Squirrels are wild animals that usually eat tree fruits, nuts, and tree buds to live. They are not picky while choosing foods and want to taste whatever they find near them.
However, you need to be conscious while choosing their foods as squirrels can’t vomit and the harmful ingredients can directly affect them.
Do squirrels eat corn on the cob?
Squirrels are not picky about their foods and can also eat corn on the cob. Squirrels find corn on the cob crunchy, crispy and nutty which they are normally fond of. They can happily eat cooked or raw corn on the cob but consuming it regularly can make the squirrels gain weight unexpectedly.
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Squirrels are herbivores who mostly eat fruits, vegetables, plant parts, nuts, and seeds. Squirrels are fond of eating any parts of the corn, especially corn on the cob. It’s edible and also safe for their health. They can eat corn on the cob boiled, cooked, sauteed or even raw.
Fresh uncooked corn on the cob:
Fresh, raw, thoroughly washed corn on the cub is one of the good ideas to make your squirrel happy. In fact, if you want to welcome squirrels in your garden you can tie the raw corn in a rope and place it on your garden and squirrels will surely visit you.
Actually, Squirrels are very much comfortable eating fresh uncooked or raw corn on the cob as they are crunchy to eat and kind of nutty. Raw corn on the cob is fully natural as there are no additives and flavors which squirrels mostly like and happily consume.
Cooked corn on the cob:
It’s not necessarily required to cook the corn on the cob but still squirrels will enjoy eating the cooked one. Boil the corn on the cob for 5-7 minutes and serve them with a little bit of salt or can saute the corn after boiling.
As cooking the corn makes it softs, it’ll be easy for squirrels to chew. Or, if the squirrels can’t comfortably eat it, cut and slice the corn on the cob and give it to them.
Dried corn on the cob:
Dried corn is one of the easiest and affordable ways to feed the squirrels as they are fond of it. Squirrels find dried corn really crispy and crunchy which attracts them very much. Baked dried corn on the cob and corn nuts are very favorite for them.
To serve the dried baked corn it needs to boil until the corn is husked and needs to bake it at 150° degrees. It’s really an easy way that you can follow to give dried corn frequently to your squirrels.
Again, bake the corn the the cob for minimum eight years until it’s brittle and dry it three to seven days until becomes entirely dry. Squirrels accept dried corn as a treat and eating dried corn is quite satisfying for them.
Do squirrels like corn on the cob?
Squirrels like corn on the cob very much. They are actually delighted to see it. As Squirrels are predominantly herbivores, they mostly prefer to eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and plant parts.
Wild squirrels mostly like to eat crunchy foods and so, they like corn on the cob very much. Even domestic squirrels also eat them. In fact, squirrels can eat all parts of the corn and easily digest them.
What part of the corn do squirrels eat?
Squirrels aren’t picky while choosing their foods. They want to taste whatever they find in front of them. They mostly prefer fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds and all as they are herbivores and surprisingly they find the taste of corn quite the same.
They actually eat all parts of the corn including the silk, corn, cob, ears, kernels and husk. The parts of the corn they find more crunchy and crispy, those are most favorite to them.
Is corn on the cob good for squirrels?
Corn on the cob contains many nutritional values that are very good for squirrels’ health. Antioxidants work for preventing cancer, damaging cells while vitamins and minerals ensure a healthy, strong immune system in their body and fiber works for their digestive health.
However, corn on the cob can make squirrels gain weight unexpectedly if it’s given to them regularly because they carry high levels of starch, sugar and carbs. Frequent consuming corn raises blood sugar as corn has a high glycemic load.
In addition, as the cobs are hard and have sharp edges, squirrels can easily get hurt by them.
What are the health benefits of corn on the cob for squirrels?
Corn on the cob carries antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and many more nutrients that are really beneficial for squirrels because:
Antioxidants provide anti aging and cancer:
Corn has the highest antioxidant levels that can neutralize the free radicals and prevent disease like cancer. Antioxidants protect against aging and cell damage in squirrels.
Fiber promotes digestive health:
Fiber is really good for squirrels in their digestive health. It works really well in constipation and promotes colon health. It can regulate blood spikes and control blood pressure.
Carotenoids fastens growth and immune system:
Corn has a high level of carotenoids that carry vitamin A, photo-protectors and fewer antioxidants. It works really great for the growth of squirrels and enhances their immune system.
It prevents eye diseases and even contributes to reproduction.
Minerals and vitamins ensure whole body functions:
Corn carries phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E. They work for maintaining blood pressure normal, growth of the body, preventing cell damage and many more.
How to dry corn on the cob for squirrels?
Dry corn on the cob is one of the squirrel’s favorite treats. You can make dry corn on the cob easily in your house and save money. To make it, first choose plain corn cobs and boil it in water after removing husk and silks. Boil each of the ears for two minutes until the corn is husked.
After that, place it in cold water and wait for a few minutes. Then prepare it for baking and bake at 150° degrees spacing the ears for proper air circulation. Finally dry corns are ready to serve the squirrels.
How to feed squirrels corn on the cob?
Corn on the cob is edible and also safe for squirrels. It is one of the favorite foods for squirrels and they can eat boiled, sauteed, cooked, or even baked. But avoid adding flavors. Here are some techniques you can follow to feed them:
Raw corn on the cob:
Squirrels can comfortably eat raw corn on the cob. As it’s fully natural and there’s no change in its flavor, unlike boiled or baked, squirrels like it much. But make sure to thoroughly wash the corn on the cob before placing it before squirrels to eat.
Baked dry corn:
Put the whole corn in the boiling water after removing husk and corn silk until the corn is husked. Boil each of the ears for two minutes and then place it in cold water for a few minutes. Then bake it at 150° degrees.
Make sure to spacing the ears while baking for proper air circulation on it. Store the dry corns in a bag to feed the squirrels frequently.
Cooked and salted corn on the cob:
After washing throughout the corn, boil it for a few minutes. Then saute it on the fire with salt in each ear properly or you can bake it for a while. But make sure to add a very little salt as it might be harmful for them.
Corn nuts:
Place the corn with cob for baking for almost 8 hours at 150 degrees until the corn feels brittle on the kernels. But while baking you have to flip the corn once within every two hours.
After that, make sure to air dry it in a well-ventilated area for a minimum 72 hours or more to make the perfect corn nuts.
Is cracked corn or whole corn better for squirrels?
As like other ground-feeders, squirrels also prefer mostly the cracked corn as they don’t have to work hard to take bites and consume it. As they are shaped into smaller pieces, they are easier for squirrels, birds and other feeders to digest.
Squirrels can eat these small pieces while running, jumping and playing. Placing the cracked corn in your backyard, you can welcome this delightful creature.
Final thoughts
Squirrels consider corn on the cob as their treat. They are herbivores that only eat fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts mostly and they find the corn on the cob crunchy and quite the same taste which attracts them to eat corn on the cob. In fact, they eat corn on the cob cooked, baked or even raw.