Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Squirrels at the bird feeders?

I had two bird feeders hanging from a fir tree in front of my apartment. I really enjoy watching the birds. Needless to say, a couple of squirrels liked the situation. One feeder pretty much got destroyed. I enjoy the antics of the squirrels and my husband hates their destructive nature and chases them away. I had to throw out the smaller feeder because it got so damaged. He took the second feeder down because the squirrels kept going for it. Any ideas? I don't want to harm the squirrels. Thanks!Squirrels at the bird feeders?
Squirrels are curious and inventive when it come to figuring out ways to get to a bird feeder. The only way to beat them is to place the bird feeder on top of a polished metal pole with a blocking collar at least 24 inches wide just below the feeder. You then have to grease the pole to make it extra slippery so the squirrels can't get up the pole and gain enough traction to jump to the edge of the collar and make their way around it. You also have to maintain it in its greased and polished state. It is almost as much fun to watch the squirrels try and get up the pole and around the collar as it is to watch the birds feeding.





Good luck.Squirrels at the bird feeders?
You have to use squirrel proof feeders.





You can also live trap them and take them to the park.





I had the same problem and they chewed up everything. Feeders, trash can etc.





had to trap and move them.
Get a polished metal pole with a hook at the top to hang it from that's less than 3/8 inch diameter and put it away from all trees.
There are bird feeders that close off the bird seed feed tray when a squirrel stands on it. The squirrel's weight closes it off. I don't know where to get them, but I'm sure with searching around you can find one.
My gray squirrels eat the seeds off the ground. They are well mannered and not destructive at all. But oh, those nasty red squirrels. They are into everything and they're very mean tempered.





So here's my remedy -- works for me, but then I'm a country farm girl.





Take one BB gun. Load BBs. Aim at squirrel while it's trying to destroy bird feeder. FIRE right into mid-section of squirrel's body!





You will not kill the squirrel, but it does sting them quite badly. And they will not return to the scene of the crime!





Addition: There is no such thing as a ';squirrel proof feeders.'; For all those recommending the kind that close down or dump when a heavy squirrel stands on them, the squirrels soon figure this out and then hang upside down and empty the feeders that way!
Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and ask them for the bird feeders that have a very skinny pole. They are ideal because the birds can still enjoy the feeders but the squirrels won't be able to get to it because they can't climb the pole.
you should buy a squirrel proof feeder and/or buy special squirrel chilli formula stuff that u mix with the food...it's what i do!
I have a couple of families of grey squirrels in my back garden and I have yet to find a ';squirrel proof'; bird feeder that does what it says on the packet.





My solution is to make bird feeders from 2 litre plastic drinks bottles and not care if they get trashed.
Try getting a statue of a larger animal. We use an owl. But, don't be fooled...the squirrels are clever. We have to move the owl around once in a while, or the squirrels get brave. Just be sure to put it on the ground, so you don't scare the birds, too.
Birds and mammals have one difference which can be exploited .. Birds are unable to taste the spicy hotness of food, whereas mammals taste the heat. Therefore many times you can solve your problems by putting hot pepper powder into the bird seed. This can be found at some farm supply stores.


The squirrels should quickly learn that your food is too ';flamin' Hot'; for them, whereas birds actually enjoy hot peppers and pepper seeds.


You can sometimes even use the powder as seasoning in your own food , assuming you like ';Hot Stuff!';





E-mail me for more sources of cayenne powder.
Squirrels may also help themselves to the contents of bird feeders, often not merely feeding, but carrying away the food to their hoard. There are various anti-squirrel devices available to thwart attempts by squirrels to raid bird feeders. Several manufacturers produce feeders with perches that collapse under the weight of anything heavier than a bird, or that use battery power to shock an intruder lightly or spin the perching area to fling it off.





Sometimes the placement of a separate and isolated squirrel feeder is the best way to keep squirrels away from bird feeders. Squirrel feeders typically offer a whole dried cob of corn, often at the top of a rotating stick to add a bit of amusement to their antics.
You'll probably just have to buy a ';squirrel proof'; feeder. The squirrel will still be able to get to the food, but at least it'll be more entertaining to watch them do it.
I know this may sound stupid but what about some kind of repellent? Nothing that would harm the birds but some type of food or obstacle that they cannot stand.
We bought a bird feeder that spins when there is too much weight on it (i.e. squirrels or fat birds) at our local ACE hardware

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