What Do Baby Groundhogs Eat?

August 3, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

As far as rodents go, groundhogs are relatively large. An adult groundhog can grow to be about the size of a house cat, weighing in at around six to 12 pounds. So, what do baby groundhogs eat?

Well, since they’re so small (usually only weighing around four ounces at birth), they have to start out with something that’s easy for them to digest and packed with nutrients. Insects are usually the first thing on the menu for young groundhogs.

If you’re wondering what baby groundhogs eat, the answer is mostly plants. According to National Geographic, groundhogs are herbivores, which means that they primarily eat vegetation. This includes things like grass, leaves, and flowers.

Baby groundhogs also consume some insects for protein, but the vast majority of their diet is plant-based. So if you see a baby groundhog munching on your garden vegetables, don’t be too alarmed! They’re just following their natural instincts.

Woman saves lives of baby groundhogs. Now they won’t stop eating.

What Does Groundhogs Eat?

Groundhogs are one of the many species of rodents that live in North America. These small, furry animals are also known as woodchucks and whistle-pigs. Groundhogs are members of the squirrel family, and like other members of this family, they are omnivorous creatures that eat both plants and animals.

The diet of a groundhog depends on what is available to them in their natural habitat. In the spring and summer months, when plant life is plentiful, groundhogs will primarily eat leaves, grasses, fruits, and nuts. They have been known to eat over 200 different types of plants!

In the fall and winter months, when food is scarce, groundhogs will supplement their diet with insects, small mammals (such as mice), and even birds’ eggs. While they usually stick to eating food that they find in nature, groundhogs have been known to raid gardens for tasty treats like carrots or tomatoes. If you have a garden and you’re worried about a groundhog getting into it, there are some things you can do to deter them.

Fencing your garden with chicken wire or installing motion-activated sprinklers can help keep these little critters out!

Credit: www.nationalgeographic.com

What Do You Do When You Find a Baby Groundhog?

If you find a baby groundhog, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. Groundhogs are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. If you try to handle the groundhog, it may bite or scratch you.

If you must handle the groundhog, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

Can Baby Groundhogs Survive Without Their Mother?

As long as baby groundhogs have access to food and water, they can survive without their mother. However, they will not be able to thrive and may even die without her care. Baby groundhogs are born blind and deaf and rely on their mother’s milk for nutrition and warmth.

Without their mother’s guidance, they would not be able to find food or shelter and would quickly succumb to the elements.

What Can I Feed a Groundhog?

If you have a groundhog living in your yard, you may be wondering what you can feed it. Groundhogs are herbivores, so they primarily eat plants. However, they will also eat insects, grubs, and other small animals.

In the wild, groundhogs eat a variety of foods depending on what is available to them. Some of the plants that groundhogs like to eat include: clover, dandelions, grass, alfalfa, and vegetables such as peas, beans, carrots, and potatoes. If you have any of these plants growing in your yard or garden, chances are the groundhog has been nibbling on them!

Insects are another important part of a groundhog’s diet. Crickets, beetles, grubs – basically anything that crawls – is fair game for these little critters. If you have an issue with pests in your yard or garden, the groundhog may be helping to control the population!

Finally, small animals such as mice and voles make up a small portion of a groundhog’s diet. These animals are typically only eaten if other food sources are scarce. So what does this all mean for you?

If you want to keep your friendly neighborhood groundhog around (and who wouldn’t?), there are a few things you can do to make sure it has enough to eat. First off, if you have any fruit trees or gardens in your yard or neighborhood , try to leave some fallen fruit or vegetables out for the groundhog . Secondly , don’t use pesticides in your yard – remember , insects make up part of a groundhog’s natural diet !

Finally , if possible , create a brush pile or build a small den for the groundhog to live in . This will give it somewhere safe to retreat from predators and inclement weather .

How Do You Raise a Baby Groundhog?

Assuming you would like tips on caring for a pet groundhog, here are some dos and don’ts: Do: -get your groundhog from a reputable breeder or rescue organization

-have a large cage ready with plenty of space for your groundhog to roam, including an elevated platform or hiding area -provide fresh vegetables and fruits as well as hay, pellets, and water daily -handle your groundhog often so it becomes used to being around people

-let your groundhog out to play in a safe area under supervision Don’t: -try to feed your groundhog milk as this can cause diarrhea

Conclusion

In the wild, baby groundhogs eat a variety of plants and insects. They are particularly fond of clover, dandelions, and grubs. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of vegetables, fruits, and pellets designed specifically for groundhogs.