Squirrel Jar Feeder: Food & Fun for Squirrels

Squirrels exhibits natural behaviors. These behaviors often lead them to seek food sources that are not naturally available. A squirrel in a jar feeder is a creative solution. This solution directly addresses the need for providing supplemental feeding options. Jar feeder offers an accessible source. This accessible source is particularly important in urban areas. Urban areas have limited natural forage. Squirrel feeders have various types. These types includes traditional hopper feeders. Jar feeders is a unique design. This design not only provides food but also offers entertainment. Entertainment comes in the form of watching squirrels try to access the treats inside the jar. Providing a squirrel feeder can reduce the damage. This damage usually happens to bird feeders and gardens.

Alright, let’s be real—squirrels. Those bushy-tailed bandits of the backyard, right? They’re like the Muppets of the animal kingdom: always up to something, a little nutty (pun intended!), and surprisingly entertaining. For many wildlife enthusiasts, these critters are more than just garden pests; they’re a source of endless amusement and a connection to nature right outside the window.
Feeder Frenzy: Why Squirrel Feeders are Trending

Ever noticed how many squirrel feeders are popping up lately? It’s like everyone’s in on a secret, and that secret involves giving peanuts to adorable rodents. Seriously, though, the rising popularity of squirrel feeders as a backyard hobby is pretty cool. It’s a fun, low-stakes way to engage with local wildlife and provide a little help for our furry friends, especially when the weather gets tough.
Thesis Statement:

So, you’re thinking about joining the squirrel-feeding revolution? Awesome! This article is your ultimate guide to setting up a jar feeder specifically, think of it as building a five-star restaurant for squirrels. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of these feeders to the nitty-gritty of construction, ensuring you create a safe and ethical feeding station. Get ready to dive into the wonderfully nutty world of squirrel jar feeders!

Contents

Understanding Squirrel Behavior: Catering to Their Natural Instincts

Okay, so you’re thinking about setting up a squirrel-tastic buffet in your backyard, huh? That’s awesome! But before you go full-on Willy Wonka for the bushy-tailed bandits, let’s get a little sciency (don’t worry, I promise it’ll be fun!). Understanding how squirrels think, eat, and live will help you create a jar feeder setup that’s not only irresistible but also safe and beneficial for your furry friends. Think of it as ‘Squirrel Psychology 101’, but with more nuts and less existential angst.

Animal Behavior: The Secret Lives of Squirrels

Squirrels aren’t just randomly scampering around; they’re actually little foraging ninjas! They spend a good chunk of their day searching for food, using their keen sense of smell to sniff out buried treasures. And speaking of buried treasures, squirrels are notorious for their food caching behavior. They’ll bury nuts and seeds all over the place, creating a squirrel-sized savings account for later. Of course, they sometimes forget where they put things (we’ve all been there, right?), which actually helps spread seeds and contributes to forest regeneration. How cool is that?

Also, let’s not forget the social scene. Squirrels have their own little social hierarchies, especially around food sources. You might notice some squirrels being more assertive or dominant than others. Understanding these interactions can help you anticipate how many feeders you might need and where to place them to minimize squabbles.

Diet: Fueling the Fluff

What do squirrels eat, anyway? Well, they’re not too picky, but they definitely have their favorites. Nuts and seeds are their bread and butter (or should I say, nuts and acorns?). Think of things like:

Peanuts (unsalted, please!)
Walnuts
Hazelnuts
Acorns
Black oil sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds

Offering a variety is key, as different nuts and seeds provide different nutrients. And every now and then, they also enjoy a little something something else like some fruits and vegetables! Apples, grapes, carrots, and broccoli are generally safe and can provide a little extra hydration and vitamins. Just avoid anything that’s toxic to them, like chocolate or onions (yes, squirrels can’t eat onions).

Habitat: Location, Location, Location!

Squirrels aren’t exactly desert dwellers, so keep their preferred habitat in mind when setting up your feeder. They love areas with lots of trees, as these provide not only food sources but also shelter and escape routes. Placing your jar feeder near trees or fences makes it easy for them to access it safely.

Think about it from a squirrel’s perspective: Would you rather trek across a wide-open lawn to get to a feeder, or would you prefer to hop from a nearby tree branch directly to the all-you-can-eat nut buffet? Exactly! Also, make sure the feeder is protected from the elements and other animals. A little bit of planning goes a long way in creating a squirrel-friendly paradise in your backyard.

DIY Jar Feeder Construction: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get crafty? Awesome! Building a DIY jar feeder is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun way to give those bushy-tailed bandits a place to grab a snack. Let’s break down how to create a squirrel diner that’s both safe and stylish.

Jar Selection: Size Matters (and Material, Too!)

First things first, the jar! You’ve got a couple of options here: glass or plastic.

Glass Jars: Think old pickle jars or mason jars. Glass is great because it’s easy to clean and looks pretty darn good. Plus, recycling is always a win! Just be careful, as glass can break if it takes a tumble (especially in the winter when things get icy).
Plastic Jars: Recycled peanut butter jars or large yogurt containers work well. Plastic is more durable than glass, which is a big plus. Ensure that the plastic is food-grade and can withstand outdoor conditions without degrading or leaching chemicals.

Size-wise, consider how many squirrels you’re expecting to feed. A smaller jar is fine if you only have a few regulars, but a larger jar will save you from refilling it every other day. It’s always better to overestimate a little bit to ensure every squirrel can have their snack.

Lid Design: Keeping ‘Em In, But Not Too Secure

The lid is crucial. It needs to be secure enough to keep the food inside, but easy enough for the squirrels to access without a Mensa membership.

Hinged Lids: These are fantastic! Attach a small hinge to the lid and the jar, so squirrels can flip it open. A small latch or hook will prevent it from blowing open in the wind.
Modified Screw-On Lids: Cut a hole (or several smaller holes) in the lid that’s big enough for squirrels to reach in. You can even add a small perch around the hole for them to stand on. This adds a touch of flair and makes it easier for the squirrels to grip. Be sure to file down any sharp edges!

Pro Tip: Make sure the lid is weather-resistant!

Mounting Hardware and Installation: Hang Tight!

Now, how are we going to hang this masterpiece? Safety is key here!

Screws and Brackets: For a sturdy mount, use exterior-grade screws to attach a metal or wooden bracket to a tree or post. Then, secure the jar to the bracket. This is your best bet if you want something really stable.
Rope or Wire: For a more rustic look, drill holes in the jar (carefully!) and thread a strong rope or wire through. Make sure the rope is weather-resistant, like nylon or paracord.
Stability is Key: No matter what you choose, make sure the feeder is stable! A wobbly feeder is a sad feeder. Consider the wind, squirrel acrobatics, and potential bumps from other animals.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Building!

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty!

Gather Your Supplies:
- Jar with Lid
- Drill (with appropriate drill bits for your jar material)
- Screws, Brackets, Rope or Wire (depending on your chosen mounting method)
- Hinges, Latches (if making a hinged lid)
- Safety Glasses
- Sandpaper (for smoothing rough edges)
- Pencil and Ruler
Prepare the Lid:
- For Hinged Lid: Attach the hinge to the lid and the jar. Install a latch to keep it closed.
- For Modified Screw-On Lid: Mark and drill holes in the lid. Sand down any sharp edges.
Attach Mounting Hardware:
- For Brackets: Screw the bracket to the tree or post. Secure the jar to the bracket.
- For Rope/Wire: Drill holes in the jar. Thread the rope/wire through. Hang the feeder.
Fill ‘er Up!
- Add your squirrel snacks!
Safety First!
- Always wear safety glasses when drilling.
- Use the correct tools for the job.
- Don’t force anything.
- Make sure everything is securely fastened before filling the feeder.

And there you have it! Your very own DIY squirrel jar feeder. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show as your furry friends come to feast.

Choosing the Right Food: A Squirrel’s Delight

Alright, so you’ve got your squirrel jar feeder built, and you’re ready to roll. But hold on a sec! Before you fill it with just anything, let’s talk about grub. You wouldn’t want to serve up a bland, boring buffet, would you? We want to attract those fluffy-tailed acrobats with a five-star feast! Let’s explore the yummiest (and healthiest) options for your new squirrel diner.

Nuts: The Squirrel’s Favorite Treat

Think of nuts as the steak and potatoes of the squirrel world. They’re packed with energy and healthy fats – just what our little buddies need to scamper and stash. Here’s the lowdown on some top choices:

Peanuts (Unsalted): A classic choice! But make sure they are unsalted, as too much sodium isn’t good for them.
Walnuts: A bit of a pricier option, but squirrels go nuts (pun intended!) for them.
Hazelnuts: These little guys are another favorite, and they’re easy for squirrels to handle.
Acorns: If you’ve got oak trees nearby, you’re in luck! Squirrels love acorns. Just make sure they are not moldy or rotten.

Now, here’s the secret sauce: Variety is key. Just like you wouldn’t want to eat pizza every single day, squirrels appreciate a mix of flavors and textures. Offering different types of nuts ensures they get a wider range of nutrients.

Seeds: Tiny Bites with Mighty Benefits

Seeds are like the side salad to the nutty main course – smaller but still important! Here are a few stellar seed selections:

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These are nutritional powerhouses. High in oil, they provide essential energy for squirrels.
Pumpkin Seeds: A great source of zinc and other minerals. Plus, they’re especially festive around Halloween!
Squirrel-Specific Seed Mixes: These are readily available at most pet stores or online and are formulated to provide a balanced diet for squirrels.

When choosing seeds, remember that fresh is best. Stale seeds can lose their nutritional value and might even become moldy. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place to keep them in tip-top shape.

Supplemental Foods: The Occasional Dessert

Alright, let’s talk treats! While nuts and seeds should be the staples, you can occasionally offer some fruits and veggies to add some extra vitamins and variety to their diet. Think of them as the dessert portion of their meal.

Apples: Sliced into small pieces, apples provide hydration and essential vitamins.
Grapes: Seedless grapes are a sweet and juicy treat that squirrels enjoy.
Carrots: Shredded or cut into small sticks, carrots offer a boost of Vitamin A.
Broccoli: A surprising hit! Florets provide a good source of vitamins and fiber.

Important Warning: Avoid foods that are toxic to squirrels, like chocolate, onions, garlic, and processed foods. These can be harmful and even deadly to our furry friends. Remember, we’re aiming to supplement their diet, not replace it. Keep these treats as occasional bonuses.

Finding the Perfect Spot: Where Should Your Squirrel Jar Feeder Go?

Okay, you’ve built your awesome jar feeder, and now you’re probably thinking, “Where do I put this thing?” You can’t just plop it down anywhere and expect a squirrel party! Location is key to attracting those furry little acrobats. Think of it like real estate – it’s all about location, location, location!

Prime Real Estate for Squirrels

Gardens and Backyards: Think visibility! Squirrels are curious creatures, but they aren’t mind readers. Place your feeder in a spot where it’s easily seen from a distance – this is where gardens and backyards come in handy. Also, consider the squirrel traffic in your neighborhood. Are there already squirrels scampering about? Great! You’re halfway there.
Tree and Fence Proximity: Squirrels are naturally drawn to trees and fences. It’s their highway system! Placing your feeder near these structures offers them an easy and natural approach. It gives them a launching pad to get to their tasty treats! Think of it as providing curbside service.

Access is Everything

Now, you want to make sure those little guys can actually get to the feeder, right? It’s all about setting up a squirrel-friendly obstacle course (a gentle one, of course).

Squirrels Only (Please!): While you want squirrels to have easy access, you may want to discourage other critters (like cats or overly ambitious birds) from dominating the feeder. A little height can go a long way.
Height Matters: Think about how high you mount that feeder! Too low, and the neighborhood cat might see it as a squirrel buffet. Too high, and your acrobatic squirrels might think it’s a mission impossible. Aim for a height that’s challenging but manageable for your target audience! Ground dwelling animals should not be able to reach it.

Safety First! Keeping Your Squirrel Buddies (And Yourself) Safe

We love squirrels, but we want to keep them safe, sound, and away from danger! Consider safety precautions.

Roadside Dangers: Keep your feeder far away from roads. You don’t want any squirrelly encounters with cars. Think of it as creating a safe zone for your furry friends.
Mounting Matters: A wobbly feeder is a dangerous feeder. Make sure it’s securely mounted to prevent it from falling and potentially injuring squirrels (or any unsuspecting humans passing by).

Maintenance and Hygiene: Keeping Your Feeder Clean and Safe

Alright, so you’ve built your awesome squirrel jar feeder – fantastic! But trust me, just like any good restaurant, hygiene is key to keeping your furry patrons coming back for more (and not getting sick!). We’re talking squirrel health here, folks! Think of it this way: a dirty feeder is like serving a gourmet nut platter on a moldy plate. Not exactly appetizing, right?

Regular Cleaning: Scrub-a-dub-dub for Happy Squirrels!

Why bother cleaning? Well, imagine living in a house where crumbs and leftovers just piled up. Yuck! Squirrels aren’t too keen on mold and bacteria either.

Why Clean? Regular cleaning keeps mold and bacteria from setting up shop in your feeder. Moldy nuts? No thanks!
How Often? Aim for at least once a month. More often if you notice things getting funky, especially during humid weather.
The Method: Warm, soapy water is your best friend. Grab a scrub brush (an old toothbrush works great for those nooks and crannies!) and give that jar a good scrub.
The Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly! You don’t want any soap residue lingering. Let it air dry completely before refilling. Nobody likes soggy snacks!

Refilling and Monitoring: A Squirrel-Sitter’s Guide

Okay, your feeder is sparkling. Now what? It’s not just about dumping in more nuts and walking away. Be a responsible squirrel landlord, my friend!

Refilling Schedule: Watch your squirrels! How quickly are they demolishing the snacks? Adjust your refilling schedule accordingly. A full jar is a happy jar!
Squirrel Activity: Keep an eye on your little buddies. Are they acting normal? Eating well? Look out for any signs of illness – lethargy, unusual behavior, or looking generally off. If something seems wrong, you might want to temporarily take the feeder down.
Spoiled Food Patrol: Regularly remove any old, wet, or uneaten food. Soggy seeds and nuts are a breeding ground for nasties. Think of it as spring cleaning… but for squirrels!

Ethical Considerations: Responsible Wildlife Feeding

Okay, so you’re thinking about setting up a squirrel buffet in your backyard? That’s awesome! But before you go full-on Dr. Doolittle, let’s chat about the not-so-obvious stuff. It’s all about being a responsible wildlife host, ensuring we’re helping our furry friends without accidentally turning them into couch potatoes or, worse, making them sick. Think of it as throwing the best party, but with rules to keep everyone happy and healthy!

Wildlife Feeding: A Double-Edged Sword

On one hand, offering a helping hand to squirrels – especially when acorns are scarce or winter is biting – feels pretty darn good. They get a reliable snack, and you get front-row seats to nature’s cutest show. But here’s the kicker: consistent feeding can make them too reliant on us humans. They might become less enthusiastic about foraging for natural foods, essentially developing a squirrel version of ordering takeout every night. Also, crowded feeders can become breeding grounds for diseases like mange or parasites, which is definitely not the housewarming gift you want to give. The key takeaway? Supplemental feeding is best when nature’s pantry is a little bare.

Animal Welfare: Squirrel-Friendly Design

Now, about those feeders… we’re aiming for squirrel paradise, not a furry obstacle course. Make sure your jar feeder is designed with their safety in mind. No sharp edges that could cause scratches, and definitely no tiny openings where they could get stuck. Imagine a squirrel-sized yoga pose gone wrong – not a pretty picture! Think easy access and escape routes in case a bully squirrel shows up (yes, they exist). The goal is to provide a safe and comfortable dining experience for all.

Safety: Respecting Boundaries

Finally, let’s talk safety – for both squirrels and us. I know, they’re cute. So cute you might be tempted to offer them a nut right from your hand. Resist that urge. Wild animals need their space. Getting too close can stress them out and might even lead to unwanted bites (ouch!). Plus, we don’t want them becoming too comfortable around humans; it could put them at risk in other situations. Keep a respectful distance, enjoy the show from afar, and remember that the best way to love wildlife is to let them be wild!

Observing and Enjoying Squirrel Behavior: A Backyard Spectacle

Okay, you’ve built your squirrel diner, the menu’s set, and now…it’s showtime! Get ready, because you’re about to become a ringside spectator to the hilarious and captivating world of squirrel antics. Forget Netflix, folks; the best entertainment is right outside your window.

Observation Tips: Become a Squirrel Superfan

First things first, grab a comfy chair and maybe a pair of binoculars. It’s time for some serious squirrel-watching. Don’t just glance; really observe. Notice how each squirrel has its own unique style. Some are cautious and methodical, carefully selecting each nut. Others are like furry little ninjas, acrobatically leaping onto the feeder with fearless abandon.

Pay attention to their feeding habits. Do they stuff their cheeks to the brim, planning a quick getaway to bury their treasure? Or do they sit and savor each bite like a tiny connoisseur? And don’t miss out on the social interactions! Are they sharing the feeder or engaging in playful (or not-so-playful) squabbles over the best spot? Each squirrel has its own quirky personality, and observing these nuances is part of the fun. Get your camera ready! Capture their silly poses and crazy antics. Sharing those photos with friends is guaranteed to bring a smile.

Entertainment Value: The Greatest Show on Earth (Your Backyard Edition)

Let’s face it: squirrels are naturally funny. Their boundless energy and acrobatic feats are endlessly entertaining. Seeing them stretch, leap, and contort themselves to reach the feeder is like watching a tiny circus act. You’ll witness moments of pure slapstick, like the time a squirrel misjudged a jump and face-planted into the jar (don’t worry, he was fine!).

Think of your jar feeder as a stage, and the squirrels as the stars of the show. Their antics will fill your afternoons with laughter. And, hey, don’t keep all the fun to yourself! Share your observations, photos, and videos with others. Start a backyard squirrel-watching club, or post your best shots on social media. You might just inspire others to connect with nature and appreciate the charm of these furry little neighbors.

Turn your backyard into a place to connect with nature. Get started, you won’t regret it!

So, there you have it! A simple, fun way to outsmart those bushy-tailed bandits and give the birds a fighting chance. Happy feeding, and may the best critter win!