rachel m Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 we recently had a robins nest in our garage (must put some pictures on at some point), and when they all left the nest last week i wanted to put up sopme bird feeders for them whilst they are still growing. yesterday after work noticed lots of seed had gone, and thought they had found it, even saw one of the parent robins and a blue tit feeding. today have seen a squirrel dangling from its rear legs and managing to feed from it, so much for being squirrel proof. to make things worse the squirrels are now deciding to shred the bark off the tree branch, which i have been told can kill the limb. they have already removed most of the bark from a dead tree at the back of the garden, but i don't want them killing off the pear tree too. i did think about removing the feeder to try to remove the incente for them, but can't reach it even with a ladder, so will have to wait until hubby gets home this means war with a hose pipe does anyone know of any chemicals, natural or otherwise which may stop them chewing off the bark? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helly Welly Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Can't help with the squirrel deterrent but you might try feeding them separately. You can buy squirrel feed which might encourage them away from where you don't want them to be. Just a thought... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 We also have a squirrel that feeds upside down from the peanut feeder I have found chilli powder to be a great deterrent for squirrels I bought an industrial sized bag of chilli powder from an Asian grocer and always sprinkle it around newly planted bulbs to stop them digging them up You could make a paste out of chilli powder and smear it on the tree, worth a try. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I'd be fighting a losing battle here in this village, the squirrel population is huge, and there are even wild chipmunks, because a lady thought it would be nice to release hers to live with the squirrels... I love squirrels though.. and my oldest son totally adores them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I've hear somewhere that squirrels may soon be on the menu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 dont say that, my son will go crazy! he took a great piccie of a squirrel running across the garden the other day and wants it as our wallpaper, but I have one of the girls up on the screen and I refuse to remove it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I've hear somewhere that squirrels may soon be on the menu I think I saw it in the sunday paper in an article about eating other sorts of protien including insects yuk - I suppose it would keep the grey squirrel numbers down, its the same as eating rabbit not exactly endagered spieces, apparently cows & pigs f**t a lot & this adds to global warming, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I was feeding the squirrels with my sons in a park a few years ago when one craftly little ****** sneaked round the back of me and bit into my thumb thinking it was a nut! Straight through my nail - I looked like one of those comedy sketches trying to fling this squirrel off my thumb! I then had to go and have a rather nasty injection in my you know what to prevent any horrible diseases........ Still, makes most people laugh when I tell them I would use a machine gun myself but I don't suppose thats allowed I am only joking obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 we feed our squirrel - he's got his own feeder (other side of garden to bird feeders) full of peanuts in shells :D Keeps him very happy and has stopped him stealing the bird feed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel m Posted June 3, 2008 Author Share Posted June 3, 2008 well, they have now finished the seed so seem to have left all alone, but i will be on the look out for a really powerful super-soaker. can get a better aim at the little ******* out of the upstairs window. hopefully can take the by suprise and knock them off their perch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayflower Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I do'nt know whether this is just a coincidence but, last year at a summer fete I bought an ornamental chicken (chicken size) made from willow and black beady eyes. I placed it on one of the lower branches where the squirrels enter my garden. At first, they knocked it to the ground several times, then bit holes into the bird feeders....before I bought squirrel proof ones. Then, I managed to secure the willow chicken to the branch with the eyes facing the way the squirrels would come into the garden. Result...no more squirrels!. I do'nt think it is the chicken shape, rather the black beady eyes they do'nt like. Perhaps a scarecrow with large staring eyes is the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I love our squirrels. I have a grey squirrel & a pair of black squirrels visit every day. I buy monkey nuts esp. for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 On the Supersizers go....Victorian last night, they had squirrel to eat...... You can buy those cat silhouettes with big green eyes which might keep the squirrels away? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 I might try the cat silhouette, thanks for that tip as we have squirels who strip all the hazel nuts and walnuts off the trees and then have the cheek to bury them all over the garden Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 Get a large water pistol OH has one to keep the bears under control when they are doing the wall of death around the garden but its used often to stop the squirrels from nicking the nuts and seeds Works really well and beat going paint balling anyday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
