Squirrels

[Deneeze]

I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on the squirrels and check into a rat proof feeder.

 

[The Angry Hen]

I'm sorry to hear that squirrels have been a burden to you and your coop. Squirrels are interesting creatures, some look cute and are devious... meanwhile others look cute and are peaceful! I once had a squirrel roam my property that I had a remarkable encounter with. Everyday I'd feed the birds and he'd run up my leg, simply asking for a peanut or handful of sunflower seeds. I will not since those days do anything to harm one of those creatures... they are my friends although it may sound strange.
A terrible thing had happened and a hawk had swooped up "Reddie," the squirrel I once knew. These creatures, basically vulnerable to animals above them. God made them for a reason though... for us to chase or for us to cuddle? One doesn't know.

I would not suggest hurting the ones you have with traps. (YOUR call and YOUR flock. I just don't want you to end up regretting anything because I've been there. ).
Have you tried putting the feed in a tin can, tall enough for a bag, and putting a rock on the bag's top then the lid to the can on top? This can work out well for your situation if you have not tried it already. Now, if this next scenario is doable, it can be a home run. Maybe running Hardware Cloth where there are openings for the squirrels to enter and stapling it in place? I wish you the best of luck and hope this helps. I will try to think of more tips for you and your flocks' safety, but in the meantime, please consider the ideas given above. Have a great day!

 

[Sublight]

I learned with rats, you cant kill, or poision them. You have to rat proof the coop.

I learned with squirrels to trap, and dispatch. Then seal the open holes to get rid of them.

 

[Sublight]

Keep in mind if you don't kill the squirrels, then the babies will come to eat your food eventually also.
If you shut them out of the coop they will so be someone elses problem, and will possibly have to fight for survival.

Letting them live for no other reason then just not wanting to kill them is no reason.
If you are a responsible animal owner, then you take what ever steps are needed to protect your flock.
Just like if you incubate eggs, then you will eventually have to kill roosters.
Or if the girls get wounded, or sick, you may have to cull them.

If you enjoyed doing it then I would be worried.

 

[kwhites634]

I'm having a horrible problem with squirrels. There must be at 10 to 15 of them that come into the outer coop and eat the food. Sometimes I find an egg on the inside coops floor. When I open my door and bang the cans they all run. It's terrible! My chickens and guinea fowl seem to have no problem with them eating the food. How can I get rid of them? My outer coop is 10x12 feet and 10 feet high and it looks like this summer I'm going to have to cover the entire coop with hardware wire. My inside coop is safe but I leave the door open so they can lay their eggs. Help!

Lay down on the ground & make a noise like a walnut?
Sorry; I couldn't resist.
I'd try baiting a small live trap with any kind of nuts, such as acorns or pine cones that they're used to eating. If your computer has the Cortana software try a search for favorite foods of the gray squirrel, or whatever type you have.

 

[The Angry Hen]

Lay down on the ground & make a noise like a walnut?
Sorry; I couldn't resist.

I love that. That might just work...
Ah dang, look, you had to go give me ideas.

 

[Deneeze]

I'm sorry to hear that squirrels have been a burden to you and your coop. Squirrels are interesting creatures, some look cute and are devious... meanwhile others look cute and are peaceful! I once had a squirrel roam my property that I had a remarkable encounter with. Everyday I'd feed the birds and he'd run up my leg, simply asking for a peanut or handful of sunflower seeds. I will not since those days do anything to harm one of those creatures... they are my friends although it may sound strange.
A terrible thing had happened and a hawk had swooped up "Reddie," the squirrel I once knew. These creatures, basically vulnerable to animals above them. God made them for a reason though... for us to chase or for us to cuddle? One doesn't know.

I would not suggest hurting the ones you have with traps. (YOUR call and YOUR flock. I just don't want you to end up regretting anything because I've been there. ).
Have you tried putting the feed in a tin can, tall enough for a bag, and putting a rock on the bag's top then the lid to the can on top? This can work out well for your situation if you have not tried it already. Now, if this next scenario is doable, it can be a home run. Maybe running Hardware Cloth where there are openings for the squirrels to enter and stapling it in place? I wish you the best of luck and hope this helps. I will try to think of more tips for you and your flocks' safety, but in the meantime, please consider the ideas given above. Have a great day!

 

[Deneeze]

I'm looking for prices on hard ware cloth to cover the coop. It's going to be a lot of money but I'm wasting money on chicken feed. My hens hide while the squirrels are eating. I'm making another coop for my guineas also, so I'll be busy this spring.

 

[The Phantom]

Lake George ny

Ok. 20 minutes from our house has tons of squirrels