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Thread: How do squirrels build their nest?

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  1. #1
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    Default How do squirrels build their nest?

    Okay, simple question asked to me by someone. U would think after 9 years of rehabbing that I would know it. OR.. am I overthinking it? I would assume they strategically arrange the sticks and leaves to form the nest. And they seem to build nests in secure limbs. I mean, do they use mud or anything to stick it together like some birds do? I feel like an idiot.. but I GOTTA KNOW!!

    My brother noticed that they seem to steal each others nests too. Or are the Colorado squirrels just plain RUDE? lol

    Any info would be appreciated. Couldnt find the answer on the web

    Halo

  2. #2
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    Default Re: How do squirrels build their nest?

    i'm pretty sure it's mostly leaves, with some carefully placed sticks. they might use muddy or wet leaves to stick things together, but it would have to dry before they have babies (a wet baby is a cold baby).

    some interesting facts, fyi;

    females actually build several nests, so if the main nest is disturbed, they have a safe place to relocate their babies to.

    males and females only nest together in the winter; females kick the males out once it warms up and females are pregnant.

    squirrels don't sleep on top of the nest; they actually sleep in the center of the mass of leaves, keeping them safe from predators and weather. the create two exits to the nest in case one gets blocked off.

    fun, huh?
    :bounce2thundersquirrel:bounce2

  3. #3
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    Smile Re: How do squirrels build their nest?

    Very interesting. Thanks for the info
    It is a gift from God to love and be loved by a squirrel.


    _______________________________________

    I was blessed to have known such love for 5 1/2 years. Sammy T, I love you and miss you so much. Part of my heart went with you when you left and it will not be complete again until we are together in heaven. I can't wait to see you at Rainbow Bridge.





  4. #4
    Gabe Guest

    Default Re: How do squirrels build their nest?

    GB, aren't they just amazing?

  5. #5
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    Default Re: How do squirrels build their nest?

    that was definately interesting. I always wondered how they could stay secure in a bunch of loose leaves of a nest. But that makes sense that it would be harder, like a birds nest on the inside... very very interesting!

    Also, I did not know that the females make multiple nests for an emergency
    with her babies. I always felt sorry for the mothers who after their nests got destroyed by tree trimmers and such that they didnt have any place to go. Now I can rest assured. Amazing indeed!

    Ahhh... squirrels are so evolved. I mean kicking the male out of the house after he does his duty of keeping them warm in the winter = PRICELESS

    Thanks for the tips.

    Halo

  6. #6
    primo Guest

    Default Re: How do squirrels build their nest?

    Hey all... I am new here to the squirrel board & this is my first post/reply but I cut & trim trees & we find empty nest in the trees all the time most are huge balls of leaves with sticks from the branch growing through it they are most always fresh leaves with afew dried dead leaves in the center for warmth & what ever the squirrel my find like pieces of carpet fiber, cotton, chewed up paper & plastic & anything else they my find....

    when the squirrels nest in palm trees its alot different they use the fibers of the palm & make balls between the ferns steams up by the tree they almost look like brown cotton balls with a small hole in it

    weather they nest in a palm or in oaks or pines from what I've seen most the time they will keep rebuilding there nest in the same spot every few days but some males or females will only nest in these spots untill the leaves turn brown & then they will move on & build some where else I guess for food or a mate

    when they nest for babies they look for holes in trees or they will chew holes into your house in your attics or garage or they will reinforce there nest in the trees so that it is thicker & more water proof & larger & will resist wind better

    some times but not always squirrels will nest in the same tree that they were raised in if the area is good with a good food source & water

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