Dealing with Picky Eaters

Squirrels can be very choosy about their food. This is called “selective eating behavior” and it’s an important survival strategy in the wild. However, a captive squirrel doesn’t have to worry about getting enough fat and calories, and if high-calorie foods like nuts and treats are available every day, their “selective” eating will cause them to choose these foods exclusively, which is not a balanced diet! That’s why you should limit certain foods, like nuts and treats.

Squirrels don’t like change, and with extra-picky eaters it can take time to change eating habits. Below are some important tips to help get the squirrel on the road to a healthier diet:

• Clean out all food stashes. This is very important, as squirrels will ignore healthy foods if they have lots of tasty treats stashed. If a squirrel has a stash, they will constantly beg for food to add to it. They may also become protective or aggressive about their stash. Stashes are a no-no.

• Feed blocks in the morning, when the squirrel is hungriest, with no other foods. Then leave. They will probably ignore the block and continue begging for something else. That’s okay.

• Eliminate treats. No extra nuts, no fruit, and no treats of any kind. No sips of your coke, or bits of pizza crust, or any kind of treat. Give them their healthy food and then leave. If they won’t eat it, never go back to the kitchen to get something else for them. This is a very bad habit that teaches the squirrel to be a picky eater.

Feeding Routine

• Breakfast: One squirrel block with no other food.

• Lunch: Healthy veggies (NOT corn, sweet potato, or avocado: these are high-starch, high-energy treats). A handful of spring mix salad is good. There’s a complete list of healthy veggies in the Healthy Diet for Squirrels. Print it out and stick it on your fridge.

• Afternoon Snack: Wild foods from outside or more healthy veggies (see the Healthy Diet for Squirrels).

• Dinner: One squirrel block. Just leave it there and don’t worry if they eat it.

The squirrel probably won’t eat much of the food you provided the first day; that’s normal. The next morning, clear out any uneaten food, and repeat. In fact, they may not eat any of the healthy foods you’re giving for several days. In the first place, they probably have plenty of body fat, so they won’t really be that hungry. Also, they may have hidden stashes you didn’t find. Just be patient. The squirrel will absolutely not starve to death.

Some squirrels adjust quickly to the new diet and love their blocks. Others are more resistant and take more time.

Squirrels like routine and they don’t like change. They might seem confused, restless, or they may even get angry at first. They can be as picky and stubborn as toddlers! However, once they gets used to the new routine, they will learn to love it just as much. So stick with it. If you follow the recommendations above carefully, the squirrel should begin to eat their healthy foods within 5-10 days.

Special Instructions for Weaning-Age Squirrels

During the weaning stage (8-14 weeks) do not give any nuts, fruit, or treats of any kind. Concentrate on formula but
also introduce blocks and healthy veggies. It’s important they learn to love these healthy foods. Once they’re weaned
you can introduce limited nuts/fruits/treats.

Should you still need assistance, please call Henry’s Emergency Help Line at (540) 745-3334 Ext. 1 or (203) 214-7427.