Squirrel infestation!

[Gvnam]

I am having squirrel problems. They get inside of the coop while my chickens are out and steal food. The worst part is that they steal it using their mouth pouches, so they take a lot at a time. Today they took about a pounds worth of feed from my coop. Any suggestions on how to deter them? I don't want to spend the money on a trap and I don't really want to shoot them. I've been shooting towards them but even that doesn't seem to help. Chasing them doesn't work either. Any suggestions before I actually have to pump some lead in them?

Just so you know, my rooster only chases them off if they get too close to the flock.

Thank you!!

 

[SilkieBantams]

I suggest putting the chicken feed inside a metal feed bin and close it up or perhaps get a small dog and train it to only chase squirrels

 

[Gvnam]

They are actually eating the feed directly out of the feeder, and I have a chicken friendly lab but she is an inside dog and doesn't like to be out by herself.

E: She strongly dislikes squirrels though. She is great at chasing them down. The thing is someone would have to be waiting for the squirrels to let her out after them.

 

[SilkieBantams]

The only way you can get rid of them is by shooting them as they'll just keep coming back for your chicken feed

 

[Gvnam]

Alright. My pellet rifle should handle that. Gotta add about 2 more .17 hollow points to my shopping list.

 

[zathura12]

 

[mrpekinduck]

Fox or coyor urine might help. It won't scare your chickens as they barely have a sense of smell. Good luck!

 

[Gvnam]

Four down and a bunch to go!

 

[SilkieBantams]

How are you dealing with those squirrels lately?

 

[LilyD]

Quote:
So far nothing has worked going to live trap them and drive them far away if I can if not I will have to shoot them since they cost me tons in food