The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Briggsy from Gower on December 15, 2018, 07:51:35 pm

Title: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: Briggsy from Gower on December 15, 2018, 07:51:35 pm
Hi all,
After 18 months of trouble free hopper use by our ducks, a monster squirrel has figured out how to use it. I tried weighing down the lid with a stone to make it heavier, but the squirrel seems to be able to open it still.
It is now bringing squirrel friends to the party.

Any suggestions other than trapping?
Title: Re: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: abc123 on December 16, 2018, 06:50:24 am
Hello  :wave:
What type of feeder is it?? Try more weight on the lid maybe??
Title: Re: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: ZacB on December 16, 2018, 07:13:54 am
Any suggestions other than trapping?
To be blunt shoot it - they have the nick name of tree rats / rats with tails for good reason. Quick learning & intelligent, cute & fluffy they may be but still vermin at the end of the day and numbers need to be controlled before, as you say, the party gets really going. Nip it in the bud.
Title: Re: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: Rupert the bear on December 16, 2018, 02:20:49 pm
Any suggestions other than trapping?
To be blunt shoot it - they have the nick name of tree rats / rats with tails for good reason. Quick learning & intelligent, cute & fluffy they may be but still vermin at the end of the day and numbers need to be controlled before, as you say, the party gets really going. Nip it in the bud.
shoot it if its grey.
Title: Re: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: Briggsy from Gower on December 16, 2018, 05:03:06 pm
It's a grandad's hopper feeder.
I've tried more weight on the lid, but the ducks can not seem to figure out team work, so it is too heavy for them.
I think it is going to be curtains for this particular family of squirrels.
Does anyone think one dead squirrel hung up may put the others off?
Title: Re: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: Rupert the bear on December 16, 2018, 05:38:51 pm
It's a grandad's hopper feeder.
I've tried more weight on the lid, but the ducks can not seem to figure out team work, so it is too heavy for them.
I think it is going to be curtains for this particular family of squirrels.
Does anyone think one dead squirrel hung up may put the others off?

Nope, you'll need to deal with them all
Title: Re: Squirrels using the hopper!
Post by: Briggsy from Gower on December 16, 2018, 06:52:15 pm
Thanks.
I'll just have to man up and learn how to do away with them.