A Small Guest With a Big Appetite
As winter settles in and gardens fall quiet, one little creature continues to race along branches with tireless energy: the squirrel. While many animals slow down, squirrels stay active and alert, storing energy wherever they can. When temperatures drop, food grows scarce, and even the most resourceful squirrel appreciates a little help.
A simple feeder can turn your garden into a safe winter stop, a place where these lively visitors can warm their spirits and refill their tiny reserves. Choosing the right food becomes a gesture of care that keeps wildlife healthy through the cold months.
These five essentials offer the perfect winter menu.
1. Nuts in the Shell: Nature’s Power Pack
Nuts are the heart of a squirrel’s winter diet. Their dense energy helps fuel long hours of movement and exploration.
Best choices:
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
The shell is more than packaging. It provides enrichment. Cracking it strengthens teeth and satisfies natural foraging instincts, turning a regular meal into a small adventure.
Avoid salted or roasted nuts. Wild squirrels thrive on natural, unprocessed food.
2. Seeds and Kernels: Small Bites, Big Benefits
Seeds support energy without overloading the squirrel’s system. Their oil content keeps fur healthy and coats shiny through harsh winter winds.
Safe options:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds (black oil preferred)
- Pine kernels
Seeds attract birds as well, so a mixed feeder creates a shared winter corner where garden life overlaps gently. Squirrels enjoy variety, and seeds keep them coming back with curiosity.
3. Fresh Fruits: A Touch of Sweet Warmth
Even though fruits are less abundant in winter, squirrels still search for them. Their natural sugars offer quick energy when days grow shorter and colder.
Try offering:
- Apple slices
- Pear pieces
- Berries (fresh or slightly thawed)
Fruits hydrate and nourish without overwhelming their small systems. Remove any uneaten pieces after a few hours to maintain a clean, healthy feeder area.
4. Vegetables: The Forgotten Winter Boost
Squirrels enjoy more than nuts and fruit. Vegetables provide vitamins often missing from winter diets.
Good winter choices:
- Carrot sticks
- Sweet potato chunks
- Broccoli stems
These foods support digestion and offer crunchy textures that keep teeth strong. Many gardeners are surprised at how much squirrels enjoy these simple vegetables.
5. Corn: The Classic Winter Comfort Food
Corn delivers steady energy, especially on freezing days. It digests slowly, keeping squirrels warm through the night.
Two safe forms work best:
- Dried corn on the cob
- Loose whole kernels
Corn brings consistency to the feeder. Its familiar smell guides squirrels back during harsh weather when other food sources disappear beneath frost.
How to Create a Safe Winter Feeding Space
A feeder offers support, but placement matters:
- Keep the feeder elevated
High enough to avoid predators, low enough for squirrels to reach comfortably. - Provide a steady source of water
Even in winter, hydration shapes survival. - Clean regularly
Winter humidity can mold leftover food. - Place it near natural cover
Branches and shrubs give squirrels escape routes and protection from the wind.
A well-positioned feeder creates a calm haven, turning your garden into a space where the wild feels welcome.
Pawlore Reflection: A Simple Gift for a Resilient Creature
Squirrels move through winter with a kind of cheerful determination. Their leaps remain playful, their curiosity endless, even when the world around them sleeps under fog and frost. By offering a safe feeder and a thoughtful selection of foods, you support a creature that brings life to winter’s quiet hours.
At Pawlore, we love these small connections. A feeder is not just a container of nuts and seeds. It’s a moment of kindness shared with a garden visitor who thrives through instinct and courage.
A squirrel that pauses at your feeder carries a story of survival, and your gesture becomes part of it.
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