Squirrels can eat chestnuts in moderation as they are rich in fat. They should not be a daily part of their diet and should only be given as treats. Having lots of chestnuts regularly can be bad for their health in the long run. Also when offering them chestnuts, make sure you check the nuts for signs of mold infestation first.
Lets take a deeper look at this topic.
Are squirrels allowed to eat nuts?
Squirrels love to feed on nuts and out in the wild they feast on a variety of different nuts. They also love storing the nuts they gather in their nest for the future. However, if you plan to feed them nuts make sure the nuts are organic and are totally free of preservatives, additives, flavorings, and salt.
Packaged nuts are big No-No for these little furry animals as they certainly contain additives in them. Even store-bought nuts may have been subjected to chemical fertilizers which in turn can be detrimental to the squirrel’s health.
So it’s best to only feed them nuts that are obtained directly from trees or are from absolutely organic sources. Even then you should feed them nuts in very limited amounts.
Important: Squirrels should avoid eating horse chestnuts as they contain aesculin in them which can lead to stomach distress. If consumed in large amounts it can be fatal for the squirrel. They sometimes are known to eat horse chestnuts out in the wild in the winter when there are severe food shortages.
Can squirrels eat raw chestnut?
Squirrels should eat nuts as treats and so raw chestnuts should never be included as a regular part of their diet. Squirrels must be kept on low-fat diets but from time to time they can feed on chestnuts as treats provided the nuts are fresh and organic (not store-bought as it runs the risk of containing preservatives).
Squirrels out in the wild do feed on nuts and seeds from different trees. It is best if you have chestnut trees nearby your place, obtain the chestnuts from the trees and then feed them to the squirrels.
Even if you feed them make sure you are feeding just one nut and not more than that. A treat should remain a treat. Also, you must make sure that the squirrel has consumed its daily essential food items before savoring the nut.
How do squirrels open chestnuts?
Squirrels open chestnuts with the help of their sharp teeth. Infact the process of biting through the chestnut shell will help them to further sharpen their teeth and is a good exercise for them. They hold the nut firmly in their hands and then steadily nibble the nutshell while moving it around at a steady pace until it breaks open wide.
Can squirrels eat chestnuts in the shell?
Key Points to keep in mind while feeding squirrels Chestnuts
So it’s always best to check in advance…Any kind of small dark mark within the chestnut is a sign of fungal infestation and should be discarded completely. So always check for fungal growth before feeding them.
FAQ
Do red squirrels eat chestnuts?
What nuts do squirrels not eat?
So that’s was it !If you have any more queries let me know in the comments!