squirrel problem

[nuchickontheblock]

I have always enjoyed watching the acrobatic antics of grey squirrels and feed and water wild birds in my yard -- so essentially for many years I have been also feeding and encouraging the squirrels to live in my yard. Now I have a baby squirrel that is trying to get into my coop, run, etc.

Suddenly, he's not so cute anymore. The girls were out free-ranging this morning, but went nuts chasing him when he started to go into the coop. I know they are opportunistic feeders and will try to eat chicken feed, scratch etc., but will he harm my bantams or eat eggs?? If so, my DH will take care of him.

How can I discourage squirrels from going into the coop/run, when I leave the run open so the free-ranging girls can go in and out??

 

[southerndesert]

Yes they will eat eggs... Your choices are.

Secure the coop so you are sure it can not enter and stop feeding them

or

pellet gun.

 

[nuchickontheblock]

I think my DH will be taking care of them over the weekend.

 

[yinepu]

I doubt that I have ever lost an egg to a squirrel.. (not saying they WON'T eat eggs.. just that the squirrels I have been around don't make it their top priority)... they are too busy raiding the feed pan

we call them "fancy tailed tree rats"...

 

[southerndesert]

Yes I think different species have different tastes and we were actually very surprised to find one sneaking into our coop during the day and eating an egg here and there. We initially thought the chickens were doing it....