Are Squirrels OK?

[Keri78]

I have noticed a few squirrels in my side yard where my chickens are. Are they any kind of threat? I think they've just taken a shine to my new chicken barn and like going underneath to bury stuff. Just want to make sure. Thanks, Keri

 

[kitaye]

Squirrels are omnivores and will eat eggs if they can get to them.

That being said, I have a ton of squirrels in my yard and they have never tried to get into the chicken coop. Of course that may be because my chickens are velociraptors and I have seen them stalking squirrels, chipmunks, sparrows, and our small mop dog. They haven't caught any of them yet but it hasn't stop them from trying.

 

[gsim]

I read a post on here from a lady who said she was overrun with squirrels. She said they invaded her run and ate the chooks food. They will eat eggs too. They might kill a chick, but I have not ever heard of it. I think what caused the lady's troubles started when she planted lots of sunflowers in the run. Squirrels love the seeds as chooks do. Once in there, they discovered her feeder which was outside (and should not be if possible) So a bad situation became worse. I put up a fence charger and have seen no squirrels in there yet. They were in my garden which has a 6 ft fence, but did no damage.

 

[TDB]

not unless they start eating your eggs

 

[proudmama88]

I have a bunch of them hanging around, too. Can't stand them. They got into my shed and ate a bunch of corn and ripped open some scratch.

They won't hurt your chickens, though - they are only pests.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Mine chase squirrels. Between our dog and the chickens, we don't see too many

 

[cmom]

The squirrels around here don't even look at my birds. They are more interested in the wild bird feeders.

 

[enola]

They do like to eat chicken feed. Especially pellets !