Many backyard observers wonder about the feeding habits of squirrels, particularly concerning the types of seeds they consume from bird feeders. This curiosity often arises when trying to attract specific bird species or manage wildlife interactions. Understanding squirrel dietary tendencies is helpful for creating a harmonious environment for both birds and other wildlife.
Squirrels and Thistle Seed
Squirrels do not prefer thistle (Nyjer) seed. Its small size makes it difficult for them to handle and consume efficiently. Thistle seed has a low fat content compared to other seeds like sunflower or nuts, which are more appealing to squirrels due to their higher caloric density.
Thistle seed differs from larger, oilier seeds. Its nutritional profile, with lower fat and carbohydrate levels, makes it less energy-dense than their preferred foods. This, combined with the effort required to eat the tiny seeds, contributes to squirrels’ disinterest in Nyjer.
Understanding Squirrel Dietary Preferences
Squirrels are omnivores, primarily consuming plant-based foods. Their natural diet is diverse, consisting of nuts like acorns, walnuts, and hickory nuts, which are rich in fats and carbohydrates. They also readily consume various seeds, with sunflower and pumpkin seeds being favorites.
Beyond nuts and seeds, squirrels eat fruits, berries, and fungi. They also forage for tree buds, flowers, and bark. While largely herbivorous, squirrels supplement their diet with insects, bird eggs, and small animals when other food sources are scarce.
Strategies for Managing Squirrels at Feeders
To deter squirrels from bird feeders, several effective strategies can be employed. Position feeders at least eight to ten feet away from trees, fences, or structures from which squirrels can jump. Squirrels are agile and can leap horizontally up to eight feet and vertically up to four feet.
Using squirrel-proof feeders or baffles can significantly reduce access. Weight-sensitive feeders close ports when a squirrel’s weight is detected, while caged feeders have openings too small for squirrels but large enough for birds. Baffles, physical barriers like dome or cylinder shapes, prevent squirrels from climbing up poles or dropping down onto feeders.
Another approach involves offering seeds squirrels dislike, such as thistle (Nyjer) and safflower seeds. Some bird seed products are treated with capsaicin, derived from hot peppers; birds are unaffected, but mammals like squirrels find it distasteful. Providing alternative food sources for squirrels, like cracked corn or peanuts, in a designated area away from bird feeders can divert their attention.