Dog Community

Chipmunks?

Posted : 7/15/2006 7:55:58 AM

My online research has been rather unsatisfying, so I'm gonna ask here.....

We "have" a chipmunk. boldest little thing I've ever seen. He'll come into the dog yard and drink from their wading pool with SIX big dogs in the yard.....he loves to tease and make them bark and often will stand and stare at us when we are on the deck. Now me, being me, I'm curious about this little guy.....what do they eat? I swear last nite it looked like he was muching on a leaf but he's usually got his head in the ground so I'm thinking bugs? or roots? Do ya'll think maybe I should give him a water bowl so he doesn't have to risk life and limb to get a drink? Do they hybernate in the winter, or should I start thinking about leaving stuff out for him to eat once it gets cold? I realize this sounds a bit nutty, even for me, but I actually am so entertained by his antics that I'd hate to see anything happen to the little guy.....

Kara

Posted : 7/15/2006 8:39:55 AM

I know nothing about chipmunks other than they are one of the most adorable rodents on the face of the earth. I saw my first one when I was 21 at a wedding in a forest in New York. I really wish we had them here in the south, then again I think Gracie would eat them.

Send photos if you can get them of the cute little 'munk!

willowchow

Posted : 7/15/2006 8:59:32 AM

This is some easy to read information on them. And, at the very top it tells about the hibernation. [linkhttp://wonderclub.com/Wildlife/mammals/easternchipmunk.htm]http://wonderclub.com/Wildlife/mammals/easternchipmunk.htm[/link]

And this page has information on how to provide the right habitat for them. ALSO-at the very bottom it tells how to prevent them from getting into your basement or attic. [linkhttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/story.php?S_No=117&storyType=garden]http://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/story.php?S_No=117&storyType=garden[/link]
Hope they help.

glenmar

Posted : 7/15/2006 9:01:41 AM

Thanks Lori....I got some really wierd sexual stuff when I googled chipmunk......whats the world coming to?? And how the heck do CHILDREN do research on line?

willowchow

Posted : 7/15/2006 9:04:05 AM

I fixed those links Glenda, I'm still all blurry eyed, Willow wakes me up to EAT now.

marty_ga

Posted : 7/15/2006 9:06:17 AM

I'll trade the squirrels! Maybe you could set up a cute bird feed and water station outside the dog pen where he'd be safe but you could still watch.

willowchow

Posted : 7/15/2006 9:23:14 AM

Yeah, what I quickly read says they are not as much of a problem trying to get in your house as squirrels are. So, if you are going to have one or the other better to have them. And, it also said they are not as bad as squirrels with eating from the bird feeders if you have any set up for birds.

I know at my parents house the squirrels will scale this high pole leading to the bird feeders and also the bat house.

Debbie R

Posted : 7/15/2006 10:07:24 AM

I know lots about chipmunks, they are very gregarious they will eventually come to you and take a peanut from your hand (very cute), that is their favorite food as they can store them, they do hybernate for the winter. I had to stop feeding mine by hand because they would sit on the patio waiting for me to come out and w/ the dogs this isn't a good thing for the chipmunk. I have never seen them eating leaves though. I would put water out for him, we have a stream in the back and a bird bath. and my dogs are a tad shorter than yours Glenda lol. They love sunflower seeds too, when I put out birdseed mix I always let some get on the ground, and I buy the ones that have sunflower seeds in them.

Debbie R

Posted : 7/15/2006 10:11:43 AM

hmm that was a good link Lor, but I've never seen one ever in the winter weird.

glenmar

Posted : 7/15/2006 10:14:24 AM

I think that I'll NOT encourage eating out of my hand. The only areas that I feel totally safe from snakes are the decks, and the dogs frequent both the back AND the front ones and while they have excellent "leave it" training,I'm not gonna push my luck on THAT one! I will get some peanuts for him tho, and some sunflower seeds, to start sprinkling around, and will put out a couple water bowls. I figure he's gotta be pretty danged thirsty to go into the dog yard to drink with all those BIG critters around!

sharismom

Posted : 7/16/2006 3:22:30 PM

Heck, Glenda, in this heat I would try to get water in your yard even though your dogs don't know me!

I have a few chipmunks hanging around. They also eat grapes, apples, and cherries that I've tossed on the ground near the feeder.

One was in my garage back in March. My cats aren't allowed out into the garage, but if I don't shut the door just right, they can get in there. Well, it just so happened that they chased the little guy right into my back room and cornered him. The poor little thing was terrified. I put the crazy cats in my bedroom and after a while I was able to lead him back into the garage with a trail of sunflower seeds. I didn't want to go to bed with it loose in the house because I was afraid the cats would kill it and then bring it to me as a present. [:'(]

glenmar

Posted : 7/16/2006 5:50:36 PM

Yeah, what the heck is UP with this heat?? This is NOT the MI of my childhood. Today it truely felt like someone had transplanted the whole danged state to California.....the Central Valley of California. I swear that hot wind felt just like the Santa Anta winds.....

But, I'd let YOU hop in the people pool so you didn't have to brave the dogs! It's just an above grounder, but it's big and dug down to 6' deep in the center.....I spent much of the afternoon floating around on an air mattress in the pool....first time I haven't been dying of the heat in DAYS!

loveukaykay

Posted : 7/16/2006 10:33:25 PM

Wow, how lucky! I wanna see him![

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scoobychick

Posted : 7/16/2006 11:06:00 PM

Glenmar you need to name your Chipmunk friend Daredevil lol. You guys are lucky to have a wide verity of wildlife in your backyards. Were I#%92m at we have the company of Deer and Coons

pip52

Posted : 7/17/2006 11:02:31 AM

We have a family of chipmonks in the back yard. I've seen as many as 5 at the squirrel feeder. They are so cute to watch. I have to watch my cats though they try to cath them.