How to Feed Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels are vegetarians for the most part, although they will occasionally eat small insects such as grasshoppers, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The ground squirrel will respond well to a variety of fruit, nuts, vegetables and hay in order to keep healthy. Pet owners are responsible for the ground squirrel's health; feeding the correct food to the squirrel is the first step in keeping the ground squirrel healthy and will help to prevent illnesses or premature death due to malnutrition.

Instructions

    • 1

      Supply the ground squirrel with plenty of food throughout the day. Squirrels normally eat vegetation, insects and nuts in the wild and need the same sorts of food in captivity.

    • 2

      Place timothy hay down for the ground squirrel to eat. Vegetables can include dark lettuce, dandelion greens, green beans and carrots. Nuts can get fed to the ground squirrel as a treat. Melons and apples can also be fed to the ground squirrel. Cut up all the food into small pieces and try to feed a variety of foods each day.

    • 3

      Supply plenty of water for the ground squirrel. Water should be available in both a dish and a water bottle until you learn the method of drinking that the ground squirrel prefers. Observe the squirrel to see which item he drinks out of.

    • 4

      Give the squirrel plenty of items to chew on. Chewing on wood and twigs, nuts and beef bones allows the squirrel to grind down its teeth and gives the squirrel an outlet for its natural instincts.