Red Squirrel in pen

[xChickrenMamax]

I noticed this morning that a red squirrel ran into a hole in the tree that my chicken pen is built around. I could hear it in the tree almost like there are babies in there so I do not want to disturb them however, could it be harmful to my flock?

 

[Ted Brown]

Could be a host to mites which you do not want.

EDIT: I did a quick look results suggest that mites are species specific so transmittal from squirrels to birds is unlikely.

 

[cmom]

I have had squirrels get in my pens in the past and had no issues but other people may have had some issues with squirrels. I think there are some squirrel threads on BYC.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Squirrels are very likely to steal eggs or worse, kill chicks for extra protein needed when nursing a clutch of babies. They are easier to fence out than rats or mice. Usually I recommend a treadle feeder but a big red squirrel might not be stopped by a spring loaded and counterweighted door unless you keep the spring tension set pretty high and have mostly larger breeds, say 6 pounds or more.