DIY: Build your own squirrel nest

Who doesn't love those cute little squirrels? Children are delighted when they happen upon one (and let's be honest: we adults are too!). Because squirrels have a particularly tough time in big cities, we'd like to challenge you to make their lives easier and build them a den. Don't know how? Well, then pay attention! We've compiled the most important information on building a den for you:

What is a squirrel's drey (anyway)?

Squirrels' hollow, spherical nests are called dreys . These nests, like those of birds, hang from branches high in trees and are made of brushwood, twigs, needles, and leaves. To keep the interior cozy and their bottoms warm, squirrels line their "nests" with soft, natural materials such as moss, feathers, and grass. Squirrels take about 3-5 days to build their own nest. It's quite a lot of work, but it's worth it.

And what do squirrels need their den for?

The squirrel's nest, also known as a drey, serves several functions throughout the year. What it always offers is a sheltered retreat from predators. In winter, the squirrel seeks protection from cold and extreme weather in the drey. In spring, the young arrive, and the drey is used as a nursery.

And who is allowed to move into the nest?

The den is intended as a one-room dwelling for a squirrel. Only after mating is the male allowed to move in, and the young remain in the den until birth. Once the young are born, the female cares for her offspring for about three months. Afterward, she moves away, leaving the young alone, and moves into another nest. So, now you know. Would you also like to build a den? We'll tell you what you should keep in mind:

What do I need to consider when building a nest?

There are plenty of instructions for building a wooden den online. For example, on the "wilde Kreaturen" website, you'll find detailed instructions for building a wooden den . You can also get inspiration from pictures and build your den freehand (if you have the imagination ;-)). Regardless of which instructions you choose, the following are always important:

1. The den needs at least two entrances/exits: One should be at the bottom, as squirrels usually enter their den from below. The second opening is necessary because it provides the animals with an escape route in case of danger and allows them to escape if an uninvited guest besieges their entrance.
2. If it's made of wood, do it right: ideally rough-sawn, untreated, unpainted!
3. Rain protection: To keep the squirrels nice and dry inside and prevent rain from getting in, the roof should extend a few centimeters over the entrance.
4. Even a built den should be nice and cozy inside: Line the house with natural materials, or use fleece pieces, wood shavings (for animals), fur, or leather. It's important that the material doesn't absorb moisture, stays wet forever, and doesn't string.
5. If you want the den to last longer, you should clean it occasionally. To get to all the nooks and crannies, you should be able to open it completely (so, when building it, make sure you can remove or open a wooden wall!). However, be careful not to clean the den when your squirrels have babies. October to January is a good time.

And another little tip