Whether you’re wondering if the hay you’ve put out for livestock is safe from squirrels or you are wondering what you can add to your squirrel feeding area, you may have considered do squirrels eat hay? The answer is no; hay, which is dried grass or plants, is not a natural part of a squirrel’s diet. But you just might be seeing hay disappearing around squirrels for another reason!
Squirrels’ Natural Diet
Squirrels are primarily herbivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They occasionally eat insects and small animal prey (so if there are bugs or baby mice in the hay, squirrels might be eating those.)
Why Are Squirrels Interested in Hay?
While squirrels do not eat hay, they might use it as nesting material. Squirrels build nests, known as dreys, and may incorporate materials like hay, leaves, and twigs.
Hay can provide insulation and comfort in a squirrel’s nest, especially during colder months. (Yes, outside of the breeding season, squirrels still use their nests for resting and sleeping. They often have multiple nests within their territory and may switch between them.)
During the breeding season, female squirrels use these nests for birthing and raising their young. The nests provide a secure and comfortable environment for the newborn squirrels until they are old enough to venture outside. And a little hay definitely makes that baby nursery cozier!
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