Red Squirrel Supplementary Feeding Welfare

Supplementary feeding of red squirrels at stronghold sites supports overwinter survival and breeding condition but requires careful management to avoid disease transmission risks.

Key Facts

Supplementary feeding at squirrel feeders significantly improves overwinter body condition in monitored populations
Feeders must be designed to exclude grey squirrels to prevent spread of squirrelpox
Hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and pine cones are appropriate supplementary foods for red squirrels
Over-reliance on supplementary feeding can reduce natural foraging behaviour and habitat use
Regular cleaning of feeders prevents pathogen accumulation and disease transmission between individuals
Feeding must not create aggregations of squirrels that facilitate squirrelpox transmission if grey squirrels access feeders

Welfare Considerations

Supplementary feeding improves red squirrel welfare directly by reducing the risk of starvation during food-limited winter periods and improving body condition entering the breeding season. Well-fed females produce larger and healthier litters that contribute to population growth. The welfare benefit must be balanced against disease transmission risks from poorly managed feeders where multiple individuals congregate without adequate sanitation. Feeders that exclude grey squirrels prevent squirrelpox exposure while allowing welfare-positive supplementary feeding for protected red squirrel populations.

What You Can Do

Support local red squirrel conservation groups that manage supplementary feeding stations at stronghold sites
Use grey squirrel-proof feeder designs when providing supplementary food for red squirrels
Clean feeders regularly to prevent pathogen accumulation between feeding visits
Donate to Red Squirrel Survival Trust programmes managing stronghold populations
Report any grey squirrel sightings near red squirrel areas immediately to local conservation groups