Are Squirrels a real problem?

[Stephen518]

Other than possibly eating some food, do squirrels really pose any threat to my flock or their eggs?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I don't think they pose a threat. The squirrels that I have around here never showed interest in the eggs or chickens.

 

[chickengrandma]

We have two squirrels that free range with our bantams! Don't seem to be any problem for us and our little flock. It is really quite funny and cute. They "fight" over the BOSS when I throw it out there.

 

[Oregon Blues]

They are mostly a big problem if you have fruit trees.

 

[Imp]

I don't find squirrels to be a problem, but there is the occasional post that they eat the chicken feed, eggs or chicks.

Imp- and some people's houses.

 

[chickenpredatorkiller]

Quote:
Because of those little rascals I havent' had one year of peach crop..

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Because of those little rascals I havent' had one year of peach crop..

They never messed with my peaches, but I have never tasted my pears.

 

[Marcymom3]

Squirrels bother me because they eat my wild bird seed. They have their own feeder but the greedy little buggers will eat everything they can. I just notice that they've been munching on my jack-o-lanterns! And I found one in my chicken run the other day helping himself to the flockblock.

They can also be very destructive if they get into your attic through a vent. The guy who works at the Southern States near me said that the damage they did to his home ended up costing him $20K for new siding, etc. They made holes all over his cedar siding that was original to his house.

I was actually considering trapping them. A lady I used to buy eggs from before mine started laying told me she loves them...in stew and fried. Bless her heart, she's 80 years young and still plants a huge garden, raises chickens, cooks meals everyday, and mows her own lawn. Until about 10 years ago she raised a pig every year and butchered it herself. I guess she can figure out what to do with my squirrels.

 

[Mattemma]

They won't bother the chickens except for food.For me it has been an issue over crops and fruit trees.They tear down my corn and sunflower heads.They are as damaging as cottontails.I have found the plastic lids chewed off containers so they could get the BOSS. I agree cute but very annoying for me.

 

[bufforp89]

I hate them, they find a way into everywhere and everything. I opened my coop door one morning last summer and there is a squirrel, hanging on the wall, looking me in the eye, caught in the act. Scared the crap out of me. I screamed, the squirrel screamed, it launched itself past my head at 80mph and hauled butt up the nearest tree.