You really can help your local squirrels get through winter. Just a few small changes in your yard or on your balcony can make a big difference.
Put out high-calorie, safe foods and fresh water, and try to protect or create quiet shelter spots. Squirrels need energy and warmth when it gets cold.
Maybe just start with one feeding spot. Keep the food dry and clean, and set out water if it’s not freezing.
If you can, add or keep brush piles, nest boxes, or tree cavities. These give squirrels a place to hide from the wind and stay warm.
This post covers the best foods, how to set up feeders and water, and some easy ways to help squirrels stay safe and cozy through winter.
Providing Food and Water for Squirrels
You can make winter less harsh for squirrels if you offer high-energy foods, put feeders somewhere safe, and keep water from freezing. Even just leaving out a handful of nuts or a shallow dish of water can help.
Best Types of Winter Foods
Try whole, unsalted nuts—walnuts, hazelnuts, and sweet chestnuts work great. Squirrels need those fats and calories to stay warm.
If you can, break open big shells so younger or weaker squirrels can eat too. Sunflower seeds in the shell and pumpkin seeds are also solid choices for extra protein and fat.
A bit of dried fruit (like apple slices or raisins) and chopped raw veggies (carrot or cucumber) add moisture and vitamins. Just skip salty, sugary, or flavored snacks and definitely avoid processed bread.
Keep portions small and feed once or twice a week. That way, squirrels still look for their own food.
Switch up the foods to keep things interesting for them and avoid crowding. For more ideas, check out this backyard feeding station guide.
Using Squirrel Feeders Safely
Pick a sturdy feeder and mount it about 6–7 feet up a tree or pole. That helps keep cats and dogs from bothering the squirrels.
Try to keep feeders at least 6 feet away from fences or rooftops so predators can’t sneak up. If you see lots of squirrels, set up more than one small feeding spot to prevent fights.
Clean feeders with a mild bleach solution (about 10:1 water to bleach), rinse them well, and let them dry. Squirrels need a flat perch or tray, so bird-only feeders aren’t ideal.
Keep an eye out for moldy food or signs of rodents. Toss out any old or wet food and stick to a regular schedule for fresh stuff.
If you want more tips, here’s a handy feeder setup guide.
Ensuring Unfrozen Water Access
Set out shallow dishes (1–2 inches deep) or a low birdbath so squirrels can drink. Put water close to the feeding area, but not right by your door—no one wants surprise visitors inside.
Heated birdbaths are great if you have one, or just swap out water twice a day when it’s freezing. You can float a small clean rock in the dish so squirrels have something to stand on if ice forms.
Remember to keep water containers clean. If you’re in a dry area, water can be a real lifesaver for wildlife. Even a simple bowl works if you check and refill it often.
Want more on this? Here’s a quick guide on hydrating wild squirrels.
Creating Safe Shelter and Winter Habitat
Give squirrels a dry, warm place and easy access to food near cover. Focus on sturdy nesting boxes and try to leave natural cavities alone if you can.
Placing Squirrel Nesting Boxes
Mount boxes 10–20 feet high on a strong trunk or thick branch. This keeps squirrels safer from predators.
Face the entrance toward the morning sun (east or southeast) so the box warms up but isn’t battered by cold winds. Use 3/4-inch cedar or pine if possible, and skip plastic or metal boxes.
Make the entrance about 3 inches wide or a 3-inch square—big enough for gray squirrels, but not for bigger animals. Drill a few small holes near the top for ventilation and in the floor for drainage.
If you can, make one side or the roof hinged for cleaning once a year in late summer or early fall. Use long, weather-resistant screws to attach the box, not nails, so it stays put during storms.
Maintaining Natural Shelter Spots
Leave dead snags, hollow branches, and thick evergreens if they’re not dangerous. Squirrels love these natural hideouts.
If you have to remove a hazardous stump or limb, see if an arborist can help create a safe cavity instead. Try not to disturb leaf nests in winter.
If you need to clear brush, do it in late summer or early fall. Keep native shrubs like holly or hawthorn for low cover, and let leaf litter stay under trees for insulation and nesting material.
Locating Feeding Stations Near Cover
Set up feeders within 10–30 feet of a nesting box or some dense shrubs. That way, squirrels can quickly dash to safety if they sense danger.
Keep the feeders off the ground by using poles or platforms about 6–8 feet high. This setup helps keep dogs and cats from bothering the squirrels.
Put out unshelled nuts, sunflower seeds, and dried corn. These snacks store well and give squirrels a good boost of energy when it’s cold.
Make sure squirrels have a clear path from the feeder to a tree or box. Avoid putting feeders in wide-open lawns where predators can easily spot them.
Check the feeders each week. Toss out any moldy food and refill before a cold snap hits, so squirrels always have something nearby to eat.
