How to Feed Groundhogs

Groundhogs are outdoor animals, and it is illegal to trap or domesticate groundhogs to live indoors. In many areas of the country, groundhogs are agricultural pests, as they invade gardens and crops to bite into the plants and vegetables. Groundhogs are vegetarians with simple dietary needs, except during infancy. If food is not readily available to groundhogs, you may need to provide nourishment to these creatures.

Things You'll Need

  • Blanket
  • Puppy formula
  • Dish
  • Cloth
  • Vegetables
  • Water
  • Cotton swab
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the groundhog in a small blanket and hold until it against your body for 10 minutes to warm it, if an infant, before feeding. Baby groundhogs suffering from chill and dehydration will not eat until they are warmed to body temperature.

    • 2

      Feed an infant groundhog a warmed, re-hydration solution, such as esbilac powder, which is a substitute for puppy milk. Mix the powder with water and pour into a small, shallow dish. Store excess mix in the refrigerator, but use or discard within 24 hours. Avoid giving the groundhog cow's milk or baby formula, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal for a groundhog to consume.

    • 3

      Wipe the baby groundhog's face with a warm cloth, after it has finished feeding, as dry formula may cause fur loss. Stimulate the groundhog to urinate immediately after feeding. Dip a cotton swab in warm water and gently stroke the groundhog's genital area to encourage urination and/or a bowel movement. Keep stroking until the groundhog finishes on its own.

    • 4

      Feed an adult groundhog vegetarian foods, such as alfalfa, clover, roots, squash, zucchini, tubers, peas, beans, carrots and seeds. Simply place these foods on a dish on the ground outside and allow the groundhog to feed itself. Avoid cutting vegetables, as groundhogs have sharp teeth and can cut through vegetables with ease. Make these foods readily available all day, as groundhogs do not store food.

    • 5

      Provide a dish of tap water near the food source to assist digestion and to stimulate bowels, if no source of water (e.g., creek, pond) is immediately accessible.