Water bottle

[jessijuju]

2 of my girls have been released for almost 2 months now, and the other a month. They still drink from their water bottles quite often. Is this normal and ok, or should I remove them or ? Just thinking about how to go about this in the winter...

[Rock Monkey]

It can't hurt for them to have a source of fresh, clean water, in my opinion.

Many items that they might eat don't have a lot of water content. They may be very active in exploring their new environment which is imperative if they are to find all of the potential food sources that their environment provides. Plus, it is still hot. Their bodies may be still adjusting to their new diets and water helps them keep their systems clear.

As it gets colder their water intake needs will decline. Squirrel urine is substantially more concentrated than that of humans.

Also, water helps them leave messages and territorial markings, which is also imperative.

[CritterMom]

I feed many outdoor squirrels at my backyard cafe, and for the past 15 or so winters I have provided them with water through the winter. I use one of the round birdbath heaters in a large ceramic dish on a platform. In the summer they have it without the heater. In the winter I plug the heater in. I dump the water and unplug the heater in the early evening (which where I am in the winter is 3:30 PM!!) so I am not paying to heat it through the cold night. I have all manner of deer, etc., but also live within a stones throw of a stream that does not freeze.

My water dish is every bit as popular - with the squirrels AND birds - as the food supply is!

[Mel1959]

Living in Florida I don’t have to worry about water sources freezing. But, I keep two water bottles in my yard and ALL the squirrels drink from it, whether wild or released. It’s amazing how quickly they learn to manipulate the water bottle for a drink.

[jessijuju]

I feed many outdoor squirrels at my backyard cafe, and for the past 15 or so winters I have provided them with water through the winter. I use one of the round birdbath heaters in a large ceramic dish on a platform. In the summer they have it without the heater. In the winter I plug the heater in. I dump the water and unplug the heater in the early evening (which where I am in the winter is 3:30 PM!!) so I am not paying to heat it through the cold night. I have all manner of deer, etc., but also live within a stones throw of a stream that does not freeze.

My water dish is every bit as popular - with the squirrels AND birds - as the food supply is!

That sounds ideal but im not able to supply electricity to where they are located. Actually a long extension cord would probably reach em. You dont have any problems with them chewing on the power cord?