Dandelions

[newsquirrelma]

Hey all!
My 3 babies have not tried dandelions yet. I was going to buy some online but noticed we had tons in our yard. No pesticides, freshly cut grass. Is this safe for them? And how to clean/prepare them if yes? Thanks in advance!
Photo of my 3 monkeys 🙂

[TubeDriver]

They are super cute. I just pull the whole dandelion up, inspect carefully for insects, eggs etc (anything you don't want to bring inside and expose them to). As you noted, the main issue is pesticides, fertilizers ets. Just be aware that these chemicals can be washed down into your yard from a neighbor's yard if the drainage allows. If that is not an issue than there should be no problem taking them from your lawn.

Hey all!
My 3 babies have not tried dandelions yet. I was going to buy some online but noticed we had tons in our yard. No pesticides, freshly cut grass. Is this safe for them? And how to clean/prepare them if yes? Thanks in advance!
Photo of my 3 monkeys 🙂

[newsquirrelma]

I didn’t even think about the neighbors possibly using pesticides. We live in an HOA so we have tons of neighbors. I’ll just take the safe route and buy the dried ones online. Thank you!

They are super cute. I just pull the whole dandelion up, inspect carefully for insects, eggs etc (anything you don't want to bring inside and expose them to). As you noted, the main issue is pesticides, fertilizers ets. Just be aware that these chemicals can be washed down into your yard from a neighbor's yard if the drainage allows. If that is not an issue than there should be no problem taking them from your lawn.

[olorin19]

They are super cute. I just pull the whole dandelion up, inspect carefully for insects, eggs etc (anything you don't want to bring inside and expose them to). As you noted, the main issue is pesticides, fertilizers ets. Just be aware that these chemicals can be washed down into your yard from a neighbor's yard if the drainage allows. If that is not an issue than there should be no problem taking them from your lawn.

I have fed whole dandelions for years to squirrels being raised for release as well as the occasional adult NR.

Here is Guro (2 y.o. this week) enjoying her dandelion greens.

I have tried all sorts of weeds and plants from my yard. While dandelions are a consistent favorite, violets, plantains, and even the buds of knockout roses are happily eaten.

This thread (despite its title) also discusses various wild foods -

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...ll-for-calcium