Do Squirrels Eat Bird Eggs? 6 Ways To Deter Them !

Most people know that squirrels like to eat peanuts. Did you know that there are other things that they like to eat as well. So, do squirrels eat bird eggs?

While squirrels are not typically known to eat bird eggs, there have been reports of them doing so on occasion. It is more likely, however, that they will go after the baby birds themselves as they are easier to catch and kill. If a squirrel does happen to eat a bird egg, it is most likely because it is hungry and desperate, not because it actually enjoys the taste.

Squirrels are known to eat a variety of different foods, including: nuts, berries, flowers, insects, and even other small animals. In fact, their diet can vary quite a bit depending on the time of year and what is available to them in their environment.

Do Squirrels Eat Bird Eggs?

Squirrels will absolutely eat bird eggs if they are desperate enough, but it is not their preferred food. They would much rather go after the baby birds themselves as they are easier to catch and kill. If a squirrel consumes a bird egg, it is most likely because it is hungry and desperate, not because it enjoys the flavor.

If you are often visited by squirrels in your backyard, there is no need to worry about them stealing your bird’s eggs. However, if you find that they are becoming a nuisance, there are steps you can take to deter them from coming around as often. Some people choose to put up a squirrel feeder in their yard which will provide the animals with an alternate food source and hopefully keep them away from the bird feeders. Others use squirrel-proof bird feeders which have a weight-activated perch that will close off the access to the food when a squirrel tries to land on it.

However, being omnivores, they will also eat bird eggs if they are desperate enough or if the bird eggs are the only food available to them. Whatever method you choose, just remember that squirrels are clever creatures and it may take some trial and error to find something that works for you.

There are a variety of different types of bird eggs that squirrels will eat if they are desperate enough. This can include eggs from smaller birds like finches or warblers, as well as eggs from larger birds like hawks or owls.

Why Would A Squirrel Eat Bird Eggs?

There are a few different reasons why a squirrel might eat bird eggs. The most common reason is that they are simply desperate and hungry. If there is not enough food available to them, they will look for anything they can to tide them over until their next meal.

Another reason why a squirrel might eat bird eggs is if they are trying to raise their own young. If a squirrel is lactating, she will need to consume more calories to produce milk for her babies. Eggs are a high-protein food that can help her meet her needs.

Squirrels are also a danger to the eggs since the mother bird is not there to defend them. If a nest is abandoned or the mother bird is killed, the squirrel can simply help itself to the eggs. Finally, some squirrels may just enjoy the taste of bird eggs! While it is not their preferred food, they will eat them if given the chance.

How Do Squirrels Hunt For Birds’ Eggs?

There are a few different ways that squirrels can hunt for bird eggs. The most common is simply to raid an active nest. The squirrel will watch the birds until they leave the nest, and then it will quickly snatch up the eggs before the parents have a chance to return.

Another way that squirrels can hunt for bird eggs is to wait until the eggs have been abandoned. This can happen if the parents are killed or if the nest is destroyed. Once the eggs are no longer being guarded, the squirrel can simply help itself to a meal.

Finally, some squirrels will actually eat bird eggs that have already hatched. The young birds, known as chicks, are not yet able to fly and are easy prey for a hungry squirrel.

How To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Birdhouses

It’s necessary to take some precautions to keep squirrels away from your birdhouses. One way to do this is to make sure that the entrance hole is the right size. The hole should be just big enough for the bird to get through and no bigger. This will prevent squirrels from being able to reach inside and steal the eggs. There are other ways too. Here are few ways that be effective:

1.Make It Harder For Squirrels To Get To The Eggs In The Birdhouse:

One way to do this is to make sure that the entrance hole is the right size. The hole should be just big enough for the bird to get through and no bigger. This will prevent squirrels from being able to reach inside and steal the eggs.

You can also try attaching hardware cloth or chicken wire around the base of the birdhouse. This will make it more difficult for the squirrels to climb up and get to the eggs.

Make sure to keep an eye on the birdhouse and remove any eggs that have been abandoned or broken. These can attract rodents and other animals to the area.

2.Use A Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder:

There are a variety of different squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market. These feeders have a weight-activated perch that will close off the access to the food when a squirrel tries to land on it.

You can also make your own squirrel-proof bird feeder by attaching a baffle to the pole. The baffle should be placed about four feet from the ground and should be at least 12 inches in diameter. This will prevent the squirrels from being able to climb up to the birdfeeder.

3.Provide An Alternate Food Source For The Squirrels:

One way to deter squirrels from coming around is to provide them with an alternate food source. You can do this by placing a squirrel feeder in your yard. Make sure to fill it with high-quality food that will appeal to the squirrels.

You can also try scattering nuts and seeds around your yard. This will give the squirrels something to eat without them having to steal from the birdfeeders.

4.Use A Repellent:

There are a few different types of repellents that you can use to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders. The most common type is a sonic repellent. These devices emit a high-pitched noise that will deter the squirrels from coming around.

You can also try using a chemical repellent. These repellents can be sprayed around the perimeter of your yard to create a barrier that the squirrels will not cross.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the label when using any type of repellent. Some repellents can be harmful to animals if used incorrectly.

5.Take Away Their Cover:

One way to deter squirrels is to take away their cover. If there are trees or bushes near your bird feeders, trim them back. This will remove the places where the squirrels can hide and make it more difficult for them to get to the feeders.

You can also try placing the bird feeders in an open area. This will make it harder for the squirrels to approach without being seen.

6.Consider The Location Of Your Birdhouse:

When placing your birdhouse, make sure to consider the location. Avoid placing it near trees or other places where squirrels can easily access it. Instead, try to place it in an open area where the squirrels will have a harder time getting to it.

You can also try attaching the birdhouse to a pole or other structure. This will make it more difficult for the squirrels to climb up and reach the entrance hole.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, there are a few different ways that you can deter squirrels from stealing eggs from your birdhouse. by making sure the entrance hole is the right size, attaching hardware cloth or chicken wire around the base of the birdhouse, using a squirrel-proof birdfeeder, providing an alternate food source for the squirrels, using a repellent, or taking away their cover. Consider the location of your birdhouse when placing it in your yard to make it more difficult for the squirrels to access. If you follow these tips, you can help to keep your birdhouse safe from pesky squirrels!

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