What do Squirrels Eat - What to Feed Squirrels - Squirrels Diet

[@dude999642]

After $1300 worth of nuts, here's the order they prefer: 1. In-shell American Walnuts (expensive, 7 cents per nut). 2. In-shell Pecans. 3. In-shell roasted salt-free peanuts (the cheapest nut, and not too big for Steller's Jays). 4. In-shell hazelnuts. 5. Almonds, acorns. 6. Pine nuts, hickory nuts, sunflower seeds, and other nuts. Prefer much much less: fruits, veggies, corn, dried bugs, beans, black walnuts (too hard shell, I believe, and extremely expensive), chestnuts (too expensive).

[@johnboyle3552]

Almonds and walnuts are their 2 most favorite nuts. Figured this out by giving them small piles of 6 different nuts and the almonds were always eaten first, then the walnuts, then the others in no particular order.

[@zoooloogist]

Thanks for sharing your observations.

[@youngmasterchu]

They also love hazelnuts 🥰🐿

[@Otisbear480]

My squirrels agree

[@johnl5444]

I feed them peanuts and bird food but they always go for the black oil sunflower seeds in the bird food mix first .

[@Horizon0505iije]

I just saved a squirrel. She seems to be a young one. I’m gonna take her as a pet now! She never bites and almost as if she was taken care of by a human before

[@AllTestPreparation]

I was just searching for this information & Finally Found. Thank you ma'am.

[@zoooloogist]

Most welcome 😊

[@creativeartnikki810]

Squirrel cutest in world ❣️❤️❤️❤️A little heart of human ❣️❤️

[@youngmasterchu]

Yes they're the cutest 😍🐿

[@sonalihalder9213]

Yes😊

[@skyloveup]

They're cute and never a nuisance.

[@zoooloogist]

Yes indeed.

[@Peaceful_Vegan_Warrior]

Mines love unsalted roasted peanuts in the shell. They eat plenty and bury some. If I give them peanuts out the shell they won’t bury them and it’s hard for them to find if I toss it to them.

[@brandtmanning1084]

the two squirrels I feed and enjoy watching are sooooo picky that when I throw out the in shell peanuts.......the one will toss away the peanuts that already have a broken shell. They love the hell out of apples and unsalted almonds also.

[@bobsides5445]

A few months ago a squirrel got my attention so I kept leaving nuts around ,now when he sees me or even my car he will get my attention so I can give him more . He eats a few next to me and the rest he buries in the yard but I think the birds follow him and eat it . I gave him fruits but he wasn't interested . If I'm in my car he will get my attention by throwing something on it or make some kind of noise I was thinking of building him a nest like a bird house but I'm not sure if that's a good idea or if he will move in and place it on a tree or near my window somewhere ,cause he will probably need something warm in the winter

[@zelensky8170]

Thankyou very much cause I got baby squirrel 🐿️ one day ago 😍 now I take care of her

[@zoooloogist]

You are welcome

[@star-jammer8014]

I have Hood Squiels who eat peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, almonds, & i also give them Avacados!

[@nabilalbert3661]

Thank You . I have them in My garden an don't know what kind of food to give them . Tomorrow I'll give them a big feast.

[@Nicholas-hp1si]

I like feeding squirrels it seems like they love Almonds the best they eat them very quickly and always come back for more

[@Eric-xf7gr]

They love almonds but i think hazel nuts are their favorites

[@ChrisOnStage2]

The squirrels at my condo are rather picky! They love raw walnuts and sunflower seeds, but aren't crazy for pecans, almonds, or pine nuts.

[@roshukolchar3893]

Sprb yar today i catched one it is realy use full

[@zoooloogist]

Glad it helped.

[@frompizzaaddicttovegan]

Lovely ❤

[@benfriesen3855]

Thank you sooo much 👌🔥😎 I just litterly made a squirrel picnic table, I love it when they come around ❤️

[@StuartOliver83]

My squirrel loves eating corn on the cob she’s mad for it and also hemp seeds

[@Imagodfollower]

I feed them bird seed & i feed them walmuts & peanuts. They love them. No more peanuts then

[@matthew-nt3gz]

0:29 it seems like these little critters are on the top of the food chain in the many backyard woods. 😂

[@eclark3849]

Grey ones where i live in the uk dont like veg or fruit bit of organtic carrot sometimes lov nuts seed and peanuts

[@apollonia6656]

They are not fussy eaters, then 😂😂😂😂 Love squirrels.

[@jimc8917]

I love the company of my little ones who visit my tropical backyard. I named two of them, CiCi and Shino, since they like to interact with me. But even though I trained them to eat from my hand, my wife says they’ve got me trained. If you want to drop your blood pressure, next to exercise, interacting with squirrels is a good start. I did research the nuts I feed them for health issues that can occur. I learned that almonds may be toxic to a squirrel’s liver, and walnuts are like chocolate cake. So I don’t feed them any almonds and treat them to walnuts from time to time. I really enjoy having them visit and letting me get close during feedings.

[@pradeep6790]

Great video

[@zoooloogist]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@buhaycanadachannel8419]

Very informative👍😍❤️got squirrels 🐿 in our backyard eating the bird 🦅 food🙂 thanks for sharing❤️👍👌😍

[@zoooloogist]

Thank you too

[@brandtmanning1084]

I live in the greater Cincinnati area ......the literal headquarters of Krogers grocery chains is visible from my house in the Cincinnati skyline. Its ridiculous but Ive only found one Kroger store out of 5 in my general area that sell UNSALTED brands of nuts......which is what I feed them. Dont forget to put out water and change it daily. They will drink a lot of water if you provide it for them.

[@RescuedIsMyBreed]

Do you have a Menards or Marc's near you? Both stores have unsalted peanuts in shell, 5 pound bags.

[@sanessarodrigues3518]

That squirrel picture thoo 😍👌

[@muratsarioglu8574]

I love them 😍

[@mikeheasman2594]

Eastern greys in the uk eat a lot of songbirds.

[@twal3]

No peanuts?? They love those. I have regular customers on my window sill every day.

[@bnelson4859]

I am trying to figure out exactly what is safe & best to put out in backyard for squirrels to eat. Some information I have read actually advertises critter type feed which has cracked corn & black sunflower seeds. However, this is not good for squirrels? 🤔 Can they eat cracked corn, seeds? What can be put out that is safe & good for them? Thanks🐿

[@zoooloogist]

Corn should be avoided as they can grow a deadly mold, which is harmful to squirrels. In mammals, a proper calcium to phosphorous ratio is crucial to maintaining proper bone strength. Sunflower seeds, and other nuts, have lots of phosphorous and little, if any, calcium. So it is better to avoid sunflower seeds. Native nuts are actually a better source of phosphorous than sunflower seeds, so if you can afford it, stick with nuts native to your area that can be more healthy for your squirrel.

[@flippitydooda7996]

I have read several places that have said the squirrels eat elderberries, but I am afraid of giving them to the squirrels because the have cyanide in them and in order for us to consume them they have to be processed. My chickens have eaten them before and are fine. 😅 I just want a confirmation of some kind that it’s not going to kill my squirrels 😅

[@billcummins5801]

That was a great video on the last list that you said do not feed squirrels what happens if you do feed them squirrels that kind of food?

[@beckycardwell219]

For beans, should you cook them or can they be dried out of the bag?

[@zoooloogist]

They be dried out of the bag

[@dogrider447]

Squirrels the most legendary creature

[@zoooloogist]

Yes indeed

[@skyblair6608]

I bought some squirrel food from Amazon and the mix has peanuts and monkey nuts. Should I not give this to them?

[@zoooloogist]

You can give it to them, just make sure that the peanuts doesn't grow fungus over time.

[@jutsu3644]

hi your sond is so sweet

[@zoooloogist]

Thanks

[@angelooliver3203]

​ @Kidz Feed Yeah, so peanuts are legumes... What's wrong with that? Also, do you really think fungus only develops in peanut shells? Think again!!! BTW,I have seen the squirrels in my backyard eating a decomposed bird carcass. LOL.. They're just being squirrels.

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

I once saw a squirrel on top of a garbage bin eating a discarded chicken leg. Didn’t know they eat meat at times.

[@jenniegriego]

The squirrel feed I buy has corn and peanuts in it.

[@zoooloogist]

Squirrels do eat corn or peanuts, it becomes harmful when it catches fungus. That is why, it is not recommended to feed them.

[@betterwalnuts9234]

Walnuts. Squirrels love walnuts!

[@SteelerY360Nation]

I’ve been feeding squirrels in my parks in Pittsburgh for 13 weeks so far. I bought a whole bunch of dried fruits, but slot of them won’t eat it cause they prefer nuts. BTW, why shouldn’t you feed squirrels peanuts? I feed them the unsalted ones in shells, but they also prefer walnuts too.

[@zoooloogist]

Two reasons not to feed groundnuts (peanuts) 1. The shell of the peanut may contain an undetectable fungus. It can cause brain damage, heart, liver and lung failures. 2. The Peanuts are not actual nuts, they are legumes.

[@angelooliver3203]

​@@zoooloogist Yeah, so peanuts are legumes... What's wrong with that? Also, do you really think fungus only develops in peanut shells? Think again!!! BTW,I have seen the squirrels in my backyard eating a decomposed bird carcass. LOL

[@AlexColberg]

​@@angelooliver3203 Aflatoxins can also be found on tree nuts, not just peanuts. And as for peanuts being legumes, legumes are not a natural part of a squirrel's diet as tree nuts are, so a steady diet of peanuts is probably not a good thing. Every once in a while I don't see a problem, but you should keep in mind that other people might be giving the squirrel peanuts as well.

[@stonedoliveees]

What about calcium...

[@zoooloogist]

Great question! Squirrels do need calcium for their bones and teeth. They often get it by gnawing on bones, antlers, or even eggshells they find. Some also get calcium from the bark and leaves of certain trees. Thanks for bringing this up!

[@Lane2010100]

Could you make a cereal out of the fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts and then throw it in the freezer for a later time for them to eat?

[@zoooloogist]

It is better to make a sample first and try to feed the squirrels, if they like it only then you can continue. However, it is always best to feed the food in the form they are used to in the wild.

[@ronbrockway3665]

Are can beans ok? Should I cook

[@Kdot_osrs]

Raw

[@Thelooneylink]

What if peanuts have been roasted first?

[@mikegarrens5286]

Give them pizza they'll go crazy

[@mjnyc8655]

Why not peanuts?

[@zoooloogist]

Great question! Peanuts are not a natural part of a squirrel's diet and can lack the nutrients they need, plus they might carry toxins harmful to squirrels. It's better to stick to their natural foods like nuts, seeds, and fruits.

[@minnu6160]

Can we feed breads . Plz reply

[@zoooloogist]

Squirrels do eat bread, but you should avoid feeding them bread because some bread have more sugar than candy and is not a good diet for squirrels. Squirrels may eat the bread, but if it contain cellulose, then they may have a hard time digesting this dietary fiber.

[@Taba-gv7lf]

My squirrel is 3 months old, can i feed him all the food you recommend?

[@zoooloogist]

Yes you can

[@suzettebutner480]

Why are peanuts not good for squirrel?.. are raisins ok for squirrel?

[@Kdot_osrs]

I read raisins aren’t good for them. But then again who knows? I’ve seen cashews aren’t good either?? Idk to be honest

[@fishweekly8806]

Dang I just fed mine cheerios

[@tesorop]

SAME

[@tesorop]

I fed it cheerios

[@jeevanpj2774]

Can i feed my squirrel egg york he is 3-5 weeks old

[@zoooloogist]

3 tablespoons goat milk 3 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 tablespoons heavy cream ½ egg yolk

[@jeevanpj2774]

@@zoooloogist how often should i do this and is this for one meal? Thank you for the reply ❤️

[@krishnapandya725]

Can we feed groundnuts to them?

[@zoooloogist]

No

[@krishnapandya725]

@@zoooloogist but she eats a lot, and likes it so much

[@zoooloogist]

If by ground nuts you mean peanuts, then you should not feed it. It may eat it once in while in the wild but it is not safe to feed it.

[@zoooloogist]

Two reasons not to feed groundnuts (peanuts) 1. The shell of the peanut may contain an undetectable fungus. It can cause brain damage, heart, liver and lung failures. 2. The Peanuts are not actual nuts, they are legumes.

[@lakshmil9071]

Squirrel good corn🌽 eat

[@DameTremonti]

The squirrels in my garden love walnuts, they don't really like almonds. I can put a walnut on my shoulder and they'll run up my leg and across my back and take it.

[@zoooloogist]

Thanks for sharing. "run up my leg and across my back and take it", that is awesome.

[@AlexColberg]

Yes, it's true they eat trash. I saw one eating a cigarette butt the other day, and after it finished that it went straight for a plastic bottle cap.

[@aliekatsmom]

😭😭

[@timmit3579]

I'd like to feed squirrels sunflower seeds; but I'm afraid they'd become a nuisance, and become dependent on me to feed them, so I don't.

[@ronbarnhardt5201]

On the farm/ranch. Feed them copper

[@b213videoz]

They eat crow/raven eggs and their hatchlings 😜 PS why do you have a chipmunk in a "squirrel video" ?

[@evalehde3869]

Another video said no raw peanuts. Roasted, unsalted peanuts are fine. In fact earlier in THIS video it said roasted peanuts were good. Then in the what not to feed them part, it said peanuts. Not raw peanuts, just peanuts. I think I shall disregard this video and find some info elsewhere.

[@zoooloogist]

Thanks for pointing that out! It's important to have consistent and clear information, especially when it comes to feeding wildlife. The distinction between raw and roasted peanuts can sometimes get confusing in videos like this. Generally, raw peanuts are discouraged because they can contain harmful toxins like aflatoxins, while roasted (unsalted) peanuts are considered safer in moderation. However, even roasted peanuts shouldn’t make up a large part of a squirrel's diet. If you're looking for more reliable guidance, local wildlife experts or credible organizations like wildlife rehab centers might be a great resource!

[@creativeartnikki810]

I search for squirrel eat

[@dontaehaskins1852]

Wait why not peanuts

[@lakshmil9071]

Squirrel eat corn pls tell me

[@zoooloogist]

They eat corn sometimes but as they have of low nutrition value so do not feed it regularly.

[@Retrospective.]

"fun-jai" ??

[@cindymorose6673]

I didn’t know that eat baby birds. Yikes!

[@Otisbear480]

You forgot oreos

[@Akera541]

Why no peanuts? Squirrels love peanuts

[@zoooloogist]

Peanuts are a legume, not a true nut, and when raw they contain a trypsin inhibitor, a substance that inhibits or prevents the pancreas from producing trypsin which is an enzyme essential for the absorption of protein by the intestine. Even though squirrels love to eat them, peanuts and corn fail to provide them with any real nutritional value

[@Akera541]

@@zoooloogist Well they also pack a lot of protein, seems like every animal loves peanuts, Crows, Blue Jay's, Squirrels, etc. But yeah Squirrels will eat all kinds of things. 😉

[@apollonia6656]

Sorry, the music is really.loud.. no need for it 😕

[@zoooloogist]

Sorry for that, we will keep it low in upcoming videos

[@stevena.7022]

Squirrels eat chipmunks?!

[@aylinshr2620]

avocados are toxic to them tho

[@JamesCAsphalt8]

Some of the information in this video is incorrect. Most important is that MACADAMIA NUTS are poisonous for squirrels. Corn has no nutrition for squirrels. YOu can not feed squirrels too many walnuts. And, Cereal with added sugar should never be given to wildlife period.Please do not follow all the advice in this video but instead look for a reputable source for what to feed squirrels. In reality, you should not feed wildlife at all. But if you want to see them around, you have to give them something. Please do it sparingly.

[@playingwithsciencetechnolo9625]

Feed Squirrels with bits www.twitch.tv/wildlifecam