Nesting materials questions

[CLee]

I was watching a squirrel in our yard gathering nesting material and wanted to ask a few questions about that. I never had squirrels for pets or anything so I am clueless!

I do a lot of sewing/spinning/knitting/etc. Would it be safe to leave some fiberfill or wool roving out for them to find and use for their nests? What about small scraps of fabric like flannel?

Thanks for any help you can give me!

[djarenspace9]

I would not give them any string or yarn, or anything that can create loose threads they can get tangled in.

For example, I used to use towels to cover my rehab squirrel cages and once had a wild baby pull threads off it and then get them tangled around her leg.
It was pretty awful.

Flannel is what I use now for bedding and covers.

I'm sure other members will pipe in on other safe materials, I'm not that familiar with them!

[Kristal]

Most people here use polar fleece. It would be good for wild nests, too, as it is synthetic and won't mould (or ever biodegrade...) Fiberfill would be good, too. Yarn would make the birds happy, but squirrel babies will almost surely get tangled in it and possibly strangle, as squirmy as they are.

[Anne]

Wool has been used for years for people, it will ravel-but will keep it's properties for warmth even while wet. Fleece is the safest material know for squirrels

[Rhapsody]

Fleece has never failed me and the fiber filled material is awesome for keeping little ones warm and cozy.

[CLee]

Thanks so much for all of the help and information!!