Q&A for How to Hand Feed a Squirrel

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How often do I feed the squirrel per day?

Community Answer

My squirrels come to my door mornings and early evenings. You may feed them a few nuts during this time but should not provide all of their food. They should be also foraging for some of their meals so that they do not become fully dependent on human handouts.

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Question

Will the squirrel attack me?

Community Answer

Probably not, but it's not completely out of the realm of possibility. Squirrels are wild animals and should be treated as such, so feed them at your own risk.

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Question

How do I raise a caught squirrel?

Community Answer

You do not raise wild squirrels. Let it go and let it be free. They are not meant to be in captivity. It will be much happier in the wild. Just think how you'd feel if someone caught you and put you in a cage!

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Question

What if the squirrel is used to me and it finds its way into my house and it doesn't want to leave? Should I keep it if it's happier with me?

Community Answer

I honestly wouldn't recommend keeping it in your house. It's still a wild animal, and they're unpredictable and potentially dangerous. I would speak to your local vet or wildlife rescue organization about this.

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Question

Once I actually catch the squirrel and have it in my hands, what would be the longest time I could hold it for?

Community Answer

You shouldn't attempt to hold the squirrel at all. They are wild animals, and will bite and scratch to escape.

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Question

Will squirrels get sad if I’m not there anymore? I'm moving soon.

UniStar123

Community Answer

Squirrels are wild animals. Their natural instinct is to look for food to survive. Even if you're not there to feed it, the squirrel will find food on its own.

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Question

I feed my squirrel most days. She grabbed my hand while I was putting down some nuts. Why did she do this?

UniStar123

Community Answer

This is just one of the natural instincts for a squirrel. It doesn't mean she will bite or scratch you. Just be careful with her.

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Question

I have a cat and it attempted to attack the squirrel, he knows I’m the owner and does not like me. I don’t know what to do.

Community Answer

Keep the cat away when trying to gain the squirrels' trust. Keeping a safe environment can help show that you are not dangerous to the squirrel.

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Question

I have been doing these steps every day all day and I still can't hand feed or even get close to it, why?

Community Answer

All squirrels are different. Keep trying. It won't happen overnight, so the key is to be patient and not rush it.

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Question

How do I get it to not be scared of the screen door because it rattles a bit?

Community Answer

Let the squirrel get use to the surroundings and sounds. Their natural instinct is to run. If possible, keep the screen door open so the sound isn't made.

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Question

For some reason squirrels are not coming up to me. How do I get them to come?

Community Answer

Patience is key. Squirrels aren't use to human interaction so it is best to let them come to you. It takes time for them to realize you aren't dangerous.

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Question

Can I still do this if it's winter?

Community Answer

Yes, but squirrels are never really out during the winter. If you happen to see a squirrel, you can try hand feeding it.

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Question

What if I don’t have a squirrel feeder?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Dump it in a bowl instead. The squirrels will come since they are always listening and watching your yard so that they can start their forage before winter.

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Question

I started feeding from my second floor balcony and then 2-3 squirrels poo and pee on my balcony. I have stopped feeding, but wonder how I can still feed and not have them defecate?

Community Answer

A squirrel is going to defecate, that's that, find somewhere you really don't care about if they defecate there, like the yard or a feeding post.

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Question

Can grey/red squirrels eat cashew nuts or chia seeds?

Chris Larson

Community Answer

Yes, they will eat anything they can get their small paws on, some of the things they eat may surprise you.

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Question

Why do squirrels sit with their tail along their back covering their heads?

Nola Villines

Community Answer

They can pump up blood in their tails and become larger to predators and this threat stance will help to keep them from getting attacked. The reason the tails are normally over their heads is because they either feel threatened or this sometimes will keep them warm.

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Question

Will the squirrels crack open shelled nuts?

AARON WANG

Community Answer

Yes. They do this to acorns and other type of nuts. They will be okay and fine.

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Question

Started feeding squirrels from my window and now they chewed hole through screen and enter whether I'm here or gone (I dorm). Suggestions? Don't want them eating unsafe food/I don't like poop in my bed.

AARON WANG

Community Answer

Try to cover the hole or add window fences. If they still get through, try giving them a home for themselves. If the idea doesn’t work, that means they will just go in to your house and you cannot prevent this.

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Question

Can we communicate or make them feel comfortable with some talking?

MidnightBlue1_1

Top Answerer

We can communicate with animals in many ways. Talk to them in a soothing voice or acknowledge them by giving small signals like lifting your head up. It takes time for an animal to trust humans, so give the animal some time.

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Question

A squirrel broke open a jar of peanut butter and ate some of it, is it okaY for the squirrel to eat?

Lolidunnnowhattoput09458

Community Answer

Yes! Peanut butter has a high about of fat and sugar, so while it's not the healthiest, it is perfectly fine!

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Question

How long did it take to get the squirrel to trust you enough that it ate out of your hand?

NowUknow

Community Answer

It depends on the squirrels in your area. Some areas have particularly bold squirrels, while some can have really shy ones. The fastest way to do this is to go out in the same place in the same time with the same food. Squirrels tend to like pecans best.

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Question

Can squirrels safely eat cashews?

NowUknow

Community Answer

Yes, as long as they aren’t salted. Salted nuts will dehydrate the squirrels.

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Question

What I can do if the squirrel already has a fear about me?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

All wildlife has a natural fear of predators; humans are predators. Leave the squirrel alone; it could bite you.

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Question

What should I do if I set out a plate of food and they don't come?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

Stop setting out the plate of food before it rots. Squirrels know how to find their own food. Humans do not need to feed them, and the urge to feed is to satisfy a human desire. The squirrels would prefer to be left alone.

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Question

If the squirrel scratches my dog, should I stop giving the squirrel treats to reprimand this behaviour?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

You cannot "reprimand" wild animal behavior. It won't make any difference. However, the squirrel was using its natural defenses against a threat-- your dog. Keep your dog on a leash and don't let the dog chase squirrels. By the way, squirrels can have lice, fleas, and even rabies--you don't want your dog exposed to those.

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Question

I have tried to to get a squirrel to come to me me and the squirrel made direct eye contact and now I don't see the squirrel anymore?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

Leave it alone. It's wildlife. Eye contact has nothing to do with the squirrel's natural protective behavior.

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Question

What happens when the squirrel runs away?

Community Answer

Be patient. Wait for it to come back or find another one. If you come back often, the squirrels will probably get used to you and won't be scared of you.

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Question

I'm not feeding the squirrel close to my house, is that OK?

Community Answer

That's fine; you can feed the squirrel anyplace that's comfortable and safe for you both to do so.

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