Bold Squirrel, Open Run

[SnackLady]

We knew Jessie (the squirrel) was crazy. Jessie will go anywhere and actually chewed a big hole through a GAMMA LID. So we got better lids and made sure everything was in buckets or sturdy containers. Jessie responded by taking the goodies directly from the chicken feeders in the run. (I suspect, but don't know, that s/he may also be pilfering the occasional egg.)

My husband is very much of the opinion that the best squirrel is a dead one. I actually like watching squirrels and tend toward a live-and-let-live view. I just don't want them in my stuff.

Our chickens (7 hens and a rooster) free range in and out of the run all day. Is there a good way to either keep out or repel the squirrel without locking out the chickens? They lay throughout the day, so I'd like to keep giving them that option.

 

[cavemanrich]

I actually like watching squirrels and tend toward a live-and-let-live view. I just don't want them in my stuff.

I'm with your thinking,, and not with your spouse.
I have plenty of squirrels in my yard area. I keep my chicken feed in metal cans, containers. Not just from the squirrels. Never leave feed out overnight.
I also feed those cute lil devlz I provide them with BOSS in front yard in multiple feeding spots. Yes,, I know I am an exception of peeps that feeds squirrels. (but also not the only one)
Can I suggest you provide your pet squirrel a ration of BOSS,, somewhere outside your run area. Squirrel will eat those sunflower seeds and not bother your chicken feed.
BTW,, I highly doubt the squirrel is stealing your eggs.
I look at every living thing,, as having a purpose on earth.
I do question mosquitoes, and biting flies

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Callender Girl]

I also keep my feed in metal garbage cans (caution: many of the new ones leak where the handles are fastened into the lids, so a hard rain can get in if you don't seal them).

I won't harm squirrels, but I am tired of them digging into my garden, potted plants on the deck and leaving their cache of walnuts in unexpected places.

Ditto, @cavemanrich on those mosquitos and biting flies!

Good luck dealing with Jessie (I love that you have named the little rascal)!

 

[mowin]

I'm with your husband on this one. I kill every one I see on my property. They have caused more damage chewing through the soffits in my shop.

 

[McChooky]

Cayenne pepper powder can be added to bird seed or chicken feed to deter predators .Do not put it in nest boxes! You'll only get it on you if you do!

 

[ashcons]

I look at every living thing,, as having a purpose on earth.

Same and sometimes it's as dinner

I hear squirrel dumplings are worth a try.

 

[Geena]

Same and sometimes it's as dinner

I hear squirrel dumplings are worth a try.

Just don't eat the brains, they can kill you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I had a similar issue, squirrel was helping itself to feed inside the coop, so locking up feed at night didn't do anything to deter it. When I caught it on the coop cam eating right next to the chickens, I went out and blocked the pop door so it couldn't escape, and hubby took care of it.

 

[SnackLady]

Can I suggest you provide your pet squirrel a ration of BOSS,, somewhere outside your run area. Squirrel will eat those sunflower seeds and not bother your chicken feed.
BTW,, I highly doubt the squirrel is stealing your eggs.
I look at every living thing,, as having a purpose on earth.
I do question mosquitoes, and biting flies

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

I've never considered feeding them. Of all the squirrels we've had around the chickens, this is the only one that's persistently targeted the chicken feed. The others only came around if we were sloppy, which wasn't really an issue. In the past week, I've been home sick, so I've spent more time out with the chickens, and the squirrel has just stayed away.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestion! Always nice to encounter another animal lover.

 

[SnackLady]

Cayenne pepper powder can be added to bird seed or chicken feed to deter predators .Do not put it in nest boxes! You'll only get it on you if you do!

It doesn't bother the chickens?