Squirrel is a rodent that belongs to the squirrel family. Kind of protein are chipmunks, ground squirrels, flying squirrels and groundhogs. In terms of the variety of species, they can compete with the mouse family. The main difference between squirrels and relatives is a beautiful tail, which is seventy-five percent of the total body length.
Depending on the season, the rodent is able to change its color. In summer, squirrels are red or brown, in winter - gray. The breast most often remains white. In nature, there are various proteins - black, albino and spotted. The type of rodent largely determines the color of the main part of the body - the tail. Depending on it, the animal can be brown-tailed, gray-tailed, black-tailed and red-tailed. The latter are more common in our area.
The life span of a squirrel is ten to twelve years, but in the wild, the animal does not live more than four years. The rodent lives mainly in the forest area, building a dwelling in hollows, nests. It is in the forests that the animal is easier to get its own food. Squirrels stock up on supplies that they find. People are more likely to meet animals in urban areas, mainly in green areas. Further, we will discuss what protein is fed in the park and what they eat.
Why did squirrels migrate to cities?
The relocation of small forest residents to cities is explained quite simply. The main reason for this phenomenon is the destruction by man of their natural habitat. Due to uncontrolled anthropogenic impact on nature, proteins began to move closer to people. Many animals live in attics, in cellars, do not disdain to eat from garbage cans.
Some rodents have chosen the green spaces of cities, parks and forest belts. Many people want to help these funny animals and are interested in what they feed protein in the park. By the way, the rodent population also depends on the ability to get food. So, a squirrel will reproduce as many offspring as it can feed.
What harm do proteins do?
Not everyone is bothered by what protein is fed in the park. Many residents believe that these rodents have no place in the city, and squirrels do only harm. In a way, city dwellers are right. Proteins suffer from infections that are not dangerous to humans. But at the same time, they carry various harmful microorganisms. From this animal, you can catch tularemia, coccidiosis and other diseases. Squirrels are carriers of worms, ticks and fleas. With their sharp teeth, animals can bite a person, but they also often damage power lines. In the search for winter refuge, squirrels often use attics, verandas and put their own routines there.
What do proteins eat in their natural environment?
In order to know how to feed protein in the park, you need to understand what the animal eats, being in its natural habitat. As a rule, proteins choose affordable foods that are enriched with nutrients. This list includes:
- hazelnuts;
- acorns;
- coniferous seeds;
- mushrooms;
- berries;
- the roots.
If usually a rodent needs about forty grams of food per day, then during the breeding season the required amount increases exactly twice. In addition, at this time, the animal eats quite specific food: insect larvae, bird eggs, chicks and small vertebrates. In hungry times, squirrels feed on kidneys, tree bark, lichens and needles. Animals, obeying instincts, do everything to survive. The animal belongs to omnivorous mammals, but the protein organism hardly digests fiber, so it does not eat grass.
What is protein fed at the zoo?
What protein is fed in the park is mainly given in the zoo. In a specialized institution for keeping animals in captivity, a rodent is fed quite varied. Zoo employees monitor the rate of food given to the animal. Excessive amounts of food will result in immobility and obesity.
The rodent's diet in the zoo includes:
- bread (but only wheat, as other varieties are difficult to digest by the animal’s body; slightly dried, “yesterday’s” bread is allowed;
- hazelnuts, walnuts, pine nuts, peanuts;
- chestnuts;
- sunflower and pumpkin seeds;
- carrot;
- cabbage;
- fruits and berries;
- dried fruits;
- sugar;
- cookies (biscuits);
- hemp;
- dried mushrooms;
- salad;
- cottage cheese;
- milk;
- butter;
- egg;
- honey;
- jam;
- salt;
- a piece of chalk;
- flour;
- Worms
- fish;
- branches
- bumps;
- needles.
What do squirrels like?
How to feed protein in the park, if not cookies? According to observations, animals prefer small crackers without salt, so it’s best to buy a “Zoological” or “Maria” before a walk. But other sweets are better not to give rodents. Although they give honey to the zoo, they are allowed very rarely, and even in small doses. You should not feed the rodent with sweet cookies, sweets and chocolate.
In addition, the animal can be given vegetables or fruits. The animal likes watermelon, apples, pears and bananas. What else do some people feed protein in the park? For example, boiled eggs. If the squirrel ate only one piece, and the other carried in the shelter, then feed the animal more is not worth it. An animal that is not hungry makes supplies, but often forgets where it hides food. This situation occurs in places of frequent feeding of protein. This rodent itself must move in search of food, otherwise it will become independent and simply die.
What nuts give proteins?
Many consider nuts a favorite treat of these rodents. Indeed, the best nutrition for them is a mixture of nuts and seeds. But what nuts to feed protein in the park? The mixture should not be salted or fried. Nuts do not need to be peeled. Unless the walnuts can be slightly pricked, because if the protein is not too hungry, then it will just be too lazy to extract the core. Most likely, the animal is just burying a treat.
The mixture must be prepared in advance. It can consist of hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts and walnuts. As an addition, sunflower, pumpkin, watermelon and melon seeds are added to it.
