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Post by ianr on Dec 2, 2022 9:54:32 GMT
I may have mentioned before all the pigeons we get in the garden now adays it's more feral than woodies and we all know how much they can get down their necks, so after a few years of improvising pigeon proof feeding with bamboo and such like I bought a 3 in 1 squirrel feeder. Had some doubts if it would see any use but the blue and great tits don't have any problems with it so far. Now I've just gota sort out a secure means of feeding the blackies and keeping the pigeons off I do feed the pigeons and squirrels when the weather is really bad ian
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Post by accipiter on Dec 2, 2022 13:29:36 GMT
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Post by Tringa on Dec 2, 2022 15:45:43 GMT
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Post by accipiter on Dec 2, 2022 16:55:06 GMT
Unfortunately, mesh feeders won’t prevent squirrels / rats from digging under the cage. I did also have a problem with mice leaping from the ground and entering the dome feeder, but solved that problem by placing a plastic plant pot tray on the rod holding the feeder. Similarly, a plant pot tray can be used if the feeder is suspended, although mice tend to slide off the top of the plastic dome, causing a great deal of entertainment.
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Post by ianr on Dec 3, 2022 6:29:17 GMT
Thanks Alan and Dave I've looked at both types before and both are an option. I don't have an issue with the squirrels they did used to destroy the feeders but that's sorted and the mice make me smile so if they stay out of the house there good. They did destroy some paint brushes last year in the shed my fault for not putting a lid on the box. We have brick built bike sheds here and the flat roof is ideal for throwing food up for the squirrels-pigeons etc the crows get very protective of any left overs put up often having to fight the gulls off for any meat or pizza and even the odd bit of bread Can be quite entertaining to see who's bravest and come down for first dibs. The crows will land and fill there beaks with a surprising amount while the gulls are more snatch and grab ian
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Post by accipiter on Dec 3, 2022 10:26:17 GMT
Speaking of entertaining mice, we also had a problem with seed stealing jackdaws. Although at first, we saw it as excellent entertaining value, so picture the scene. Mr and Mrs jackdaw trying to hang onto the seed feeders as it swung in the breeze. The problem being they were stealing so much seed we had to resort to the dreaded SQIRREL PROOF FEEDER. Cheaper ones are available… www.gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk/premium-guardian-nut-feeder.html
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Post by ianr on Dec 4, 2022 7:46:57 GMT
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Post by accipiter on Dec 4, 2022 12:43:28 GMT
I checked out the amazon photo of the squirrel inside the feeder Ian, I had a similar problem with squirrels entering my little owl mk 1 nest boxes. However, I now have my mk 2 nest boxes fitted with a martin trap proof system preventing squirrels from entering.
As a secondary measure I’ve fitted the nest box posts with a homemade aluminium cone preventing squirrels from climbing the post. I’m sure something like a large plant pot tray fitted upside down would also work either on a post or a rope held in place with a couple of jubilee clips should the feeder be suspended.
Incidentally, jackdaws no longer visit our feeders ever since I moved the feeders closer to the house. However, I’ve a feeling they have plans a foot as there now busy building a nest in one of our disused chimney pots, that I blocked off a couple of feet from the top preventing any of their building material from falling any further. True I could have fitted a chimney cowl but I rather like watching the antics of jackdaws.
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