Family Homeless Because Of Squirrel

[Owlivia]

The Unseen Predator: The Carnivorous Side of Squirrels​

While primarily herbivorous, squirrels exhibit opportunistic carnivorous tendencies. They occasionally consume:

• Insects: Grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates.
• Eggs: Bird eggs, reptile eggs.
• Small vertebrates: Baby birds, fledgling rodents, and even small snakes.
• Carrion: Decomposing animal remains, especially when other food is scarce.

 

[IrishEyes]

@IrishEyes Thanks for the baffle info.

How tall is the pole your baffle is on? I bought one of these baffles last year, but the pole is 7 ft high and the directions said to put the baffle up 4-5 ft. Looking at that, it was close to the bottom of the feeders, so I returned it and bought the dome.

I may get single feeder poles, mine have the decorative arms at the top so two feeders hang off one pole. I just don't want to get on a ladder to refill the feeders if the pole is much higher.

The squirrels are just now coming out of hibernation, with all this snow, the feeders were safe. Will start to check the feeders for squirrels. Hopefully the snow will all be melted in a few days and will make it easier to go out to the feeders.

I have both types single and double and used all but one pole so I can reach the feeders to fill them. The double pole I did have to move
to a spot far enough away from anything they can jump from to get to the feeder. Once they learned they can not get to the feeder
because the torpedo baffle won't let them climb to the feeder they began jumping over to land on the domes I had OVER the feeders. I used crisco grease on the domes and they slid off but that was messy so I just moved that pole further out in a clearing. I never use all the poles, it's too high , as you said. The baffle is about 1.5 feet from the bottom of the feeders underneath. It's funny to watch them go into the baffle and come out all confused.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

Squirrels are just rats with cute fur. No need to tell me how destructive they can be.



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So sorry for your terrible loss. Thanks for sharing your pics.

Actually, the real villain in my scenario is the person who feeds the squirrels in my neighborhood. That has taught them to expect food from humans, and reduced their fear. The things will come right up to my rear door and look at me expecting food! Instead they get my pots being banged near their head. Soon, they may get a small stone in the backside, if I get my slingshot.

Yes, it's difficult not to feed them until you have a tragedy caused by one.