Bold Squirrel, Open Run

SnackLady

In the Brooder
Jun 18, 2022
3
24
31
South Carolina
We knew Jessie (the squirrel) was crazy. Jessie will go anywhere and actually chewed a big hole through a GAMMA LID. So we got better lids and made sure everything was in buckets or sturdy containers. Jessie responded by taking the goodies directly from the chicken feeders in the run. (I suspect, but don't know, that s/he may also be pilfering the occasional egg.)

My husband is very much of the opinion that the best squirrel is a dead one. I actually like watching squirrels and tend toward a live-and-let-live view. I just don't want them in my stuff.

Our chickens (7 hens and a rooster) free range in and out of the run all day. Is there a good way to either keep out or repel the squirrel without locking out the chickens? They lay throughout the day, so I'd like to keep giving them that option.
 

cavemanrich

Addict
8 Years
Apr 6, 2014
20,047
76,769
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Melrose Park Illinois
I actually like watching squirrels and tend toward a live-and-let-live view. I just don't want them in my stuff.
I'm with your thinking,, :hugs and not with your spouse.
I have plenty of squirrels in my yard area. I keep my chicken feed in metal cans, containers. Not just from the squirrels. Never leave feed out overnight.
I also feed those cute lil devlz:love I provide them with BOSS in front yard in multiple feeding spots. Yes,, I know I am an exception of peeps that feeds squirrels. (but also not the only one)
Can I suggest you provide your pet squirrel a ration of BOSS,, somewhere outside your run area. Squirrel will eat those sunflower seeds and not bother your chicken feed.
BTW,, I highly doubt the squirrel is stealing your eggs.
I look at every living thing,, as having a purpose on earth. 💞
I do question mosquitoes, and biting flies :idunno

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and:welcome
 

Callender Girl

Crossing the Road
Premium Feather Member
Sep 18, 2018
4,258
25,451
886
North Central Iowa
I also keep my feed in metal garbage cans (caution: many of the new ones leak where the handles are fastened into the lids, so a hard rain can get in if you don't seal them).

I won't harm squirrels, but I am tired of them digging into my garden, potted plants on the deck and leaving their cache of walnuts in unexpected places.

Ditto, @cavemanrich on those mosquitos and biting flies!

Good luck dealing with Jessie (I love that you have named the little rascal)!
 

rosemarythyme

Scarborough Fair
6 Years
Jul 3, 2016
19,933
41,348
1,122
WA, Pac NW
My Coop
My Coop
I had a similar issue, squirrel was helping itself to feed inside the coop, so locking up feed at night didn't do anything to deter it. When I caught it on the coop cam eating right next to the chickens, I went out and blocked the pop door so it couldn't escape, and hubby took care of it.
 

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