Do squirrels eat mums? Yes, squirrels do indeed eat mums. In fact, we can say that they are quite fond of them and will go out of their way to find chrysanthemums if available. But what about the nutritional benefits for the squirrel? What type or mum do they like best? How do they eat them? When should you feed them mums (or not)? Are there any dangers in feeding your garden to the little critters? And how can you discourage them from eating your flowers at all costs? Here's everything you need to know about why squirrels love mum so much...
Why do squirrels eat mums?
Squirrels eat mums because they provide them with a great deal of nutrients and energy. The nutritional benefits of mums to squirrels make them a favorite fall food. Mums contain calcium, which is essential in the physical and psychological development of squirrels and in egg-laying by females. Mums contain phosphorus, which enables squirrels' bodies to select nutritive material for the construction of bones and teeth. Mums contain iron, necessary for the formation of squirrels' blood cells. Mums contain magnesium, an activator of enzymes important in carbohydrate metabolism for squirrels. Mums contain potassium, which is essential for numerous physical processes, particularly muscular contraction and nerve transmission in squirrels.
Is it dangerous for squirrels to eat mums?
Squirrels love eating mums, but is it safe for them to do so? Actually, there are a number of dangers in feeding your squirrels these flowers. Remember that the leaves and petals from mum plants can be poisonous. These are the parts of the mum that squirrels eat. If you allow your squirrels to eat mums, remember that it is still possible for them to develop severe illnesses or even die from eating too many mums.
Not only can these flowers make your pets sick, but they can also cause health problems in humans. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that you keep your pets away from mum plants not only because they are poisonous, but also because mums can irritate their stomachs.
By feeding your squirrels mums, they might eat more than just the flower heads. - They may accidentally ingest some of the toxic leaves or stems (which can cause severe illness or death). Also, they might not know when to stop eating and may ingest too much of the toxin.
What type of mums do squirrels like to eat?
Squirrels will eat a variety of things, but one thing they really enjoy in the fall is mum. Mums are flowers that come in a wide range of colors and have a very strong smell. They are most fragrant in the morning when the sun hasn't burned off the dew. The mums that squirrels like to eat come in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. Squirrels enjoy eating these types of flowers for their nutritional value as well as their taste.
The best way to feed mums to squirrels
Mums are also an excellent food for putting out for backyard squirrels to eat, especially if you have a pet squirrel that has run away or been displaced. The best way to feed mums to squirrels is by cutting the flower heads off of a mum plant and putting them in a squirrel feeder with lots of holes so the flowers can dry out. A bird feeder also works well as long as the opening is large enough for a full-grown adult squirrel to fit its head through. Other ways of feeding mums to squirrels include cutting the flower heads off and hanging them from tree branches where they will be accessible to squirrels.
How to prevent squirrels from eating mums?
There are several ways homeowners can prevent squirrels from eating their mums. One way is to place netting over the plants or drill small holes in water jugs and place them over the mums to prevent squirrels from getting at them. It is also important to provide squirrels with their favorite foods in addition to mums, so they are less likely to eat them. Alternating foods squirrels like, such as nuts and fruit like apples and blueberries, will make it difficult for the squirrels to decide what they want to eat and they will have an easier time resisting the urge to take a bite from the mums.
Do squirrels eat mums summary
Squirrels eat mums for their nutritional value. Mums are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the squirrels, and vitamin C, which helps keep them healthy. Squirrels like to eat the petals of the mums, but they will also eat the leaves and stems. The best way to feed mums to squirrels is to put them in a feeder that is accessible to the squirrels. They will eat the mums throughout the fall and winter.
