I can’t imagine that squirrels and birds would live in trees if they couldn’t get along. But do they really get along, or am I just unaware of a secret war between squirrels and birds? Archived post New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.
Protecting your bird feeders
Squirrels can jump 10 feet or greater. To make it harder for the squirrels to reach the feeders, place them far away from trees, wires, porches, and other launching points. Mount birdfeeders ideally atop a smooth metal pole that is at least six feet tall, and trim any bushes or branches that are within a 12-foot radius.
You might consider putting your feeder in a cage if your backyard is smaller. Cover your feeder with chicken wire that’s big enough to let smaller birds feed through but small enough for squirrels to not be able to get through.
This is also helpful in keeping bigger birds from getting to the food, like pigeons and starlings. Pre-wrapped feeders are also available to purchase locally and online.
Add smooth plastic or metal baffles above birdfeeders. Baffles resemble an upside down salad bowl. The baffles ought to be angled and at least 15 inches wide to keep squirrels from reaching past them. (I have purchased baffles in our local stores. ).
Additionally, there is a feeder made to spin or tilt in the event that a squirrel climbs on top of it, throwing the animal off balance and preventing it from reaching the feeder. (Good for watching their circus antics. ).
To prevent squirrels from sliding down the wire, suspend a feeder from a thin, horizontal wire that is strung with spinners. A line of used sewing thread spools, brief hose or pipe segments, or empty plastic soda bottles strung along a wire can be used to create spinners that will spin and prevent squirrels from getting to the feeder. (I have spent hours planning revenge. ).
If your feeder was destroyed by squirrels in the first round, replace it with a metal anti-squirrel model that has doors that shut and limit the squirrel’s access when the squirrel’s weight is detected. One of these online designs is called “Twirl a Squirrel. “.
A product made of hot pepper powder that you mix with bird seed is an additional option. Birds are not sensitive to the perceived heat of peppers, but mammalsincluding squirrelsare Squirrels can be kept away from birdseed by mixing in cayenne pepper or other similar spices, but the best results require regular application and washing off. Wear gloves when handling pepper, and stay away from the dust.
The more birdseed you put out, the more permanent the squirrels become.
This town in the San Francisco area is experiencing a serious problem with squirrel attacks! At least ten people have been hurt, and officials have now issued a warning. Show Caption Hide Caption Nutty squirrels terrorize residents in this city Keleigh Nealon (@keleighnealon) has the story!Buzz60.
The presence of birds in a backyard, including year-round natives, visitors, and winter visitors, is one of life’s greatest blessings.
It should be simple to enjoy these visitors; all you need is some seed mix and a feeder to get started. Did you know that squirrels now have a feast thanks to your efforts?
Squirrels find the best varieties of birdseed to be just as appealing as birds do. Suet, nuts, and black oil sunflower seeds are the hairy-tailed guests’ favorites.
The squirrels become more permanent the more birdseed you put out. Their only “thank you” is to eat your fruits and vegetables, dig holes, steal bird seed, and gradually ruin your yard and your sanity.
(Imagine “Caddy Shack” minus the squirrels, and you’re Bill Murray in your backyard.) ).
You may think that having squirrels in your yard is a good idea, and many people do.
For the remainder of the population, squirrels are a major annoyance, though. Squirrels tend to scare or chase away birds, in contrast to other visiting birds who will share the feeders with them. These pests will hog the food with their never-ending appetites.
Squirrels are gluttons and diggers, but they can also gnaw or scratch through plastic and wooden feeders. They are predators that devour bird eggs and devour any young birds that happen to be nearby. A squirrel friendly yard is not a bird friendly habitat.
As a gardener, you must use ingenuity to make your yard and feeder squirrel-proof.
FAQ
Do squirrels interact with birds?
Are squirrels aggressive towards birds?
Do squirrels scare away birds?
Is it okay to feed birds and squirrels?