Buy Texas * Squirrel Grade * In Shell & Cracked Pecans For Sale

Squirrels are remarkably good at cracking pecans on their own, and gnawing through a hard shell is actually healthy for them since their front teeth grow continuously and need that wear to stay the right length. You can put these out whole and let nature take its course. That said, our squirrel grade mix already includes some cracked nuts in the box, which gives younger squirrels, chipmunks, and birds an easier head start. Most folks find that scattering a handful of whole and pre-cracked pecans together works best, since it accommodates feeders of every size and skill level.

The pecans that end up in our country store treats and shelled bags go through several rounds of careful sorting so every nut is bright, uniform, and blemish-free. Our squirrel grade pecans come from the very same family orchard in San Saba, but they did not make the cut for our retail kitchen. Some have darker shells, smaller kernels, or minor cracks, and the box often blends several pecan varieties from across our harvest. They are still fresh and nutritious, and they were grown right here on land our family has worked since 1888. The cosmetic standards are simply relaxed because the wildlife do not mind a bit of character, which also lets us pass along a much friendlier price per pound for daily feeding.

Pecans tend to attract a lively backyard crowd. Alongside squirrels, customers tell us they have spotted blue jays, woodpeckers, crows, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, and the occasional fox stopping by for a snack. Chipmunks especially love the cracked pieces, and ground feeders like mourning doves will happily clean up the smaller bits left behind. Some folks scatter pecans along a tree line to help deer through the colder months, while others keep a feeding spot near a kitchen window just for the entertainment value. Word travels fast in the animal world, so do not be surprised when your little buffet becomes the neighborhood gathering place.

That really depends on how many critters you are feeding and how often you set pecans out. A daily handful or two for a small backyard troop of squirrels will typically stretch a 30 pound box across several months. If you have a busy feeding station or you are supplementing wildlife on acreage, the 50 pound box tends to be the better value and lasts most customers about a full season. In the meantime, keep your box in a cool, dry spot like a pantry, garage, or basement, and steer clear of direct sunlight or anywhere damp, since moisture is the main enemy of in-shell pecans. If you want to hold a portion longer than six months, you can tuck part of the supply into the freezer to lock in that orchard freshness.

You will see some shell debris wherever the squirrels do their cracking, but most of our customers find it more charming than bothersome, and a rake passed over the area every couple of weeks keeps things tidy. Pecan shells are completely natural and biodegradable, so they break down on their own and even add a bit of organic matter back to your soil. A lot of gardeners actually save the shells on purpose to use as rustic mulch around flower beds and walking paths, since they look attractive and help the ground hold moisture. Setting up a designated feeding spot away from your porch or patio also makes cleanup easier and keeps the action contained to one part of the yard.