Here on the Isle of Wight we are lucky enough to live in an area populated with wild red squirrels and soon they will have their own Awareness Week (10th – 16th October).
Autumn storage time
If you have been helping them through the critical June to August period with some supplementary feeding, it is important to keep this going through autumn and winter.
There will hopefully be some Mums with unweaned kits to feed and there is the all- important autumn storage time.
Fawcett: A diet rich in protein needed to survive the autumn and winter
Vanessa Fawcett of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust advises a mix of hazelnuts in their shells, walnuts, unsalted peanuts and sunflower seeds. Other items that can be added to the mix include sweet chestnuts and pine nuts. A supply of clean, fresh water is also necessary.
“This is a diet rich in all the protein they need to survive the autumn and winter weather and ensure they are in good health for the spring breeding season 2023.
“Reds can suffer from a calcium deficiency and this diet plus some apples and carrots will help overcome this. Avoid adding raisins and sultanas as this does cause their calcium levels to fall.”
Always locate at least two metres above ground level
Special squirrel feeders can be bought or made and these should always be located at least two metres above ground level.
Domestic cats do attack red squirrels so never put the food out on the ground.
“We need to encourage the reds to forage for themselves in the wild and not become dependent on supplementary feeding.
“Putting out small amounts of food twice a week will ensure the reds also hunt for themselves.”
Good hygiene
If there are squirrel pox outbreaks in your area it is best to remove feeders to prevent disease transmission.
Regularly cleaning feeders is also good for red squirrel health.
Find out more
The RSST is a national charity established to ensure the conservation and protection of red squirrels in the UK.
Find out more by visiting their Website.
Vanessa has asked for photographs of red squirrels feeding in gardens and these should be sent to [email protected]
News shared by Graham on behalf of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. Ed
Image: © Hazel Clarke
