Mice and Squirrel Problems

[red horse ranch]

Fried squirrel is delicious!

 

[coach723]

In addition to the treadle feeder, here are a couple more ideas for feeders:
http://ploughandstarsproject.com/lazy-chicken-farmer-101/ (feed catcher is about 1/2 way down)
https://sustainablelivingcenteroregon.com/2016/03/01/diy-chicken-feeders-with-no-waste/
I also keep my feeders inside the enclosed run, so no squirrels. I use traps for mice.
You can use electric traps that zap them when they go in, no muss, no fuss, just empty them in the morning. Mice can fit through 1/2 inch hardware cloth (I found a fat one hanging half way through once), so you have to go down to 1/4 inch if you want to try to keep them out.

 

[WhatAboutBob?]

Mice control? Chickens! LOL My 6 GLW's played "Mouse-ball" on Saturday. 4 to 5 months old pullets. Raced all around the coop taking turns carrying the poor deposed rodent until they decided to digest it!

 

[lazy gardener]

My dog has discovered the thrill of mouse hunting. They make great squeaky toys till she breaks the squeaker. If only she could climb trees! As far as squirrels go: traps, followed by permanent body disposal, or target practice.

Crock pot squirrel is on my bucket list.

Further: consider fermenting your feed. It is not easily carried off. Increases protein and B vitamins in the feed, eliminates waste. I never leave feed out at night. There is a how and why article in my signature

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I was having a problem with chipmunks... Until my son started hitting them with the bb gun

 

[CntryBoy777]

In case you don't want to waste the squirrel meat, I have a great squirrel sauce piquante recipe. It's pretty good (grew up on the stuff).

Mostly, here in the South, it is usually fried or put into stew....we like it in the pressure cooker with BBQ sauce, but it is really good grilled, too....but ya sure gotta brine it first, or ya might as well be chewing a shoe....
I used a BB gun when we lived in the city....none the wiser....

 

[KentuckyRooster]

I don't have many squirrels...they're dumb fools if they come in the yard and one day they're going to fall prey to the cattle dog who runs them out like a demon.

If you have space I'd look at a barn cat for the mice. A proper barn cat will put a hurt on the lil buggers. You could also get a ratting terrier and then it will kill mice and squirrels with equal ferocity

 

[Contolini6]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!!! We would rather not get a cat, and we don't own any firearms, not even a BB gun, and none of us has ever fired one before so I don't know how long/how much practice it would take before we could actually hit a squirrel with one, haha.

 

[lazy gardener]

You will never know until you try. If you are in an area where you can safely shoot a gun, I recommend that you buy yourself a gun and learn how to use it. While there are folks who choose not to own a fire arm, IMO, every American should learn how to shoot, and own a gun. It is a constitutional right, until that right is taken away from us.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Squirrels are blooming hard to hit. Any shots that miss could break a window or windshield.

I do own guns, it is my right as an american. I choose not to shoot willy nilly though.

I still think the best thing is securing the feed and the run from squirrels and trapping mice is the best option.