Posted by Shan Gill on November 6, 2005

Q: What is the significant difference between peanuts and sunflower seeds (still in the seed) preference in chipmunks? I assume handling costs are important but I would like to know other factors including seasonal preferences.

Habitat: forest/open woods

State: British Columbia

Habitat: forest/open woods

A: A fair amount of research has been done on birds and their seed preferences but I'm not aware of any work on rodents along these same lines. Birds are particularly attracted to seeds that have a high caloric value in fall and winter and will seek out those foods that give them the "most bang for the buck" and avoid foods with fewer calories. This is one reason people often find that the crab apples, for example, on their yard tree gets passed by until the end of winter - the caloric value isn't high enough to interest the birds until there are few other choices. So, if mammals, like chipmunks also are able to differentiate and focus on those foods that provide the highest caloric value, then they may have a definite preference for peanuts over sunflower seeds, or visa versa. This would make a nice mini-research project that you could do right at your own home - see if your local chipmunks prefer one over the other. If you do try this, be sure to use unsalted peanuts. Although the chipmunks all across North America do vary, my guess is that they're all pretty similar in their food preferences. Chipmunks living in the northern portions of North America may be a bit more selective on their foods than those in the southern areas simply because they have a long, cold winter to get through. Hope this helps you out a bit. Sorry I can't provide more info.

John Wiessinger ( November 7, 2005)