Tips on squirrel proofing the bird feeders?

[daj]

I recently moved from the Highlands of Scotland to the Borders, and in doing so have moved from red to grey squirrel country.

The Red squirrels were shy and retiring when it came to feeding in the garden and were only seen ocassionaly. The grey ones on the other hand are quite cheeky.



I have no problem in feeding them, however I want to ensure there is enough to go round and my birds don't go too hungry.

Any tips?
Are the squirrel proof feeders any good?

[geoffw]

Catapult?

or maybe.....

[daj]

brilliant

[RayProudfoot]

David,

I've been given a good tip although I have yet to try it myself. A length of plastic drainpipe surrounding the pole will give the blighters nothing to grip to so they won't be able to access the feeder from the ground.

But make sure the feeders are well away from any launching point like a fence. Around 8ft minimum should ensure they can't leap onto them.

Technically greys are vermin so you are allowed to kill them. I'll leave it at that.

[Gulfcoast]

I have four squirrels that live in my yard all the time...

I finally found a feeder that no squirrel in the world can get the feed out of. It's been hanging out there for three years now and they never go near it anymore.

I will post the link and picture later tonight.

[wd40]

I use an electric fence to protect my fruit trees for another idea.

I have seen them jump 4 feet sideways from a brick wall to a feeder hung from a beam.

[silverview]

Technically greys are vermin so you are allowed to kill them. I'll leave it at that.

Hey, is that a nice way to talk about the-vermin?

[GraemeT]

Technically greys are vermin so you are allowed to kill them. I'll leave it at that.

They're an introduced species in Britain, aren't they?

[daj]

They're an introduced species in Britain, aren't they?

Yes, it was native to Eastern USA but has been introduced to various European countries over the years. It has sadly decimated our native Red Squirrel in England, Wales and is now creeping into Southern Scotland.

[RayProudfoot]

Technically greys are vermin so you are allowed to kill them. I'll leave it at that.

Hey, is that a nice way to talk about the-vermin?

Think of them as rats with fluffy tails. So yes, I'm afraid they are vermin and they are an unwanted import from the US that are seriously threatening our native red.

[Gina]

Yes, often called "tree rats". They are incredibly clever at getting at bird food. Several TV programmes have been devoted to clever greys.

[wd40]

Don't blame us.



Randy

[silverview]

Technically greys are vermin so you are allowed to kill them. I'll leave it at that.

Hey, is that a nice way to talk about the-vermin?

Think of them as rats with fluffy tails. So yes, I'm afraid they are vermin and they are an unwanted import from the US that are seriously threatening our native red.

My remark was meant as a joke. A bit obscure I'll admit. Check my domain name on the link below.

[RayProudfoot]

My remark was meant as a joke. A bit obscure I'll admit. Check my domain name on the link below.

Went completely over my head! Far too subtle for me.

[GraemeT]

Can they be used for anything?
I'm just wondering if they'd be good in a stew or something....

...or maybe the fur could be used for hats - that's what we use rabbits (introduced) for here in Aus..

Our big problem is the cane toad, also introduced. It can't be used for anything (except, maybe killing off anything that tries to eat it, such as dogs and crocodiles).

{Edit: Come to think of it, I can't think of too many introduced species in Australia (or anywhere else for that matter) which haven't eventually been called a pest, vermin or some other unsavory name.}