However, More Birds encourages feeding squirrels to keep them from bird feeders. Do Squirrel Feeders Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders?Īccording to The Oregonian, feeding backyard squirrels is bad for them and ineffective. In addition, replace the food if you see a sick or dead squirrel, bird, or other small animals nearby. You can reduce this risk by keeping your feed stored in a cool, dry place and cleaning your feeders regularly. DiseaseĪny time you feed animals, there is a risk that you’ll contribute to the spread of disease. Squirrels may also steal human food or get into the garbage if they’re used to finding food at your residence, all of which is best avoided. Squirrels that are used to having squirrel food in a certain yard will keep coming back to that yard.Īnd that may make them more likely to come by the bird feeders as well. This can lead to negative altercations between squirrels and people. If you put up a squirrel feeder but run out of food, the squirrels will start seeking food elsewhere on your property, and they won’t be shy about it. Squirrels are animals that seek food aggressively, and when they find a food source, they’ll hold on to it and keep coming back looking for more.

The worst thing you can do for a squirrel is hand-feed it.

When squirrels bite humans, it’s almost always because they lose their natural fear. It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s good for squirrels to be afraid of humans.įear helps them avoid the dangers that humans pose, preventing them from getting close enough for anyone to be injured. The main two reasons are that feeding squirrels reduces their fear of humans and that it makes them seek food from humans more aggressively.īoth of these things can result in biting and injury. Are Bird Feeders Good for Biodiversity?įeeding squirrels may seem like a good way to keep your bird seed safe, but there are several reasons why it’s a bad idea in the long run.Alternative Ways To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Bird Feeder.Do Squirrel Feeders Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders?.

Squirrel feeders