Not in the mood to feed European Starlings…

[SemiSweet2391]

… But it looks like I am. Any suggestions for how to thwart them?? They eat from the feeder and drink from the waterer.

Photos are two shots of the horde of criminals as well as the feed/water setup with approved patrons enjoying the amenities. Thanks everyone!!

 

[FrostRanger]

If possible, I'd run netting over your run so they can't fly in. Make sure is sturdy and has small enough holes that they can't squeeze through. Has the bonus effect of discouraging hawk attacks

 

[SourRoses]

They probably can't eat very much?

I often feel confused when people say birds or squirrels are taking feed in broad daylight.
I mean, my chickens wouldn't let anything smaller than them near their feed. A crow around here often tries to land for water in the hot afternoons, but the chickens head right towards it with intent.
Maybe have a chat with the chickens about guard duties?

 

[SemiSweet2391]

They probably can't eat very much?

I often feel confused when people say birds or squirrels are taking feed in broad daylight.
I mean, my chickens wouldn't let anything smaller than them near their feed. A crow around here often tries to land for water in the hot afternoons, but the chickens head right towards it with intent.
Maybe have a chat with the chickens about guard duties?

I do have to talk with my girls!! Because I’ve seen these Starlings demolish the wild bird food I’ve set out before. They finish in one day what other birds finish in a week So my chickens got to pull their weight around here!!

 

[aart]

How are they getting into the run, does it have a roof or can they fit thru the chicken wire I see there?

 

[SemiSweet2391]

How are they getting into the run, does it have a roof or can they fit thru the chicken wire I see there?

No roof, so they can fly in at their leisure. I bet they could fit through the wire too though. It’s way bigger than I expected when I bought it online

 

[rosemarythyme]

Netting over the top (something with smaller holes) is probably your best bet. Unfortunate reality is once pests discover you have feed out, they'll keep coming back.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They probably can't eat very much?

I often feel confused when people say birds or squirrels are taking feed in broad daylight.
I mean, my chickens wouldn't let anything smaller than them near their feed. A crow around here often tries to land for water in the hot afternoons, but the chickens head right towards it with intent.
Maybe have a chat with the chickens about guard duties?

One bird doesn't eat very much, but usually there are a lot more than one. And once they're around often enough, chickens seem to lose interest in them and just accept they're part of the environment. I've had it happen now with mice, snakes and small birds down at the barn

 

[aart]

No roof, so they can fly in at their leisure. I bet they could fit through the wire too though. It’s way bigger than I expected when I bought it online

Well, the only way is to tighten up the run mesh.

One bird doesn't eat very much, but usually there are a lot more than one.

Not to mention the pests and diseases they can bring in.

 

[SemiSweet2391]

One bird doesn't eat very much, but usually there are a lot more than one. And once they're around often enough, chickens seem to lose interest in them and just accept they're part of the environment. I've had it happen now with mice, snakes and small birds down at the barn

Yes there are so many in the horde. They are gluttons!! Small but mighty!!