Stopping squirrels eating out of bird feeder

PhilOssophy · 22-10-2020 8:52pm #1

I have a bird feeder like that in the attached. All through last winter, I had an on-going battle with squirrels.
While the agility of the squirrels was impressive, I wasn't a fan.
They were able to climb up to the top and hang down and eat off the feeders.
I tried tricks such as chilli flakes, etc but it didn't stop them.
Any thoughts on how to stop the same happening this winter?

OpenYourEyes · 22-10-2020 10:51pm

You could try wrapping an inverted cone around the pole, so that they can't climb up the pole past a certain point. You might have to make something yourself that fits the bill. They're incredibly agile and they have a lot of my feeders completely wrecked too!

PhilOssophy · 23-10-2020 10:22am

They can jump from a mile. There isn't a part of my small garden which is beyond their reach with a jump from a wall, and that is their preferred route as I have tried putting oil on the pole!

Oscar Madison · 23-10-2020 10:24am

Are they native or non native? If it's the latter shoot the little b******s!

PhilOssophy · 23-10-2020 10:27am

Non-native, but I don't want to kill them.....I just want to keep them away from bird feeder.
If they were native, I'd be happy....

ED E · 23-10-2020 10:33am

irish_goat · 23-10-2020 10:34am

Can you oil or grease the top so they can't get a grip to hang off?

PhilOssophy · 23-10-2020 2:29pm

irish_goat wrote: »

Can you oil or grease the top so they can't get a grip to hang off?

It'll get very very messy if I do that. I have thought about lowering the feeders with chains, but then I think they'll be able to reach it off the ground and hang off it!

Juliet799 · 25-10-2020 11:15am

You should place bird feeders away from trees. If you already have your bird feeder on a pole, you can simply install a squirrel baffle onto it or consider investing in a squirrel-proof feeder.

OpenYourEyes · 26-10-2020 9:09pm

Not unlike the video above, all you can do is see how they're currently accessing it, and block off that route to them. They'll probably figure out another route after that, and then you'll have to block that one off etc etc. They really are hard to deal with!

Curious1002 · 28-10-2020 9:03am

I love this bird but not that bird, i love dogs but not cats, i want only robins to eat my seeds but not squirrels... i dont think i will ever understand people who pick and choose who to feed and which ones should go hungry. Why dont you feed the birds like you do and let the squirrels get the scraps too. Or dont feed anyone at all so you dont have to look at the other creatures you dont like so much.

OpenYourEyes · 28-10-2020 9:18am

Curious1002 wrote: »

I love this bird but not that bird, i love dogs but not cats, i want only robins to eat my seeds but not squirrels... i dont think i will ever understand people who pick and choose who to feed and which ones should go hungry. Why dont you feed the birds like you do and let the squirrels get the scraps too. Or dont feed anyone at all so you dont have to look at the other creatures you dont like so much.

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Grey squirrels are an invasive species and they destroy most birdfeeders when they eat from them. If you can't understand why those are two good reasons to make them undesirable compared to native species that don't cause damage and that need the help much more, then there's not much else the rest of us can say!

Curious1002 · 28-10-2020 10:49am

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Grey squirrels are an invasive species and they destroy most birdfeeders when they eat from them. If you can't understand why those are two good reasons to make them undesirable compared to native species that don't cause damage and that need the help much more, then there's not much else the rest of us can say!

Same thing can be said about many animals and insects or plants. Thats the Nature and you and I are part of it. Animals were here waaay before humans and we have no right to decide which one is a pest and unwanted trash and which one is a pet. No amount of science or research will ever convince me to become a lover of some animals but a hater of others. Squirrels are very important part of a feeding chain and a source of food for other animals. I am always left speechless when someone says that red squirrels are so precious while the grey ones should be killed off.

OpenYourEyes · 28-10-2020 12:19pm

Curious1002 wrote: »

Same thing can be said about many animals and insects or plants. Thats the Nature and you and I are part of it. Animals were here waaay before humans and we have no right to decide which one is a pest and unwanted trash and which one is a pet. No amount of science or research will ever convince me to become a lover of some animals but a hater of others. Squirrels are very important part of a feeding chain and a source of food for other animals. I am always left speechless when someone says that red squirrels are so precious while the grey ones should be killed off.

Grey Squirrels weren't *here* before humans and they aren't an important part of a food chain here, but they do wreck important food chains. I don't hate Grey Squirrels, but I also dont want to encourage them or allow them to continue breaking my bird feeders.

PhilOssophy · 28-10-2020 12:25pm

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

Grey Squirrels weren't *here* before humans and they aren't an important part of a food chain here, but they do wreck important food chains. I don't hate Grey Squirrels, but I also dont want to encourage them or allow them to continue breaking my bird feeders.

This is exactly my point. I didn't say I wanted them killed, I just don't want to encourage them and have them breaking my bird feeders too.

By the logic above, I should leave stuff out for rats as well!

Eddie B · 31-10-2020 9:00pm

Curious1002 wrote: »

Same thing can be said about many animals and insects or plants. Thats the Nature and you and I are part of it. Animals were here waaay before humans and we have no right to decide which one is a pest and unwanted trash and which one is a pet. [/B]No amount of science or research will ever convince me to become a lover of some animals but a hater of others.[/B] Squirrels are very important part of a feeding chain and a source of food for other animals. I am always left speechless when someone says that red squirrels are so precious while the grey ones should be killed off.

Thankfully most of us are not ignorant to the fact that introduced species have a negative impact on our native species. Both plant and animal. The whole idea of all the animals getting along just spiffingly, sounds good, but it's far from reality. I't shocks me to see that you can't (or refuse to) see the effects the grey squirrel has on our native red. You really should study the science, and listen to experts, because you will learn absolutely nothing from ignorance.

wagtail99 · 01-11-2020 12:37pm

I bought some Chapel Wood Squirrel Proof peanut and seed feeders (like in link at bottom) for €6.45 in my local harware shop last week. I don't have a problem with squirrels but thought the cage around the feeders would deter the bigger birds, like starlings etc. I thought €6.45 each was great value.
https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/c6273ae4c3df0939b2b6eed74e8f56b3/2/1/211356_1_.jpg

Curious1002 · 01-11-2020 7:21pm

Eddie B wrote: »

Thankfully most of us are not ignorant to the fact that introduced species have a negative impact on our native species. Both plant and animal. The whole idea of all the animals getting along just spiffingly, sounds good, but it's far from reality. I't shocks me to see that you can't (or refuse to) see the effects the grey squirrel has on our native red. You really should study the science, and listen to experts, because you will learn absolutely nothing from ignorance.

LOL I was sure that experts on the "nasty" grey squirrels will be with us soon. And here you are, Eddie. I think I will drop some extra nuts and seeds for my furry friends this evening, just for you. Cheers.

Eddie B · 01-11-2020 7:26pm

Curious1002 wrote: »

LOL I was sure that experts on the "nasty" grey squirrels will be with us soon. And here you are, Eddie. I think I will drop some extra nuts and seeds for my furry friends this evening, just for you. Cheers.

Make sure to feed your rats, headlice, and scabies too. Remember, NO DISCRIMINATION!! Cheers!

Alun · 01-11-2020 7:48pm

The whole "invasive" species thing is actually more complicated than you might think. Here's a good article on the subject ...

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/7/140724-invasive-species-conservation-biology-extinction-climate-science/

magicbastarder · 01-11-2020 8:25pm

to be fair, no one is going around arguing that the likes of horse chestnuts or sycamores should be eradicated in ireland. but the grey *is* an example of a non-native displacing a native species.

magicbastarder · 01-11-2020 8:27pm

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

they aren't an important part of a food chain here

true, but i met someone who made a pie out of them once and said it was very nice.

Tiercel Dave · 01-11-2020 10:09pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

true, but i met someone who made a pie out of them once and said it was very nice.

Tried a couple roasted myself, not the worst I've ever eaten!.....

Juliet799 · 28-11-2020 2:33pm

Recently I found a funny way to stop them from stealing and competing for food. I have invested in squirrel feeders, they no longer fight for food with the birds. I love how it effectively keeps them engrossed and distant from the bird feeder.

TombstoneT · 15-12-2020 1:21pm

Curious1002 wrote: »

I love this bird but not that bird, i love dogs but not cats, i want only robins to eat my seeds but not squirrels... i dont think i will ever understand people who pick and choose who to feed and which ones should go hungry. Why dont you feed the birds like you do and let the squirrels get the scraps too. Or dont feed anyone at all so you dont have to look at the other creatures you dont like so much.

I disagree, there is a reason that grey squirrels are called 'Tree Rats' just as feral pigeons are called 'Flying Rats'.

upupup · 15-12-2020 7:38pm

New York squirrels are the worst of all.

Curious1002 · 17-12-2020 1:09pm

TombstoneT wrote: »

I disagree, there is a reason that grey squirrels are called 'Tree Rats' just as feral pigeons are called 'Flying Rats'.

A complete and utter ignorant statement, sadly repeated by many.

Here, read and educate yourself before posting more ridiculous comments.
Articles are written by PhD Ecologists from University of Cambridge, Scientists and those who work with the subject matter for over 40 years. I much more prefer to listen to them than your alike:

1. In defence of the grey squirrel, Britain’s most unpopular invader: https://theconversation.com/in-defence-of-the-grey-squirrel-britains-most-unpopular-invader-73983#:~:text=Even%20the%20much%2Dloved%20rabbit,their%20native%20relatives%2C%20red%20squirrels.

2. Myth Busters: Grey Squirrels: https://www.animalaid.org.uk/myth-busters-grey-squirrels/

3. Grey squirrels are unfairly maligned: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/28/grey-squirrels-are-unfairly-maligned

4. The Myth of the Evil Grey Squirrel: https://www.urbansquirrels.co.uk/the-myth-of-the-evil-grey-squirrel/

5. The Misconceptions about Pigeons and Disease: http://anythingforpigeons.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-misconceptions-about-pigeons-and.html

6. 10 Myths About Pigeons: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/top-10-pigeon-myths.htm

7. The Origins of Our Misguided Hatred for Pigeons https://www.audubon.org/news/the-origins-our-misguided-hatred-pigeons

Enjoy!

Eddie B · 17-12-2020 1:52pm

Curious1002 wrote: »

A complete and utter ignorant statement, sadly repeated by many.

Here, read and educate yourself before posting more ridiculous comments.
Articles are written by PhD Ecologists from University of Cambridge, Scientists and those who work with the subject matter for over 40 years. I much more prefer to listen to them than your alike:

1. In defence of the grey squirrel, Britain’s most unpopular invader: https://theconversation.com/in-defence-of-the-grey-squirrel-britains-most-unpopular-invader-73983#:~:text=Even%20the%20much%2Dloved%20rabbit,their%20native%20relatives%2C%20red%20squirrels.

2. Myth Busters: Grey Squirrels: https://www.animalaid.org.uk/myth-busters-grey-squirrels/

3. Grey squirrels are unfairly maligned: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/28/grey-squirrels-are-unfairly-maligned

4. The Myth of the Evil Grey Squirrel: https://www.urbansquirrels.co.uk/the-myth-of-the-evil-grey-squirrel/

5. The Misconceptions about Pigeons and Disease: http://anythingforpigeons.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-misconceptions-about-pigeons-and.html

6. 10 Myths About Pigeons: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/top-10-pigeon-myths.htm

7. The Origins of Our Misguided Hatred for Pigeons https://www.audubon.org/news/the-origins-our-misguided-hatred-pigeons

Enjoy!

Well I for one read half the first link you posted. What utter and biased rubbish. Move the red squirrel out to Islands. My god, some "experts". Nearly as bad as the "experts" who's studies found that Irish Pine Marten were predominantly vegetarian.

TombstoneT · 17-12-2020 2:31pm

Curious1002 wrote: »

A complete and utter ignorant statement, sadly repeated by many.

Here, read and educate yourself before posting more ridiculous comments.
Articles are written by PhD Ecologists from University of Cambridge, Scientists and those who work with the subject matter for over 40 years. I much more prefer to listen to them than your alike:

1. In defence of the grey squirrel, Britain’s most unpopular invader: https://theconversation.com/in-defence-of-the-grey-squirrel-britains-most-unpopular-invader-73983#:~:text=Even%20the%20much%2Dloved%20rabbit,their%20native%20relatives%2C%20red%20squirrels.

2. Myth Busters: Grey Squirrels: https://www.animalaid.org.uk/myth-busters-grey-squirrels/

3. Grey squirrels are unfairly maligned: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/28/grey-squirrels-are-unfairly-maligned

4. The Myth of the Evil Grey Squirrel: https://www.urbansquirrels.co.uk/the-myth-of-the-evil-grey-squirrel/

5. The Misconceptions about Pigeons and Disease: http://anythingforpigeons.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-misconceptions-about-pigeons-and.html

6. 10 Myths About Pigeons: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/top-10-pigeon-myths.htm

7. The Origins of Our Misguided Hatred for Pigeons https://www.audubon.org/news/the-origins-our-misguided-hatred-pigeons

Enjoy!

I won't comment again on this subject. I obviously upset you so much that you felt the need to get BITCHY and SARCASTIC, but that's ok. Be safe and stay healthy.

kildare lad · 17-12-2020 3:43pm

Eddie B wrote: »

Well I for one read half the first link you posted. What utter and biased rubbish. Move the red squirrel out to Islands. My god, some "experts". Nearly as bad as the "experts" who's studies found that Irish Pine Marten were predominantly vegetarian.

A lot of these " animal lovers " don't really have a clue about wildlife . They think every animal is cute and fluffy and are all vegetarians. I'm on a few wildlife groups on facebooks and the amount of clueless people on them is head scratching. People post pictures of mink and the amount of people commenting that they're cute and gorgeous and if some writes that mink need to be eradicated they give out about people being cruel . There was another post the other day of a sparrowhawk eating a garden bird , and some were commenting that they hate sparrowhawks because they killed a garden bird and yet when there was a picture the day before of a cat in a birds nest , they though it was hilarious. You couldn't make it up how removed from wildlife these so called animal lovers are

Eddie B · 17-12-2020 4:37pm

kildare lad wrote: »

A lot of these " animal lovers " don't really have a clue about wildlife . They think every animal is cute and fluffy and are all vegetarians. I'm on a few wildlife groups on facebooks and the amount of clueless people on them is head scratching. People post pictures of mink and the amount of people commenting that they're cute and gorgeous and if some writes that mink need to be eradicated they give out about people being cruel . There was another post the other day of a sparrowhawk eating a garden bird , and some were commenting that they hate sparrowhawks because they killed a garden bird and yet when there was a picture the day before of a cat in a birds nest , they though it was hilarious. You couldn't make it up how removed from wildlife these so called animal lovers are

What i will say, is that we all have our views when it comes to managing (or the unnecessary) management of certain species, especially those which are invasive, and having a negative effect on other species. We won't all agree, and that is fine. But spreading false facts, to back up one's own view, is hitting below the belt.

Remember, even "experts" can manipulate facts, to backup their own beliefs. Just research something like "A Healthy Diet", and you will find "experts" contradicting "experts" from one link to the next.

Do we believe all we read? I don't, and I hope thats the same for all of us.

Stopping squirrels eating out of bird feeder

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