Squirrel problem

[kscottjoyce]

Hey there,
I have a squirrel, or squirrels, that are constantly trying to get to my chicken's food. My chickens are free range and I am feeling like I have to put out twice as much food than is needed. Half for my chickens and half for the squirrels. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thank you!

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

I have squirrels, chipmunks and crows all eat with the chickens, I don't think you can stop them....the crows Im happy to see cause they Hopefully ward off hawks, but I know what you mean I def go thru more food

 

[DickGJ]

A good dog, or a BB gun! I have a ton of squirrels around my place and so far none have gone after the feed...it won't be pretty! Seriously, I don't want any wild animals messing with my chicken feed due to the possibilities of spreading disease or parasites. I assume squirrels can have worms too...maybe not.

 

[kscottjoyce]

Will a BB gun kill or just harm the squirrels enough so that they know not to come back?

 

[DickGJ]

I guess I shouldn't say BB gun...too generic. I use a pellet gun that shoots around 1200 feet per second. A well placed pellet will remove them just like a .22 rifle with much less noise. I know the squirrel lovers will hate me for this recommendation, but my priorities lie with my chickens. I put up little Squirrel No Tresspassing signs in my back yard as a warning...it's not my fault they haven't understood the message! My Jack Russells help keep them out of my sights too!

 

[kscottjoyce]

Thank you for your advice, I am not a squirrel lover at all and don't want to be buying food for my chickens and the squirrel. I also think you bring up a good point about the spreading of disease.

 

[fl_deb]

My brother calls them rats with fuzzy tails and can not understand why people like them!

 

[j egger]

well, I'm not a squirrel lover either and they were attacking my feed until I got good with my bow and now they won't come near the feed, and by the way they do make good squirrel stew(sorry squirrel lovers.)

 

[Nambroth]

With all respect to those that enjoy tree squirrels (and I by no means hate them), they are very tasty. Just use safe and clean butchering practices and you can eat them.

 

[GiddyMoon]

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