him winter-over in the shed - feeding him every day, or if I should try to release him into the woods behind my house... He is alone, and I worry about the cold and about predators (foxes and hawks live in the woods)... If I leave him in the shed, will he need a heat source other than leaves and fleece-type scraps of material? I, of course, will give him food and water every day. Thanks so much if you can find the time to reply... I want to do right by the little guy; we named him Wily. He's come so far over the past 9-10 weeks...
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Jean Lee
5/9/2022 06:27:17 pm
Hi , I have,an adult female that has been rescued,at 3wks and been raised by me ever since I've tried to do a soft release for her twice now but both times she disappears for days then comes back dehydrated, thin and hungry. She wants to be out in the trees and digging in the ground she hates being in a cage. But she just doesn't know how to find food or water or shelter how can I help her wild up or will I ever be able to,
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Elizabeth S Jones
5/10/2022 08:00:56 am
My little guy sleeps in a shed out back of my house, but runs around with other squirrels all day. (He has been sleeping in the shed since Thanksgiving and chewed his own hole to venture out into the woods...) I put nuts (in shells, but broken open), sunflower seeds, and fresh water in the shed for him. He buries some of the nuts, forages for others, and drinks out of the fish pond out back, so he is figuring things out. I plan to wean him off of store-bought nuts over the next several weeks, so by next fall, he will be stashing his own Winter food. Not sure if this information is at all helpful, but that's how I transitioned Wily to outdoor living.
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Lynn
9/9/2023 07:35:01 pm
Hi there. Thanks for having this forum. We have a family of three baby squirrels still with mama in our oak tree, in the PNW. The tree will lose its leaves soon, then rains will start and cold temps. Anything we should or shouldn't do to assist with their shelter? Incidentally, the mama has only one eye but she kicks butt on other squirrels who want her tree, lol. Thanks for any tips you can offer.
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AuthorWilliam Sells is a Registered Nurse turned Squirrel Rehabber and Nutritionist. His passion is raising healthy, disease free squirrels through feeding them the right way and the treatment of common squirrel diseases. He's always open to questions and comments regarding Squirrels and their care and feeding. Archives
September 2022
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