Have you ever tried to feed a squirrel in the yard, but it ran away?Squirrels are afraid of larger animals because they are wild.You can train the squirrels to eat out of your hand by befriending them.The process can take weeks or even months, but it is fun for people of all ages.
Step 1: Squirrels will come to your yard if you have outdoor mesh feeders.
Squirrels can easily find food in your yard if you don't already have them.Make sure the feeders are easily accessible for you and the animals by setting them up near a tree or garden hook.Look for squirrel-specific feeders or simple mesh feeders so that the squirrel can easily locate and retrieve the food.Large birds and other animals may be able to access squirrel food.Squirrel visitors will stop by if these animals are kept away.It will take time for the squirrels to trust you, so it's best to hand feed them in your own yard.Squirrels are willing to eat from your hand if you visit a park where they eat.
Step 2: Squirrels eat tree nuts, seeds, and flower buds.
To promote gnawing, make a mixture of tree nuts with shells.Add some bird seed to the mixture and place it outside.Squirrels can easily access it from trees if it is separated from other feeders.Squirrel baffles, like wind chimes or reflective surfaces, can be used to repel the squirrels from your other feeders.
Step 3: Squirrels can get sweeter treats, such as fruits and vegetables.
The squirrels will eat a few grapes, apples, broccoli, or zucchini outside.These will provide more nutrition and lure the squirrels back to your yard for a treat that they can't find elsewhere!The squirrel seems to eat the most of.Increase the amount of grapes you give them if they like them more than apples.
Step 4: You can associate your scent with feeding time if you put out food every day.
The squirrel learns to trust you because you are a reliable source of food.A corner of a porch or a garden is a good place to create a safe outdoor space.They don't go to look for treats if you feed them at the same time every day.If there is no food in the feeders, the squirrels will come up to your windows to peer inside.
Step 5: When the squirrel is eating, stand near the feeders and make clicking noises.
Stand as close as you can to the feeders without scaring them off.At first, be very still and quiet.You can make clicking noises with your mouth to mimic the sounds squirrels make.This will teach them to trust you and help them get used to your presence.Videos of squirrel noises will give you a better idea of what to make.To avoid scaring off the squirrels, try to be as still as possible.If you are approaching them for the first time, sit or stand nearby and ignore them as much as possible.
Step 6: There is a squirrel that eats your treats.
If you notice that you have some repeat customers, then you might want to try to feed the squirrel.If the squirrel doesn't come to your feeders regularly, they will be scared off as soon as you approach.
Step 7: Walk slowly until you can see the squirrel running.
If the squirrel is at the ground, try to get as low as possible.When the squirrel stops moving, walk slowly and stop until it starts moving again.You can stop where you are once the squirrel looks at you.If the squirrel runs away, move away from the feeders and wait a day before approaching again.
Step 8: Take out a few of the squirrel's food.
If the squirrel looks at you, kneel down and hold out a mix of nuts, seeds, and a few pieces of fruit or vegetables.The squirrel can see and smell food if you extend your hand as much as possible.At this point, the squirrel will already be eating, but it might be more interested in tastier treats that it doesn't have in its usual food.
Step 9: You can toss some of the food between you and the squirrel.
Throw about 14 of the food halfway between you and the squirrel, and wait for it to walk towards you to eat it.Try to lure it closer to you so it knows you are trying to feed it.Be patient!It may take some time for the squirrel to trust you.To avoid scaring the squirrel, toss or roll the food softly.
Step 10: The squirrel will approach your hand if you place the food at shorter distances.
As the squirrel approaches and eats the food, throw a bit more in the space between you.When it is within arm's length, slowly extend your hand and give it food.Keep your hand flat and allow it to eat.It is possible to save apples and grapes until the squirrel is closer to you.
Step 11: As the squirrel trusts you, be patient and try new tricks.
It can take a long time to get the squirrel to trust you.Don't get discouraged.The squirrel will be more likely to do it again once it approaches you.As you pet it, try to put it on your lap or arm.Squirrels are wild animals and don't make great pets, but you can befriend the ones that live in your yard.