squirrels

[jotee]

Hi everyone,

I am really glad I found this website, I had soooooo many questions about my new chickens and I found an answer to almost all of them…..
Unfortunately, here in Southern Ontario, we have red squirrels who are opportunistic and will crack the head of young bird (if available) like a nut. Has anyone had this problem and at what age are the chicks safe to be outside where they may come in contact with a red squirrel?? Personally, I feel like cutting down every walnut tree around my house but my husband is not on board with the idea ..
Thanks for any comments….

 

[suezqz_64]

We have gray squirrels here, I'm not sure if they have a similar temperament. I've found that the squirrels are more afraid of the chickens than the chickens are of them. But I have heavy breeds (BR and RIR) and they've always chased the squirrels and bunnies out of the yard. Sometimes even the cat. I didn't put my birds outside until they were about 2 lbs each, I think they were around 8-9 weeks old, it was a cold spring and I had just gotten them in the beginning of May 2010. They were outside by the end of June beginning of July. The chickens will band together to fight. It's pretty funny.

 

[jotee]

I think I will keep them in the house until they are larger, the squirrels won’t be an issue then. Red squirrels are very aggressive and territorial…..thanks!