How to Make a Habitat for a Squirrel With My Kids

Squirrels are rodents and members of the Sciuridae family, which also includes chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs. Some species of squirrels are ground dwellers while others live primarily in trees. Squirrels live in dens and one mating pair of squirrels may require up to three dens: one for the pair, one for the male when the female evicts him before giving birth, and a third for the female to raise her young in. Some scraps of wood, a few nails and a couple of tools are the only materials required to build a squirrel habitat with your children.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood (a variety of pieces will do)
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Sawdust
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw up some simple plans. A squirrel den is a simple box with an access hole on one side. The top should be fully covered with an overhang to protect the opening from the elements. The inside of the den should be minimally 6 inches square by 20 inches high with an opening 2 inches from the top. The opening itself should be about 3 inches in diameter. This allows the squirrel entry but keeps out many predators.

    • 2

      Gather the building materials. Any scraps of lumber can be used to build a squirrel den, but keep in mind that squirrels will gnaw on the wood and the box will be exposed to the elements. Dens constructed of exterior-grade plywood will be destroyed more quickly than a den made of solid hardwood. A well-constructed box made with quality materials can last for a number of years.

    • 3

      Build your squirrel den. Depending on the ages of your children, you can have them help with some of the construction tasks, such as measuring the wood, sanding and nailing the boards together. Use the plans you drafted to construct the den with nails approved for outdoor use. You may want to hinge the top or bottom of the den to allow for easy cleaning.

    • 4

      Find a suitable location for your den. Ideally, the box should be mounted 10 to 30 feet off the ground in the tops of trees located on the fringe of a forested area. The opening should be near a branch to allow the squirrels easy access. Aluminum nails are the preferred method of mounting because wire could damage the tree. Since the dens will be more heavily used during the winter months, it is best to install them in the fall.

    • 5

      Add sawdust or leaves to the bottom of the den to encourage squirrels to use it, then check back regularly to see your habitat in use.