How To Build A Squirrel House

Introduction 

How To Build A Squirrel House: Outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys observing wildlife, you may have considered creating a safe haven for the furry little acrobats of the forest squirrels. Building a squirrel house is a delightful and rewarding project that not only benefits these charismatic creatures but also you with the opportunity to connect with the natural world in your own backyard. Constructing a squirrel house, offering step-by-step instructions and valuable insights to help you get started on this enjoyable endeavor. Squirrels, with their bushy tails and boundless energy, are a common sight in many parts of the world. 

These agile animals are known for their remarkable climbing abilities and their love for foraging nuts and seeds, often to be stored for the winter months. While squirrels are adaptable and can find shelter in various natural habitats, them with a dedicated squirrel house can offer several advantages. It not only helps protect them from extreme weather conditions but also ensures their safety from predators and other potential threats. Building a squirrel house is not just about creating a functional squirrels structure it’s an opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation efforts and establish a closer connection with the wildlife around you. 

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice looking for a fun and educational project, this will walk you through the essential steps, from choosing the right location and materials to assembling the squirrel house and maintaining it throughout the seasons. By taking the time to construct a squirrel house, you can contribute to the well-being of these endearing creatures, all while adding a touch of charm to your outdoor space. So, gather your tools, tap into your creativity, and embark on building a squirrel house that will not only serve as a cozy abode for these agile critters but also bring a sense of fulfillment and connection to the natural world right to your doorstep.

Can you make squirrel home?

A squirrel house, built properly, will encourage squirrels to stay in their area and out of yours. A squirrel house, like a birdhouse, is used to feed and shelter squirrels.

The squirrel house should be placed at least 30 feet above the ground in a tree at least 10 inches in diameter. The entrance hole should face either east or south, away from prevailing winter winds. The box can be made more enticing to squirrels by half-filling it with dry leaves.

Squirrel home, and it’s a rewarding and eco-friendly project that can benefit both you and the local squirrel population. Building a squirrel home, often referred to as a squirrel house or nesting box, these small, tree-dwelling mammals with a safe and cozy place to live, particularly during the harsh winter months. This endeavor allows you to contribute to wildlife conservation, learn about squirrels, and enjoy the delightful presence of these agile creatures in your yard. 

For untreated, rough-cut lumber like cedar or pine. Avoid pressure-treated wood, as it can be harmful to squirrels. Use rust-resistant screws or nails to assemble the house securely. A saw will be needed to cut the wood into the appropriate pieces. Depending on your choice of fasteners, you’ll need a hammer or screwdriver.

Ensure precise measurements for a well-constructed house. For creating ventilation holes and attaching the house. Consider using asphalt shingles or metal to protect the roof. Squirrel homes are typically small and can vary in size. A common size is about 12 inches in height, 8 inches in width, and 8 inches in depth. Adjust the dimensions as needed.

What is squirrel home called?

A drey is the nest of a tree squirrel, flying squirrel or ringtail possum. Dreys are usually built of twigs, dry leaves, and grass, and typically assembled in the forks of a tall tree.

Tree Nests: Many tree-dwelling squirrels, such as gray squirrels and red squirrels, construct nests high up in trees. These nests are often referred to as “squirrel nests” and are built using leaves, twigs, grass, and other natural materials. They resemble large, spherical structures and are typically located in the branches of trees.

Ground Nests: Some ground-dwelling squirrels, like the Eastern chipmunk, build their nests underground. These are also called “squirrel nests” and are burrowed into the earth. They consist of tunnels and chambers where the squirrels live and store food.

Drey Definition: The term “drey” is often used to describe the tree nests of certain squirrel species, especially the Eurasian red squirrel. A drey is essentially a type of squirrel nest constructed high in the branches of trees. It is typically made from twigs, leaves, and other materials and resembles a compact, spherical structure. Dreys are used for shelter and raising young.

How do you make a baby squirrel nest box?

Any type of small box can be used as a temporary nest for a baby squirrel or litter of baby squirrels. Simply place the rice bag, soft blankets, and squirrel in the open-top box and attach it securely to the tree trunk with rope or a bungee cord.

Use untreated, rough-cut lumber like cedar or pine. Avoid pressure-treated wood, which may contain chemicals harmful to the squirrels. Choose rust-resistant screws or nails for assembly. A saw will be needed to cut the wood into the appropriate pieces. Depending on your choice of fasteners, you’ll need a hammer or screwdriver.

Ensure precise measurements for a well-constructed box. You’ll need a drill with various bits for creating ventilation holes and attaching the box. A suitable size for a baby squirrel nest box is approximately 12 inches in height, 8 inches in width, and 8 inches in depth. These dimensions can vary slightly based on the size of the squirrels you are caring for.

Include a hinged lid or removable top for easy access to the interior. Ensure there are ventilation holes near the top to fresh air. Cut the lumber into the appropriate pieces based on your design. You’ll need pieces for the front, back, sides, and top. Use screws or nails to securely assemble the box, creating a sturdy structure.

Is squirrel good to keep at home?

Yes, squirrels can be pretty aggressive, especially when it comes to their babies. That being said, they aren’t really good to keep as pets; you’ll find them challenging to look after and you’ll find holes in weird places around your house all the time.

The first and foremost consideration is the legality of keeping a squirrel as a pet. In many regions, it is illegal to keep wild animals like squirrels as pets without the appropriate permits and licenses. Laws vary by location, so it’s essential to check your local regulations before considering a pet squirrel.

Squirrels have unique dietary and environmental requirements. They are omnivorous, requiring a varied diet that includes nuts, fruits, vegetables, and insects. The proper nutrition can be challenging, and a balanced diet is crucial for their health.

Squirrels are highly active and agile animals that require a lot of space to climb, jump, and explore. They need an environment that mimics their natural habitat, including opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Squirrels are social animals in the wild and thrive in the company of other squirrels. 

What is a squirrel’s favorite food?

Some of their favorite foods include acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts and Osage orange fruits. They may also feed on wild tree fruits, nuts, and tree buds when food is scarce later in winter.

Nuts are a squirrel’s most iconic and beloved food. They include acorns, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans. Squirrels are known for their excellent nut-cracking skills, using their sharp teeth to open the shells and access the nutritious kernels inside. Seeds from various plants, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and pine seeds are another favored food source. Squirrels are adept at extracting seeds from seed pods and cones.

Squirrels have a sweet tooth and enjoy a wide range of fruits, including apples, pears, berries, grapes, and citrus fruits. They will also eat fruiting bodies of fungi like mushrooms. Squirrels occasionally consume vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, and squash. However, their preference for vegetables may not be as strong as for nuts and fruits.

Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders filled with seeds, particularly sunflower seeds. They can be quite creative in their attempts to access these sources of food. While nuts and seeds make up a significant part of their diet, squirrels are not exclusively herbivores. They occasionally consume insects, small invertebrates, and bird eggs, especially during periods when other food sources are scarce.

In winter, when fresh food is less abundant, squirrels may resort to nibbling on tree bark and lapping up sap from tree wounds. This behavior them with essential nutrients and energy during lean times. Squirrels are known to eat a variety of fungi, including mushrooms. However, some mushrooms can be toxic to them, so their fungal diet can be risky.

Where do squirrels sleep?

Ground squirrels live on or in the ground and not in trees. Gray squirrels, however, sleep in tree nests during the winter and only venture out during the morning and evening. Instead of hibernating, they rely on sheltered nests or dens in trees, fat reserves, and stored food to survive the long, cold winter.

Tree Nests (Dreys): Tree-dwelling squirrels, such as gray squirrels, red squirrels, and fox squirrels, often create nests called dreys in the branches of trees. These days are constructed using leaves, twigs, grass, and other natural materials. They a safe and elevated sleeping location that helps protect the squirrels from predators and the elements.

Tree Hollows: Squirrels may take advantage of natural tree hollows or cavities in which to sleep. These hollows offer excellent protection from weather and predators, but they are less common and may be shared with other wildlife.

Leaf Nests: During the warmer months, squirrels may create simpler nests made primarily of leaves. These nests are often temporary and used for short daytime naps or for shelter from rain. Ground-dwelling squirrels, such as chipmunks, typically create burrows in the earth where they sleep and rest. 

What do baby squirrels eat?

At about 6 weeks old your squirrel will be ready to start nibbling on solid food. These foods may include kale, broccoli, apples, grapes, sweet potato, and hard-shelled nuts out of the shell and a good quality rodent diet.

Baby squirrels, also known as squirrel kits, are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mothers for nourishment and care during their early stages of life. A mother squirrel’s milk the essential nutrients and hydration that baby squirrels need for growth and development. 

From birth until they are around 7-10 weeks old, baby squirrels rely exclusively on their mother’s milk for sustenance. The mother’s milk is rich in fats, proteins, and antibodies that help the kits grow and develop. As baby squirrels reach 7-10 weeks of age, they begin the weaning process. 

During this phase, they gradually transition from solely consuming milk to incorporating solid foods into their diet. The mother introduces her young to a variety of foods by bringing them small portions of nuts, seeds, and other suitable items she finds in the environment. She may also show them how to forage and feed on their own.

What can I feed a squirrel?

Other favorites aren’t exactly natural, but the squirrels love them anyway. These additional foods include peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, pistachios, grapes, corn, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, strawberries, carrots, apples, sunflower seeds and even snack items, such as Oreo® cookies.

Some people love these fluffy creatures whilst others have a stong dislike to them. As most people know, squirrels love most types of nuts but they will also eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The best thing to feed these animals is either Nuts in Shells, Jumbo Peanuts or specifically made Squirrel Food.

Squirrels can eat whole grains such as oats, wheat, and barley. You can offer these grains in small quantities. There are commercially available squirrel food mixes designed to meet their nutritional needs. These mixes often contain a combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

Squirrels need access to clean and fresh water. A shallow dish of water in your yard can be helpful, especially during dry spells. Do not feed squirrels processed or sugary foods, as these can be harmful to their health. Avoid feeding them items like candy, cookies, or junk food.

While it’s enjoyable to feed squirrels, it’s to do so in moderation. Offering too much food can lead to obesity and other health issues. Squirrels are resourceful foragers and should also find their own natural food sources. To prevent squirrels from raiding bird feeders, consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders or squirrel-specific feeders designed to keep them out of bird food.

Conclusion

Building a squirrel house is a wonderful endeavor that combines the joy of DIY craftsmanship with the satisfaction of contributing to the welfare of our furry woodland neighbors. The various aspects of creating a safe and comfortable haven for squirrels, from selecting the right location to choosing the appropriate materials and assembling the house with care and attention to detail. By investing time and effort into constructing a squirrel house, you are playing a vital role in supporting local wildlife and enhancing biodiversity in your immediate environment. Squirrels play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, helping to disperse seeds and contributing to the overall health of our woodlands. 

With a reliable shelter, you can help ensure their survival during harsh weather conditions and protect them from predators, ultimately squirrels fostering a healthier squirrel population. Moreover, the act of building a squirrel house can be a fulfilling and educational experience for individuals and families alike. It offers an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the behaviors and habits of these fascinating creatures, and instill a sense of responsibility for the well-being of our natural world in the next generation. 

Watching squirrels make your squirrel house their home can be a source of endless fascination and enjoyment. As your squirrel house-building journey to maintain the house and keep it clean, fresh bedding and ensuring it remains a safe and inviting place for your squirrel visitors. Regularly observing and interacting with these delightful animals can deepen your appreciation for the intricate web of life that surrounds us. Building a squirrel house is not just about crafting a functional shelter; it’s a way to enrich your own connection with the outdoors and contribute positively to the ecosystem around you. So, this opportunity to create a haven for squirrels in your backyard, and let it be a reminder of the of coexisting harmoniously with nature.