Squirrel proof dome

[Buckman]

We have one over the peanut bird feeder which hangs under the eaves. On top of the feeder we have a large plastic dome something like this. However in high winds it bangs up against the eaves cracking it.
Not being a DIY type person I am unsure if there is a simple way to stop it swinging about wildly in the wind and without scaring off the birds. We have a big squirrel problem where we live even though the cat has taken out one or two squirrels.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Woodentop]

In my book the only good grey squirrel is a dead grey squirrel. After all they are only furry tree-rats with good PR!!

Just Google Squirrel-proof nut feeder and you will get a good selection. One of the best was Gardman which had a stainless steel sleeve held above the container by a light spring. When the squirrel got onto the sleeve from above its weight would make the sleeve slide down over the nuts. Very effective. Sadly Gardman appointed administrators in late 2018 following a major fire at its warehouse from which they were unable to recover. You might still find one in a garden centre or DIY shed. The brand is now operated by Westland.

 

[GeorgeandAde]

We have a big problem with squirrels too.
I've found by hanging the peanut feeders from a length of coat hanger helps stopping them from climbing down.
Just have to sort out the pesky magpies and crows now🤬

 

[Buckman]

Funny you say that and agree with your sentiments! IMHO they are cat food. Our previous dome bought way back in gthe mists of time, now smashed, was a Gardman and just ordered a replacement Gardman dome off Amazon.
What we cannot figure out is how a squirrel managed to unhook the dome off the cup hook for it to fall onto the ground as the wind has not been strong over the past few days. Even OH hassles getting it off the cup hook.

 

[Hutch]

So what is so bad about the Grey Squirrel. It is another wild animal. And a very clever one to be able to get the food that you are putting out for the birds and them.

 

[RogerL]

So what is so bad about the Grey Squirrel. It is another wild animal. And a very clever one to be able to get the food that you are putting out for the birds and them.

It's not just "another wild animal" - it's a pest which is responsible for the extinction of red squirrels in most areas of the UK.

The good news is that the re-introduction schemes for Pine Martens seems to reduce Grey Squirrel numbers substantially and allows Red Squirrel numbers to recover.

 

[Woodentop]

Make no odds, grey squirrels are vicious killers. They will attack small birds, and eat young birds and eggs out of the nest, and attack/eat many other small mammals. If they get into your shed or house they do immense damage - for instance they will strip PVC off live cables without hurting themselves - and they eat roofing felt and roof beams.

If you have ever trapped a squirrel in a squirrel trap and you go to pick the cage up you will realise very quickly why there is a metal plate surrounding the handle. They go mad and try to eat their way out. They are nigh impossible to kill in the cage even with an air pistol; a friend elsewhere in the UK who has similar squirrel problems released the first two squirrels he caught, after that he did and still does just drop the trap into his garden water butt and then removes it later for disposal.

 

[RogerL]

Make no odds, grey squirrels are vicious killers. They will attack small birds, and eat young birds and eggs out of the nest, and attack/eat many other small mammals. If they get into your shed or house they do immense damage - for instance they will strip PVC off live cables without hurting themselves - and they eat roofing felt and roof beams.

If you have ever trapped a squirrel in a squirrel trap and you go to pick the cage up you will realise very quickly why there is a metal plate surrounding the handle. They go mad and try to eat their way out. They are nigh impossible to kill in the cage even with an air pistol; a friend elsewhere in the UK who has similar squirrel problems released the first two squirrels he caught, after that he did and still does just drop the trap into his garden water butt and then removes it later for disposal.

It's illegal to release grey squirrels after being trapped as they're pest species.

 

[DaveA1]

It's not just "another wild animal" - it's a pest which is responsible for the extinction of red squirrels in most areas of the UK.

The good news is that the re-introduction schemes for Pine Martens seems to reduce Grey Squirrel numbers substantially and allows Red Squirrel numbers to recover.

Going off the original OP . a bit. it appears that as the Otter population increases in an area they drive out the Minks in that area, killing them to protect thire young. So bring them on.

 

[Buckman]

Tree rat came around again this morning and watching him through the lounge window, he lifted the feeder off the hook and dropped it onto the ground to access the peanuts. This is probably what he did to get it off previously and smash the dome.

New dome has now arrived, but this time I also ordered Q hanger screw pegs which will hopefully prevent him from unhooking the feeder again. 👍

 

[Hutch]

My sister in law in France, has a problem with a family of Rodents in her loft, They are similar to a gerbil, but are protected (in France) as per Squirrels due to our( British) wild life law 2006. You have to Humainly cull them. So no drowning and you cannot realease them.
The main problem with the Grey Squirrel is, that they carry Squirrel pox, that kills the Red Squirrel.

 

[Hutch]

I also read that mixing bird food with Chilli peppers will repel Squirrels, but not efffect bird, !!!