Squirrels are common backyard visitors, often leading to questions about their diet. Many wonder about offering them human foods, such as chicken. Understanding a squirrel’s appropriate diet is important for their overall well-being.
A Squirrel’s Natural Diet
Squirrels primarily consume a varied diet adapted to their environment. Their diet largely consists of nuts like acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hickory nuts, along with seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. They also forage for fruits (apples, berries, grapes) and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, squash), fungi, tree bark, and leaf buds. This plant-based diet provides the essential fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. While largely herbivorous, squirrels are opportunistic omnivores and may occasionally eat insects or bird eggs.
Chicken for Squirrels: Safety and Nutrition
While squirrels might eat chicken, it is not an ideal food source and presents several safety concerns. Cooked chicken bones, in particular, pose a significant risk because they can splinter easily, potentially causing internal injuries or choking. Raw or undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can sicken squirrels and potentially transmit diseases to humans.
Chicken prepared for human consumption often contains seasonings, salt, or sauces detrimental to squirrel health. High salt content can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. Ingredients like onions and garlic can damage a squirrel’s red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Spicy foods and other processed human foods high in sugar or unhealthy fats offer little nutritional value and can contribute to dental issues, weight gain, or metabolic diseases.
Responsible Feeding Guidelines
Given the potential risks, avoid feeding chicken to squirrels. Instead, offer safe and nutritionally appropriate alternatives. Unsalted nuts like walnuts, almonds, pecans, and hickory nuts are good choices, as are pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Fresh fruits such as apples, berries, and watermelon, along with vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens, can be provided in moderation. Specialized squirrel food mixes are also available.
When feeding wild animals, do so sparingly to prevent dependency on human-provided food. Always ensure any food offered is fresh and clean, placing it in accessible, safe locations. Feeding wild animals can alter their natural foraging behaviors and diminish their innate fear of humans, potentially leading to undesirable interactions or increased disease transmission. Regularly cleaning feeding areas helps maintain proper hygiene and prevents unwanted pests.