Baffled squirrels
Jan. 11th, 2022 08:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
soniaI stopped in at my local Backyard Bird Shop to replace the plastic tube of my bird feeder, which is starting to crack, and also has been majorly chewed by squirrels. Bad enough that they chow down on the sunflower seeds, they could leave the feeder alone!
So I bought this "guaranteed squirrel-proof" Hanging Squirrel Baffle to replace the ineffective dome-shaped one I bought a few years ago. So far, so good. Instead of balancing on the dome, reaching down, and hanging upside down to stuff their little faces at the feeder openings, they go sliding off the steep part of the baffle and thump onto the ground six feet below. Repeatedly. I wonder how long it will take them to get bored of that game...
The store staff also offered me a habanero-based fluid in a squeeze-bottle that I could add to the birdseed, since mammals react to the heat but birds don't. I decided that since nightshades make my joints and head hurt, I didn't really want to mess with a potent concentrated form. I'll reconsider if the squirrels outsmart the baffle, though.
I sympathize with the squirrels as I run a last set of errands stocking up on rice, energy bars, and cat food before hunkering down in the face of skyrocketing Covid case counts in Multnomah County. I'm squirreling away food just as they like to do with uncertain times ahead.
So I bought this "guaranteed squirrel-proof" Hanging Squirrel Baffle to replace the ineffective dome-shaped one I bought a few years ago. So far, so good. Instead of balancing on the dome, reaching down, and hanging upside down to stuff their little faces at the feeder openings, they go sliding off the steep part of the baffle and thump onto the ground six feet below. Repeatedly. I wonder how long it will take them to get bored of that game...
The store staff also offered me a habanero-based fluid in a squeeze-bottle that I could add to the birdseed, since mammals react to the heat but birds don't. I decided that since nightshades make my joints and head hurt, I didn't really want to mess with a potent concentrated form. I'll reconsider if the squirrels outsmart the baffle, though.
I sympathize with the squirrels as I run a last set of errands stocking up on rice, energy bars, and cat food before hunkering down in the face of skyrocketing Covid case counts in Multnomah County. I'm squirreling away food just as they like to do with uncertain times ahead.
no subject
Date: 2022-01-12 02:56 pm (UTC)I recall from my childhood my mother's running battle with the squirrels. Our bird feeder was atop a pole. Which the squirrels would simply climb. So Mom made baffles that encircled the pole, which the squirrels couldn't climb around.
Here's hoping that your new baffle (which is a great design!) continues to work.
no subject
Date: 2022-01-12 07:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-01-12 05:55 pm (UTC)Maybe gloves and a mask will help with the hot pepper solution application? I hope with you that it's not necessary.
no subject
Date: 2022-01-12 07:20 pm (UTC)Yes, staff recommended gloves and mask, but it still sounds problematic and messy. I'm hoping not to go there.