Can Squirrels Eat Orange Peels

If you enjoy watching squirrels in your backyard, you might have wondered about sharing your kitchen scraps. A common question is, can squirrels eat orange peels? It’s a smart thing to ask before tossing out your citrus leftovers. While the juicy fruit inside is often a hit, the peel is a different story. Let’s look at what’s safe and what’s not for your bushy-tailed visitors.

The short answer is no, it’s not recommended. Orange peels are not toxic in the way chocolate or onions are, but they pose several problems for squirrels. Their digestive systems are not designed to handle large amounts of the tough, fibrous material and essential oils found in citrus rinds. Offering them can lead to more harm than good, which no wildlife-friendly gardener wants.

Why Orange Peels Are Problematic for Squirrels

Understanding the specifics helps you make better choices for backyard wildlife. Here’s what makes orange peels a poor snack:

Hard to Digest: The peel is extremely fibrous and tough. A squirrel’s gut can struggle to break it down, potentially causing blockages or discomfort.
Essential Oils and Compounds: The rind contains concentrated oils like limonene and linalool. These are very strong and can irritate a squirrel’s digestive system, leading to an upset stomach.
Pesticide Residue: Unless you use organic oranges, the peel likely has pesticide residue on it. These chemicals are harmful to small animals and should be avoided completly.
Low Nutritional Value: Compared to their natural foods, orange peels offer little nutritional benefit. Squirrels need calories from fats and proteins, not indigestible fiber.

The Safe Part: Can Squirrels Eat Oranges?

Yes, in strict moderation, the fleshy fruit inside the peel is acceptable. If you want to offer a rare treat, a small segment of the orange pulp is okay. But there are important rules to follow:

Always remove every bit of peel and white pith.
Offer only a tiny piece, no bigger than a teaspoon.
Make it a very rare offering, not a regular thing.
Ensure it’s fresh and hasn’t started to mold.

Remember, a squirrel’s natural diet does not include citrus. Their bodies aren’t adapted to it, so even the fruit should be an extreme exception. Too much sugar from fruit can also disrupt there diet.

Better, Safer Foods to Feed Backyard Squirrels

If you want to suppliment your squirrels’ diet, stick with options that mimic what they find in nature. These foods are much healthier and safer.

Nuts in Shells: Acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, and pecans. These provide mental stimulation and wear down their teeth.
Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and squash seeds are favorites.
Vegetables: Small pieces of broccoli, squash, carrots, or spinach.
Fruits (Occasionally): Small bits of apple (no seeds), berries, banana, or melon.
Special Squirrel Food: You can find commercial squirrel food mixes at garden centers.

Foods You Should Never Feed Squirrels

Some common human foods are dangerous. Always avoid these:

Chocolate or candy
Salty snacks like chips or pretzels
Onions or garlic
Processed breads or crackers
Dairy products

How to Responsibly Feed Backyard Wildlife

Feeding wildlife is a privilege that comes with responsibility. The goal is to support, not harm, their health and natural behaviors.

Prioritize Natural Sources: The best thing you can do is plant squirrel-friendly trees and shrubs like oaks, maples, and dogwoods. This provides long-term, natural food.
Keep it Clean: Use a dedicated feeding platform and clean it regularly to prevent mold and disease transmission. Leftover food can spoil quickly.
Offer Fresh Water: A clean, shallow birdbath or water dish is often more valuable than food, especially in winter or summer.
Don’t Overfeed: Supplemental food should be just that—a supplement. Overfeeding makes animals dependent and can attract unwanted pests.
Place Feeders Wisely: Position feeders away from windows to prevent collisions and near cover so squirrels feel safe from predators.

What to Do With Your Orange Peels Instead

Don’t just throw them in the trash! As a gardener, you can put orange peels to excellent use in your yard, far away from squirrels.

Composting: Chop them into small pieces and add them to your compost bin. They add nitrogen and break down over time.
Natural Pest Deterrent: Small pieces of peel can deter aphids and cats from specific garden beds. They need to be replaced frequently though.
Garbage Disposal Cleaner: Run a few peels through your disposal with cold water for a fresh scent.
DIY Cleaner: Soak peels in vinegar for a few weeks, strain, and dilute for a natural cleaning solution.

These uses keep peels out of the landfill and away from wildlife that shouldn’t eat them. It’s a win-win for your home and garden.

Observing Squirrel Behavior and Health

Part of enjoying backyard wildlife is watching their natural antics. If you see a squirrel nibbling on something questionable, like a peel left in compost, don’t panic. A tiny, accidental taste won’t likely cause issues. However, watch for signs of distress if you suspect they’ve eaten a large amount:

Lethargy or lack of coordination
Visible bloating or discomfort
Refusal to eat their normal foods

If you observe these signs, the best course is to contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice. They can give you specific guidance for your area.

Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Habitat

The ultimate goal is to cultivate a space where wildlife thrives naturally. Feeding is just one small part. Focus on these elements:

Layered Planting: Include trees, shrubs, and ground cover to provide food and shelter at all heights.
Water Source: Install a birdbath with a gently sloping edge or a small, shallow pond.
Leave Some Mess: A brush pile or a section of fallen leaves offers crucial hiding spots and insect foraging grounds.
Avoid Chemicals: Pesticides and herbicides can poison the food chain, from insects up to squirrels and birds.

By focusing on habitat, you support the entire ecosystem, ensuring squirrels and other creatures have what they need without risky handouts.

FAQ: Common Questions About Squirrels and Food

Can squirrels eat mandarin or clementine peels?
No. All citrus peels, including those from mandarins, lemons, and limes, contain the same harsh oils and are difficult to digest. The same rules apply.

What about other backyard animals, like birds or raccoons?
It’s best to avoid offering citrus peels to any wildlife. Birds generally won’t touch them. Raccoons might try, but they face similar digestive risks. Stick to species-appropriate feeds.

Is it okay to put orange peels in my bird feeder?
Absolutely not. Birds will not eat them, and the strong scent may actually deter birds from visiting your feeder. It will just create a mess.

How can I stop squirrels from getting into my compost?
Use a compost bin with a secure lid or a enclosed tumbler. Bury fresh food scraps deep under a layer of browns like leaves or shredded paper to make them less accessible.

Are dried orange peels any safer?
Drying concentrates the oils and makes the peel even tougher, so they are not a safer option. They should still be kept away from squirrels.

In conclusion, while the sight of a curious squirrel might tempt you to share, it’s best to keep orange peels out of their menu. The potential for digestive upset and the lack of benefit simply don’t make it worth the risk. By offering safer, natural foods and focusing on creating a rich habitat, you’ll enjoy watching healthy, active squirrels in your yard for years to come. They’ll thank you for it by simply being their entertaining, bushy-tailed selves.