Squirrels!!

[MurphChick]

HELP!!
Squirrels have invaded my very large coop.
I have a trap door/ramp that opens and the girls happily go in and out there.
The whole coop is 1/4" mesh wire.
The squirrels have figured out that the smorgy is inside!
They dance right up the coop and help themselves.
I need ideas for keeping the danged squirrels out while allowing the girls to come and go as needed
to lay or eat.
I have ordered a ultrasonic device in hopes that will help.....
Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[BitterSweetCitrus]

I'm not sure if this works, but maybe: https://crittercontrolmiami.com/3-d...-kTXTG1fm2rJ8YRKV_Qq2GAhfkb9M6RRoC-_UQAvD_BwE

 

[50-45-1]

this u-tube video shows a guy making a rodent and dove proof chicken feeder using a bucket.
Pretty good idea, i might try it. I think the hard part will be training the chickens to use it.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Hot sauce, Cayenne pepper powder, hot peppers! - Seriously!
Birds can't taste the capsaicin, which makes this stuff unbearable for us, but squirrels do can and boy are they running for the water…

 

[Isaac 0]

You can try a weight-activated feeder as well.

 

[cmom]

Wow. I'm lucky. We have quite a lot of squirrels around but they have never bothered my coops. I do have electric wire around the coops and pens. Good luck...

 

[Farmer Brian]

The ultrasonic won't work and may even bother the girls. One or two squirrel size cage traps baited with PB and corn. Either dispatch or relocate them where legal. Grays make good table fair also.
I keep a couple rat size snap traps in my coop (feed side), to control the mice and chipmunks. Nothing bigger has gotten in yet.

 

[Al Gerhart]

A treadle feeder will fix the squirrels if you get the right kind. Heavy counterweight, spring loaded door, narrow and distant treadle. Works unless you have hordes of squirrels.

 

[MurphChick]

Thanks to you all for your wonderful ideas! I have tried the hot sauce, lol, but this is Texas & seems the squirrels have developed a taste for it. Also tried the Irish Spring soap, didn't seem to have any effect.....I LOVE the video of the demand feeder made with the Lowe's bucket....wondering if my girls are too lazy to try! LOL!
Has anyone tried soaking rags with vinegar and putting at entry of coop? I am afraid it might harm the girls. Can't seem to find any info regarding vinegar harming the chickens....

 

[Lamalover]

this u-tube video shows a guy making a rodent and dove proof chicken feeder using a bucket.
Pretty good idea, i might try it. I think the hard part will be training the chickens to use it.

Cool! Thanks! Maybe that will keep the dang squirrels out!!