Feeding the squirrels
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
Feeding the squirrels
Do any of you put the corn cobs out in your backyard for the squirrels? We have for several years, but I never have gotten so much enjoyment out of it as I have lately. There is this big one that comes by everyday for his feeding. At one time, there was one on the feeder and 2 on the ground below, the one on the feeder would throw corn kernals down onto the heads of the other two so they could eat too! They are funny little creatures.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 0
From: Southern MD
Yep... I made a little right angle plywood bracket with a long sheet metal screw aimed up, and screw an ear of corn on it for the squirrels. It's big enough for them to sit on. It's on the deck just out my patio door.
I also put bird seed out and get all kinds of birds. Seem they have some type telegraphing system, 'cause as soon as I put the seed out, they come flocking in.
I also put bird seed out and get all kinds of birds. Seem they have some type telegraphing system, 'cause as soon as I put the seed out, they come flocking in.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 164,377
Likes: 82
From: MA
Yeah they are cute... as long as they are outside.. I wouldn't feed them near my house only the park or woods...
If you have seen the damage they can do to a house, garage or barn then I am sure you would stop feeding them.
I just cleaned out and repaired a barn that the squirrels called home for a few years. They chewed the doors and cedar siding. They even ate holes right through to the outside.. Then the floor and everywhere was covered with empty walnut shells. There was a walnut tree right next to the barn, that attracted them I guess.
So make sure they are not near your house when feeding them...
If you have seen the damage they can do to a house, garage or barn then I am sure you would stop feeding them.
I just cleaned out and repaired a barn that the squirrels called home for a few years. They chewed the doors and cedar siding. They even ate holes right through to the outside.. Then the floor and everywhere was covered with empty walnut shells. There was a walnut tree right next to the barn, that attracted them I guess.
So make sure they are not near your house when feeding them...
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Manassas Park, VA
We've got several we feed peanuts to daily. They have figured out the time I come out in the morning and when I get home at night, so they are sitting there beside the house waiting to be fed.
Strangest thing is we have indoor/outdoor cats, so you would think the cats would try and kill them. Nope they all get along great, have seen the cats and squirrels drink out of the water bowl at the same time. Have also seen one of the cats actually grooming a squirrel on several occassions, need to keep a camera handy to get a pic of that sometime.
Strangest thing is we have indoor/outdoor cats, so you would think the cats would try and kill them. Nope they all get along great, have seen the cats and squirrels drink out of the water bowl at the same time. Have also seen one of the cats actually grooming a squirrel on several occassions, need to keep a camera handy to get a pic of that sometime.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 47,280
Likes: 172
From: DELAWARE, The First State
After the squirels did about $6,000 damage to the cedar trim on my house, I shoot the rodents every chance I get. I don't care what anybody sez, they multiple faster that rabbits, so it seems. Shoot two today and three will take their place. I do clean and give the meat to a lady who loves to eat them. Sorry, I know this sounds gruesome, but it was my house not yours!
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 2
When I can get out of the office, I like to park by the beach to eat lunch, and the squirells always hang out and chow with me.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, MO
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 4
From: Sunny tourist infested FL
Originally Posted by donjamer
Yeah they are cute... as long as they are outside.. I wouldn't feed them near my house only the park or woods...
If you have seen the damage they can do to a house, garage or barn then I am sure you would stop feeding them.
I just cleaned out and repaired a barn that the squirrels called home for a few years. They chewed the doors and cedar siding. They even ate holes right through to the outside.. Then the floor and everywhere was covered with empty walnut shells. There was a walnut tree right next to the barn, that attracted them I guess.
So make sure they are not near your house when feeding them...
If you have seen the damage they can do to a house, garage or barn then I am sure you would stop feeding them.
I just cleaned out and repaired a barn that the squirrels called home for a few years. They chewed the doors and cedar siding. They even ate holes right through to the outside.. Then the floor and everywhere was covered with empty walnut shells. There was a walnut tree right next to the barn, that attracted them I guess.
So make sure they are not near your house when feeding them...
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
I have fed them for 25 years 8' from the house right outside the picture window where we can watch them. They have chewed on the cedar battens on the corners above the downspouts some over the years but those are easily replaced if they get too bad. We feed the birds about 1/2 gallon of seed per day and the squirrels get a cup of sunflower seed or hearts as available. I have never tried corncobs but I do feed suet in the winter. The spilled seed provides food for the biggest night crawlers you have seen. 1/2" dia and 18" long. There is a family of raccoons that comes by for a worm snack every so often.
If you kill the squirrels more just move in so it is pointless to kill them.
If you kill the squirrels more just move in so it is pointless to kill them.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,340
Likes: 4,361
From: SW VA
Haha...good picture. No birdfeeder is squirrel-proof. We have two, the big clear ones with the large roof over it, but they always find a way to it.
Our dogs take care of a few of them....but when I feel like it (or when there are so many that they drive the birds away) I will get out the 20ga and hit them with some #2 shot. That will keep them away for a couple days. I want to try my SKS out on them...but Im not wanting to clean up the millions of pieces they will be in
Our dogs take care of a few of them....but when I feel like it (or when there are so many that they drive the birds away) I will get out the 20ga and hit them with some #2 shot. That will keep them away for a couple days. I want to try my SKS out on them...but Im not wanting to clean up the millions of pieces they will be in
