The Squirrel in Danish Gardens

Squirrels, as we know them, are also known as European squirrels or common squirrels. The Danish rodent is part of the squirrel family, which includes e.g. tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs.
In Denmark, a common squirrel can reach a body length of about 22 cm and a tail of 17 cm.
The large tail also means that it has an important function for the squirrel. The tail is used e.g. to maintain balance when the squirrel is jumping or running. The little bandit can be found all over the country and comes in red, brown, or black color variants.

It spends most of its waking hours either hunting for food, grooming its fur, building a nest, or defending its nest. The squirrel has a razor-sharp vision, and combined with good hearing and sense of smell, it is extremely effective at both foraging and protecting its young and nest.

What does the animal eat?

Despite the squirrel being more or less a small predator, it actually mostly sticks to a vegetarian diet. The squirrel primarily feeds on conifer seeds, nuts, acorns, and mushrooms, but it can occasionally prey on bird eggs or chicks if it craves a protein-rich meal.

The little critter is therefore also very dependent on coniferous trees, so if you want a visit from the little four-legged friend, it might be a good idea to plant spruce or pine trees.

Feeding Squirrels

First and foremost, you should give the squirrels the best conditions to settle in your garden. This includes spruce and pine trees, a nesting box, and attractive food. The squirrel eats both sunflower seeds, nuts, and fat balls, but if you don't want the birds to steal the food before the squirrel reaches the feeder or feeding house, it might be a good idea to set up a feeder. There is a big difference between a bird feeder and a feeding house for squirrels and other rodents. With a feeder, feeding house, or feeder, the squirrel will eventually remember that it is a feeding place where it always has food available. It can also be a good idea to ensure that your squirrels always have fresh water available.

If you provide your squirrels with a good foundation to live in your garden, you will eventually find that they will become frequent visitors.

On our site, you will find a large selection of feeders, feeders and feeding houses for squirrels and other animals.

How many young does it have?

The squirrel is somewhat of a loner and only briefly pairs with the opposite sex for mating. The lovebirds typically meet for a mating ceremony in late winter or spring. The female is pregnant for about 36-42 days and can give birth to between 3-7 young, which she takes care of for about 2-3 months before they "fly the nest." The birth takes place in a nest that the female has built herself or taken over from a bird family.

In good conditions, squirrels can live up to 7 years, but it is more common for them to live only half that long.

Books about Squirrels and Other Animals

If you want to learn more about the cozy little fellow, or if you might like to know more about the other animals in your garden, we recommend taking a look at our nature and garden books, where you can find books about birds, squirrels, hedgehogs, and other common animals from the garden.