Do Skunks Eat Bird Seed? 7 Tips To Deter Them

Skunks are opportunistic eaters and will consume various foods, including bird seed. Skunks are attracted to bird feeders because they are an easy food source. While a few stray seeds may not seem like a big deal, skunks can significantly damage a bird feeder over time. So do skunks eat bird seed?

They will knock over the feeder to reach the seed and can also tear through the plastic or metal to get to the food. Not only is this destructive behavior a nuisance, but it can also be dangerous for the birds. Skunks can carry a variety of diseases, which can be transmitted to the birds through their food.

As a result, it is important to take steps to prevent skunks from accessing your bird feeder. Skunks are not only attracted to bird seed but they are also attracted to the birds themselves. If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you may also want to take steps to discourage skunks from hanging around.

Do Skunks Eat Bird Seed?

Skunks are natural scavengers and will consume just about anything they come across. This includes bird seed. The preferred diet of a skunk is small mammals, such as mice or voles. However, skunks will opportunistically eat whatever food is available, including bird seed.

They also like to eat insects, eggs, and carrion. Skunks play an important role in the ecosystem by helping clean up dead animals.

This forest dweller will also eat fruits and vegetables. In the fall, skunks like to eat acorns, which help to spread throughout the forest.

Skunks will generally only eat bird seed if no other food sources are available. However, if a skunk finds its way into your yard, it can significantly damage your bird feeder. Skunks are attracted to bird feeders because they are an easy food source.

Why Do Skunks Eat Bird Seed?

Skunks are nocturnal creatures often seen foraging around in trash cans or raiding gardens. One of their favorite foods is bird seed. While it may seem like an odd food choice, there are a few reasons why skunks like to eat bird seed. 

For one thing, bird seed is packed with nutrients that skunks need to survive. In addition, bird seed is relatively easy to find and eat. Skunks don’t have to do much work to get a meal, which is important since they are relatively lazy creatures. 

Finally, skunks enjoy the taste of bird seed. While the seeds may not seem appealing to humans, skunks find them delicious. Many skunks will choose to eat bird seed over other types of food. 

So, don’t be alarmed the next time you see a skunk raiding your bird feeder. The skunk is following its instincts and trying to get a nutritious meal.

How Do You Keep Skunks Away From Bird Seeds?

Skunks are well-known for their signature stripe and pungent odor, but did you know they’re also attracted to bird seed? While skunks do not typically eat bird seed, they are attracted to the high-fat content and will often tear open bags or raid bird feeders in search of an easy meal. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to keep skunks away from your bird seed.

You can do a few things to keep skunks away from your bird feeder. Here are a few techniques that you can follow:

1.Bring Your Feeders In At Night:

Skunks are nocturnal creatures and will typically only raid bird feeders at night. Bring your feeders in at night, and you can deter skunks from getting to the seed. This is one of the best ways to keep skunks away from your bird feeder. If their food source is not readily available, skunks will move on in search of an easier meal.

2.Keep Your Yard Clean:

Skunks are attracted to yards cluttered with garbage or overgrown vegetation. By keeping your yard clean and free of debris, you can make it less appealing to skunks. Be sure to dispose of garbage properly and trim back any overgrown plants. But the easiest way is to bring the bird feeder inside at night.

3.Use A Baffle:

A baffle is a device you can attach to your bird feeder, making it difficult for animals to access the seed. Using a baffle, you can keep skunks (and other animals) from getting to the bird seed. Baffles come in various shapes and sizes, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your feeder. The main type of baffle is a cone-shaped baffle that fits over the top of the feeder and prevents animals from reaching the seed.

4.Use A Motion-Activated Sprinkler:

Skunks (and other animals) will avoid your yard if you use motion-activated sprinklers. These devices detect movement and will activate a spray of water when triggered. The sudden blast of water will startle skunks and cause them to flee the area. Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to keep your yard skunk-free.

5.Take Away Their Food Source:

If skunks are coming into your yard in search of food, removing their food source is the best way to deter them. This means keeping your garbage cans securely lidded and not leaving pet food outdoors. By taking away the skunks’ food source, you can encourage them to find food elsewhere.

6.Cover Your Bird Seed:

One of the simplest ways to keep skunks away from your bird seed is to cover the seed. You can use a tarp or a piece of hardware cloth to create a barrier between the seed and the skunks. This will prevent skunks from being able to access the seed and will deter them from raiding your bird feeder.

7.Trap And Release:

If you have a skunk repeatedly raiding your bird feeder, you may need to take more drastic measures. One option is to trap the skunk and release it in a different location. You should only do this if you are comfortable handling wildlife and have the proper permits. If you decide to trap a skunk, be sure to wear gloves and avoid getting sprayed. Skunks can be tricky to trap, so hiring a professional wildlife control operator may be best.

These are a few simple steps that you can take to keep skunks away from your bird seed. Following these tips can deter skunks from raiding your bird feeder and keep your yard skunk-free.

Where Do Skunks Go During The Daytime?

Skunks are creatures of the night. They are most active after dusk and before dawn. However, they will occasionally come out during the daytime, especially if they are looking for food. Skunks have a good sense of smell and will often dig through trash cans or overturned garbage cans in search of food. They are also known to eat bird seed, so if you see a skunk around your bird feeders, it is best to remove the food to avoid attracting them.

Skunks will also eat insects, small mammals, and carrion. If you see a skunk during the daytime, it is likely because it is searching for food. However, if you see one that seems to be acting strangely or appears to be sick, it is best to contact your local animal control for assistance.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, skunks are nocturnal animals that are most active after dusk and before dawn. However, they will occasionally come out during the daytime, especially searching for food. If you spot a skunk during the day, remove any food sources that might be attracting them. If you have a skunk repeatedly raiding your bird feeder, If you cannot locate the animal’s nest, it might be necessary to take more drastic action, such as netting and releasing the creature. Skunks can be tricky to handle, so it is always best to contact a professional if unsure how to proceed.

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