Can't get rid of the squirrels

[haywood59]

Does anyone know of a humane way to get rid of squirrels? I've got huge oaks in my yard and LOTS of squirrels. They used to be content with the acorns, but apparently the chicken feed is quite a treat. I hate to kill them, because I don't like squirrel so the meat would be wasted. I just want them out of the coop. Before they were sneaking in when the girls were outdoors, but now they're getting bolder and digging their way into the coop even when they're inside. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[BrickWall Honey]

Very little for deterrents for tree rats. They will chew thru most everything to get feed. Your choices if not wanting to give them a dirt nap yourself are few, but here are a couple.

Cat(s)
Trap and move (may be illegal in some States to relocate them)
Find a squirrel hunter who does eat them and offer them to take them.
Buy lots of feed and put in bird feeders near the oaks. (of course they will have lots of new babies)
Get a pet hawk that does not like the taste of chicken


Good luck

 

[Kelsie2290]

Chickens like squirrel meat ... just sayin'. A squirrel loving? hating? dog to keep them out of the chicken area. With the Oaks there to attract them and once they know the chicken food is there, don't think you can really get rid of them with out killing/trapping them. X2 they can chew though about anything given time

 

[haywood59]

Thanks y'all; the cat might be a viable option if I can find one that won't chase the chickens. Kelsie, my Ameraucana will chase them around the yard (quite a hilarious sight actually!) but once the squirrel gets in the coop, it can't figure out how to get out without me opening the doors... I have a little Jack Russell who goes absolutely batty when she sees a squirrel, but she's also a little Houdini and will try to escape the confines the yard every chance she gets, so I have to keep her in a kennel during the day while I'm at work...

 

[BrickWall Honey]

We have tons of white and red oaks, so lots of squirrels each season, but our two outside cats keep them in check. New squirrels will move in to a vacant area as soon as others are gone but the cats usually eventually get them and bring them up to the door to show us. Our free rangers are big enough that the cats have not bothered.

Your Jack Russell sure would keep them away,

 

[urbanchange90]

Have you tried feeding them else wear? I read something they only do that if the feed is the better option but I can't say I've ever tried it. I too will have to be dealing with squirrels come spring. Good luck!

 

[Trefoil]

Try mixing cayenne pepper in with your chicken food. The chickens don't seem to taste it (in fact its used to help control worms in chickens) but the squirrels can and don't like it.