Gransnet forums

Gardening

How to stop Squirrels getting the bird's nuts

(11 Posts)
love0c Sun 27-Jun-21 20:38:04

Thank you for all your replies. I am amazed at what the squirrels can bite though! How far they can jump! How good they are at hanging on to practically nothing! I have not tried a greased pole or chilli powder though. I will need to think where I might site a pole we could see/watch. I will buy some chilli powder. I knew I could rely on the gardeners to help me smile

Keeper1 Sun 27-Jun-21 19:36:37

A friend said that the RSPB advise using chilli powder the squirrels don't like it and it doesn't bother the birds.

kissngate Sun 27-Jun-21 19:26:53

I appreciate what you say about vaseline but the birds dont try to climb the pole in our garden the squirrels do. The birds fly directly onto the feeder which does not have vaseline on.

Amberone Sun 27-Jun-21 19:18:45

We have squirrel baffles under the feeders to stop them climbing the pole and keep the poles well away from fences and trees the squirrels can launch themselves off.

Please don't use Vaseline or WD40 on the poles - squirrels and birds get it on their fur and feathers and can ingest it while cleaning themselves, making them very ill and it can kill them. Vaseline on their feathers can also stop the birds from flying and make them an easy target for cats and other predators.

Parsley3 Sun 27-Jun-21 19:11:48

I like my squirrels and they are welcome to a few sunflower hearts.

kissngate Sun 27-Jun-21 18:54:19

Easy if you have them hanging from a metal pole. Rub the pole with vaseline or petroleum jelly and they cant climb up. If not invest in squirrel proof cage (not cheap) but ok for suet blocks.

tanith Sun 27-Jun-21 18:50:51

I have squirrel proof bird feeder it has a plastic dome under the food which the squirrels cannot pass. It’s worked well for 5 yrs.

greenlady102 Sun 27-Jun-21 18:39:53

cages www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08V3TG8FH/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pf_rd_p=6d92f084-6b53-4a72-8a21-38df421e4a59&pd_rd_wg=u3mVh&pf_rd_r=QKXP4G6K2W8GWGHFC4VG&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTVhFSlpDUFQzT0dPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTg0MDUxSUtGRUhXU0M1T0cxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzODg0MDYxQlo1TzRTQzFGRjROJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==&pd_rd_i=B08V3TG8FH&pd_rd_w=uMLtK&tag=gransnetforum-21&pd_rd_r=cdeeb297-4fe8-4275-9e1d-ca1df8e85d03

ayse Sun 27-Jun-21 18:39:50

They are very clever, aren’t they? I’m sorry but I can’t help otherwise.

Ilovecheese Sun 27-Jun-21 18:39:41

I tried a wire cage. I swear the squirrel was laughing as he wrenched it apart.

love0c Sun 27-Jun-21 18:37:08

To all gardeners out there. How do you stop squirrels getting at he nuts for the birds? I have tried all sorts of things suggested on the internet. Nothing I have tried has worked. The squirrels are still successful.