I make money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.
Skunks have a flexible diet and will eat everything, including bird seed. Skunks are drawn to bird feeders because they are a convenient source of food for them. Even though a few scattered seeds might not seem like a huge concern, skunks can gradually cause serious harm to a bird feeder. Do skunks consume bird seed then?
At get to the seed, they will tip the feeder over. They are also capable of tearing through plastic or metal to get the meal. This destructive activity can be harmful to the birds as well as a nuisance. Many diseases that skunks may have can be passed on to birds through their diet.
Therefore, it’s crucial to take precautions to stop skunks from getting to your bird feeder. Skunks are drawn to both bird seed and the actual birds in addition to the seed. If your yard has a bird feeder, you might also wish to take precautions to deter skunks from congregating there.
Do Skunks Eat Bird Seed?
Skunks are scavengers by nature and will eat almost everything they encounter. This includes seed for birds. Small creatures like mice or voles are what skunks prefer to eat. Skunks, however, will opportunistically consume any food that is offered, including bird seed.
They also enjoy eating carrion, eggs, and insects. Skunks contribute significantly to the ecosystem by assisting in the removal of deceased animals.
Fruits and veggies will also be consumed by this forest dweller. Skunks enjoy eating acorns in the fall, which aid in the spread of the forest.
In general, skunks only consume bird seed in the absence of any other food sources. But if a skunk manages to get inside your yard, it might seriously harm your bird feeder. Skunks are drawn to bird feeders because they are a convenient source of food for them.
Why Do Skunks Eat Bird Seed?
Skunks require certain minerals to survive, which is one reason why bird seed is so beneficial. Additionally, it’s not too difficult to locate and consume bird seed. Skunks are pretty lethargic animals, therefore it’s crucial that they don’t have to put in a lot of effort to get a meal.
Skunks also like the taste of bird seed. Skunks enjoy the seeds, despite the fact that people might not. A lot of skunks will favor bird seed over other foods.
So, the next time a skunk raids your bird feeder, don’t panic. The skunk is acting naturally and attempting to obtain a nourishing meal.
How Do You Keep Skunks Away From Bird Seeds?
Did you know that skunks are drawn to bird feed in addition to their distinctive stripe and strong odor? Even though they don’t usually eat bird seed, skunks are drawn to its high fat content and frequently rip open bags or raid bird feeders in quest of a quick meal. Thankfully, there are a few easy precautions you can take to prevent skunks from accessing your bird seed.
There are a few things you may do to deter skunks from visiting your bird feeder. Here are some strategies you can use:
1.Bring Your Feeders In At Night:
Because they are nocturnal animals, skunks usually only raid bird feeders at night. Skunks won’t be drawn to the seed if you bring your feeders inside at night. One of the greatest ways to prevent skunks from visiting your bird feeder is to do this. Skunks will move on in quest of a simpler meal if their preferred food source is not easily accessible.
2.Keep Your Yard Clean:
Skunks are drawn to yards that are overgrown with plants or are littered with trash. Skunks won’t be as drawn to your yard if you keep it tidy and free of trash. Make sure to properly dispose of trash, and cut back any overgrown plants. However, bringing the bird feeder inside at night is the simplest solution.
3.Use A Baffle:
You can add a baffle to your bird feeder to prevent animals from getting to the seed easily. Skunks (and other animals) can’t access the bird seed if you use a baffle. Baffles come in a variety of sizes and forms, so make sure to pick the right one for your feeder. The most common kind of baffle is a cone-shaped baffle that goes over the feeder’s top and keeps animals from getting to the seed.
4.Use A Motion-Activated Sprinkler:
If you utilize motion-activated sprinklers in your yard, skunks (and other animals) will stay away. When activated, these gadgets detect movement and release a water spray. Skunks will be startled by the unexpected burst of water and run away. Sprinklers that are actuated by motion are a terrific technique to keep skunks out of your yard.
5.Take Away Their Food Source:
The easiest strategy to keep skunks out of your yard while they are in quest of food is to take away their food source. This entails covering your trash cans with a tight lid and avoiding leaving pet food outside. Skunks can be persuaded to hunt food elsewhere if you remove their primary source of nutrition.
6.Cover Your Bird Seed:
Covering your bird seed is one of the simplest methods to keep skunks away from it. To put a wall between the seed and the skunks, use a tarp or a piece of hardware cloth. Skunks won’t be able to get to the seed, which will keep them from robbing your bird feeder.
7.Trap And Release:
You may need to take more serious action if a skunk keeps robbing your bird feeder. One choice is to capture the skunk and release it somewhere else. Only if you are skilled in managing animals and have the necessary authorization should you do this. Wear gloves if you opt to trap a skunk to protect yourself from the spray. It may be preferable to hire a qualified wildlife control operator because skunks can be difficult to capture.
These are a few easy actions you may take to prevent skunks from accessing your bird seed. By using these suggestions, you may prevent skunks from raiding your bird feeder and keep them out of your yard.
Where Do Skunks Go During The Daytime?
Skunks are nocturnal animals. They are most active just before sunrise and after dusk. They do, however, occasionally emerge during the day, particularly if they are in search of food. Skunks have a keen sense of smell and frequently rummage through or turn over trash cans in quest of food. It is advised to take away the food from your bird feeders if you notice a skunk around because they are known to consume bird seed.
Skunks also consume carrion, insects, and small mammals. Skunks are most likely looking for food if you observe them during the day. However, it is recommended to call your local animal control for assistance if you notice one that seems to be acting suspiciously or seems ill.
Wrapping Up
Additionally, read:
Do Hamsters Consume Bird Food? The Top 8 Bird Foods
A Complete Guide on What Tokay Geckos Eat!
Raccoons consuming bird seed 15 Ways To Discourage!
Rabbits Consume Bird Seed, Right? The Reality!
Amazon.com, Inc. or one of its affiliates owns the trademarks for Amazon and the Amazon logo.
FAQ
Will skunks chase you?
Skunks are actually timid, meek animals. They only spray when there are no other options for escaping since they don’t want to. There is no need to worry about an assault if a family of skunks decides to live on your property in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Instead, quick skunk eradication is warranted for a number of reasons.
Do skunks chase you?
Skunks are actually timid, meek animals. They only spray when there are no other options for escaping since they don’t want to. There is no need to worry about an assault if a family of skunks decides to live on your property in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Instead, quick skunk eradication is warranted for a number of reasons.
What happens if a skunk bites you?
If a skunk bites you or your pet, wash the wound with mild soap and warm water before visiting a hospital or veterinarian, as appropriate. Skunks can spread a variety of illnesses, including canine hepatitis and rabe.
Will skunks bite humans?
They may bite and/or spray if a person approaches them too rapidly or disregards the warnings. Avoid trying to pet or feed skunks. When fed, skunks become less afraid of people and are more inclined to approach them, which can lead to bites. The typical method of rabies transmission is by the bite of a wild or domestic rabid mammal.
Are skunks aggressive to humans?
Skunks are mostly calm, so they won’t purposefully irritate people. Skunks may even help humans because they consume a variety of insects and rodents that many people consider to be pests.