- Sep 30, 2013
- 12
- 0
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Hello,
I have two backyard chickens and a well built coop. They free range during the day but I leave the coop door open so they can access the nest box, food and water. This summer I've had problems with squirrels getting in to the coop, presumably to steal the food. The girls get treats every morning and evening and they don't always eat them immediately.
I don't have a rooster to scare the squirrels off but they do run away when I catch them in the act. Their visits have become more frequent and this worries me.
I'm worried about disease and contamination so I'd like to find a way to keep them out of my coop. I could close the door during the day when the girls free range but they'd lose access to the nest box, food and water.
Any suggestions? I'm ordering some bobcat urine to see if that deters them. I don't mind the squirrels being around but I'm worried about them spreading disease in the coop via feces.
Thanks for your help!
I have two backyard chickens and a well built coop. They free range during the day but I leave the coop door open so they can access the nest box, food and water. This summer I've had problems with squirrels getting in to the coop, presumably to steal the food. The girls get treats every morning and evening and they don't always eat them immediately.
I don't have a rooster to scare the squirrels off but they do run away when I catch them in the act. Their visits have become more frequent and this worries me.
I'm worried about disease and contamination so I'd like to find a way to keep them out of my coop. I could close the door during the day when the girls free range but they'd lose access to the nest box, food and water.
Any suggestions? I'm ordering some bobcat urine to see if that deters them. I don't mind the squirrels being around but I'm worried about them spreading disease in the coop via feces.
Thanks for your help!