Giving Hay?

[Mbreault88]

Is it OK to give them Hay? They have had some in the past and loved it. Is it OK to keep giving then it? I have it for my Rabbits

[Spanky]

No, squirrels are not "grass" eaters. Here is the healthy food pyramid for squirrels:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[Mbreault88]

Lol I use that guide very close. It actually says they can have Lawn Grass so yes they are grass eaters in a way. Might not be a main diet. I just want to make sure it's save for them to eat since when I have out it in there cage for them to play with or what not they have eaten it and seemed to enjoy it.

[Spanky]

My understanding from what I have read on TSB, hay is difficult for a squirrel to digest and should not be given to captive squirrels. There is also risk of it molding, but that is more in regards to using hay for bedding. Here is a link to a more recent discussion where a couple members whose advice is "gospel" to me have discussed feeding hay to squees:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?52112-does-anyone-know-if-Timothy-hay-is-ok-for-squees-its-good-for-other-rodents

Having grass on the safe plants list is a good idea since I have seen questions about grass / sod / turf for both indoor cages and release cages. I cannot say I have ever seen a squirrel eat grass, but I suppose that all depends on the available food sources.

[Nancy in New York]

My understanding from what I have read on TSB, hay is difficult for a squirrel to digest and should not be given to captive squirrels. There is also risk of it molding, but that is more in regards to using hay for bedding. Here is a link to a more recent discussion where a couple members whose advice is "gospel" to me have discussed feeding hay to squees:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?52112-does-anyone-know-if-Timothy-hay-is-ok-for-squees-its-good-for-other-rodents

Having grass on the safe plants list is a good idea since I have seen questions about grass / sod / turf for both indoor cages and release cages. I cannot say I have ever seen a squirrel eat grass, but I suppose that all depends on the available food sources.

Many lawns are chemically treated and fertilized so if an outside squirrel occassionally eats grass,
(though mine don't) I suppose they know what's safe.
However, I would NOT put any hay or grass in their cage.
Many times, what we GIVE to our squirrels they "take" as being safe since it came from us.
To be on the safe side, I would avoid both.....especially something that can mold, like hay.