Red squirrels visiting your garden can be offered small amounts of one type of food every few days to supplement, not replace, their natural diet. As autumn arrives, the charming red squirrel begins to make more frequent appearances, and if you've been lucky enough to spot some in your garden or close by, there are some simple steps you can take to encourage their return.
Keeping their natural diet intact
Lending these delightful creatures a helping hand is straightforward - a bit of extra food and some red squirrel-friendly shrubs dotted around your garden can go a long way. Bear in mind, though, that any food you provide should only complement a red squirrel's natural diet, not replace it. The idea is to put out modest portions every couple of days, ensuring they don't become overly reliant on your offerings.
Nuts, seeds, and other treats
Nuts and seeds are an obvious hit with squirrels, and the wider the variety on offer, the better. Hazelnuts are a frequent favourite, but sweet chestnuts, sunflower seeds and pine nuts are equally well received. Should you opt for peanuts, it's vital to ensure they're free from aflatoxin and avoid piling them up in large quantities. Apples and carrots are also a fine choice, offering red squirrels a welcome vitamin boost.
Choosing the right feeding spot
The location of your feeding station is just as crucial as what you put in it. Given their skittish nature, squirrels need a spot that affords them a swift getaway should they feel threatened. A tree is an ideal spot, positioned around five to six feet off the ground. Alternatively, a position close to a high wall works a treat, as red squirrels are natural climbers and love to make a quick dash to safety.
If you've already identified where squirrels access your garden, it's advisable to position your feeding station along their typical pathway, rather than enticing them to traverse open areas where they might be vulnerable to pets and other creatures.
Keeping feeders clean and safe
Squirrel feeders can be bought online but there's nothing stopping you from building your own, the key thing is just making sure it remains a clean space. Red squirrels particularly are prone to disease, and so any uneaten food should be removed before a feeder is restocked again. As well as this, feeders should be regularly cleaned using a disinfectant that you would use to clean a bird feeder to secure them against the threat of disease and contamination.
