Nutritional effects of bird seed on squirrrels?

[Lighten-Up]

As I am beginning to care more, and thus think more about all squirrels, both babies to be released, and their outdoor wild cousins, I am reading a lot on TSB. Thank you so much for being a place to find so much information and people who care to give it. :hug

I have heard a few people state that sunflower seeds are not really good for them, can someone explain this?

I feed the wild birds both Wild Bird Seed(mix), and Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. Though it is not my intent to feed the squirrels, we all know that they get a rather good portion of this. And I have just noticed some young outdoor babies, scavenging for seed now.

Should I be concerned that it will tip their own nutritional balances? These are outdoor wilds. Or is this only a concern when they are inside under our care?

Thank you,
Lighten-Up

[island rehabber]

Should I be concerned that it will tip their own nutritional balances? These are outdoor wilds. Or is this only a concern when they are inside under our care?

Thank you,
Lighten-Up

Unless they are living in an extreme urban area (housing blocks, industrial areas, etc with no trees or vegetation) then you are correct -- high phosphorous foods like sunflower seeds and corn are not a problem for wild squirrels. They know what else they need to get from bark, twigs, buds and other plant matter, as well as nuts, and they get that on their own. :great We do not see MBD in the wild.

[pappy1264]

That being said, one thing you can try to do is get some Mazuri rodent block. Drizzle it with some oil (I use cannola), microwave to make it hot. Then put some creamy peanut butter in (just enough to coat when you mix. The hot oil will make the black softer to absorb the peanut butter, so go easy with the pb, and add a little at a time and mix.) Lay out to cool. Start putting this out for squirrels. Hold back on all other foods for a bit (I know it is hard but it is better for the squirrels in the long run). Hopefully your squirrels will take to it quickly (they usually do if there is nothing else). It is healthy for them (you are only using a small amount of pb, so no worries there), and the rodent block is very good for them. And it is much cheaper then buying nuts (you don't want to feed peanuts, they are junk, as are most stuff people think to feed squirrels, like corn, sunflower seeds, ect.) Good luck and thank you for wanting to help squirrels be healthier!:Love_Icon