Should I worry about grey squirrels hanging around my chickens?

[DianaMallory]

I have had them for awhile now, but they never bothered the chickens until recently., I noticed they are getting closer and closer to trying to get into the coop. Are they a predator that I need to worry about? I know they would probably steal eggs if possible but I am more worried about the harm they might do to my girls.

 

[eggbert420]

They are probably curious.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think under normal circumstances a squirrel won't bother a chicken. I have a female gray squirrel that's a regular visitor to the bird feeder that's about 10' away from my chicken run. Neither she nor her babies have ever paid attention to the chickens or gone into the run, and the chickens don't seem to notice the squirrels.

 

[Pork Pie]

If your flock are not showing any signs of distress / alarm then its safe to say the squirrels are not an issue. My flock is not bothered by cats or monkeys - to me that equals no threat.

 

[DianaMallory]

The old girls just warn each other when they get to close. The squirrels are usually after my bird feeder. Which is close to both coops. My bird feeder is the 3rd one I have had because the squirrels broke 2 of them before I bought a squirrel proof feeder. Which could be the reason they are looking for ways to get into the coop. I just wanted to make sure they won't harm my girls. If they get to be a threat, this fall they will be gravy! Thanks for the responses.

 

[100chicklover]

The squrils just are curious and they want to eat the chickens food there is nothing to be woried about