What is a Drey Squirrel Den? 
A drey is a hollow sphere made up of loosely woven branches, lined with moss, leaves, and grass. The lining wicks away moisture while insulating against cold. A drey has one entrance hole, but some are incomplete and a young squirrel’s best effort. Some dreys can be found in abandoned bird nests, but not all.
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drey squirrels build nests in abandoned bird nests
Dreys, as they are also known, are a common type of squirrel nest. These nests are generally similar in design and are constructed by any species of squirrel. They can be found outdoors and in gardens. The squirrels who use abandoned bird nests as their summer nests tend to be more common in areas with abundant vegetation. While it may be difficult to spot these nests, if you know where to look, you’ll be more likely to see one.
Leaf nests are made of twigs
A leaf nest is made of twigs and woven loosely to create a hollow sphere. Inside, the squirrels use leaves and grass to make a cushioned inner layer, which protects the young from predators, cold, and wetness. In some instances, two or more squirrels share a single drey. In these cases, the squirrels share the same drey and share body heat. The adult squirrels leave the nest regularly to eat, play, and mate with other females.
Bark
The drey is a hollow sphere of loosely woven branches, and its inner surface is lined with a mixture of leaves, grass, moss, and other plant materials. The outer layer sheds water, and the lining acts as insulation against cold. A drey has a single entrance hole and is often constructed with two or more dreys. Squirrels can build two or more dreys to protect themselves and their young.
Feathers
The drey squirrel has an interesting habit of living in trees. While many people might be surprised to learn this, squirrels often use the same materials as their trees to construct their dens. Eastern gray squirrels use leafy twigs and bark as interior materials. Northern flying squirrels, on the other hand, use lichens, twigs and bark. Eastern greys and dreys sometimes share a den, so keep a lookout for their nests.
Leaves
A drey is a hollow sphere that is foot wide and lined with a mixture of insulating materials. The interior is lined with a thin layer of leaves, grass, or moss. The outer layer sheds water and insulates the den. A drey usually has one entrance hole, but it may have two. The drey is often shared by several squirrels, including a young.
Grass
The drey is the name given to the nesting cavity of a drey squirrel. Squirrels line this cavity with damp leaves, twigs, bark, and grass. After adding these materials to their den, they form a sphere that forms the outer shell of the nest. The interior of the den is lined with grass and leaves, which are woven together. The drey can be as high as 30 feet above ground.
Twigs
A drey is a hollow sphere made from twigs. Its inner surface is lined with a combination of materials, including grass, moss, and leaves. The outer layer sheds water, while the inner lining acts as insulation against cold. A drey has one entrance hole, and some are incomplete. The best-built dreys were built by a young squirrel.
How many dreys does a squirrel have in its lifetime?
A squirrel has an average of three dreys in its lifetime.
What is the average lifespan of a drey squirrel?
The average lifespan of a drey squirrel is two years.
What is the average size of a drey squirrel?
The average size of a drey squirrel is 10 inches.
What is the average weight of a drey squirrel?
The average weight of a drey squirrel is 2 pounds.
What is the average number of offspring a drey squirrel has per litter?
The average number of offspring a drey squirrel has per litter is four.
What is the gestation period of a drey squirrel?
The gestation period of a drey squirrel is 38 days.
What is the weaning period of a drey squirrel?
The weaning period of a drey squirrel is eight weeks.
What is the average litter size of a drey squirrel?
The average litter size of a drey squirrel is four.
What is the average home range of a drey squirrel?
The average home range of a drey squirrel is one acre.
What is the diet of a drey squirrel?
The diet of a drey squirrel consists of acorns nuts seeds fruits and fungi.
What is the average body temperature of a drey squirrel?
The average body temperature of a drey squirrel is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the average heart rate of a drey squirrel?
The average heart rate of a drey squirrel is 200 beats per minute.
What is the average respiratory rate of a drey squirrel?
The average respiratory rate of a drey squirrel is 40 breaths per minute.
What is the average blood pressure of a drey squirrel?
The average blood pressure of a drey squirrel is 120/80 mmHg.
What is the average lifespan of a drey squirrel in captivity?
The average lifespan of a drey squirrel in captivity is 15 years.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
