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Is there something that squirrels gained’t eat?
Many individuals, together with myself, have requested themselves this query! I do know I’ve watched helplessly as squirrels have overtaken my fowl feeders. As a consequence of their giant dimension, they hold the birds away, and my avian mates watch from a close-by perch as their meals disappears into the stomach of a squirrel.
To not point out that squirrels have various and extremely LARGE appetites. I’m positive you may have seen that fowl meals has gotten dearer. It may be onerous to justify the excessive worth of fowl seed when half of it goes to fattening up squirrels who depart little or no for the birds to eat.
So to assist management the quantity of meals squirrels devour, I made a listing of 4 varieties that squirrels don’t usually eat at fowl feeders. Please observe that these rodents might strive among the meals beneath or eat them in small portions. However for essentially the most half, they shouldn’t spend hours and hours in your fowl feeders in case you use these meals.
#1. Safflower Seeds
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Safflower seed has gotten the nickname the “miracle seed” as a result of most songbirds will readily eat it, however the majority of squirrels will ignore it! Birds like cardinals, jays, chickadees, and lots of others don’t have any drawback consuming safflower, however squirrels largely don’t contact it.
Since I can’t ask them instantly, I’m not precisely positive why squirrels don’t like safflower, however supposedly it has a bitter style. Mammals are inclined to have a better-developed sense of style than birds. I do know that utilizing safflower seeds sounds too good to be true, however it’s an incredible possibility to make use of in your feeders that aren’t squirrel-proof.
Give it a try to see if it really works! It’s estimated that 90% of squirrels gained’t eat safflower. My apologies you probably have one of many tremendous squirrels that eat safflower all day lengthy with a smile on their face. ?
#2. Nyjer Seeds (thistle)
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Nyjer seed, additionally known as “thistle,” is a tiny, black seed. Fortunately, it’s not really associated to thistle, so that you don’t have to fret about uneaten seeds rising into an annoying weed. In reality, earlier than it’s bought, Nyjer seeds are sterilized by warmth to allow them to’t germinate and develop.
These small seeds are nice for attracting goldfinches, finches, chickadees, and doves. However as a result of their tiny dimension, I’ve by no means seen a squirrel even try and eat one!
To make use of Nyjer seed, it would be best to buy a feeder that makes a speciality of distributing it. Take a look at the article beneath for extra info on these fowl feeders.
#3. White Proso Millet
Millet is a favourite meals amongst ground-feeding birds. It’s typically not bought individually however is included in MANY forms of birdseed mixes.
And whereas white millet attracts plenty of birds that get pleasure from eating on the bottom, like juncos, sparrows, blackbirds, and doves, it is not going to enchantment to squirrels. Curiously, millet is taken into account a grain, not a seed, and squirrels don’t trouble consuming this small, onerous meals.
A phrase of warning: Many birdseed mixes include purple proso millet, which is purple and a bit smaller than white millet. Floor-feeding birds will eat purple millet, however it’s not their favourite. So, if potential, I might keep away from shopping for a combination that features purple millet.
#4. Any meals coated with HOT PEPPER!
I’ve saved the most suitable choice for final! ?
Imagine it or not, utilizing birdseed coated with scorching pepper is a good way to forestall squirrels from consuming at your feeders! Critically, this technique works. Once I use spicy meals, squirrels (and different mammals) take one whiff and determine to search for meals elsewhere.
And the very best half is that birds don’t have any drawback consuming scorching pepper meals!
The “warmth” you are feeling in your mouth after consuming a scorching pepper is attributable to a compound known as capsaicin. We really feel ache, discomfort, and burning after consuming scorching peppers as a result of capsaicin messes with particular nerve endings in our mouth.
And right here is the loopy factor:
Solely MAMMALS are affected by capsaicin.
Birds don’t have a lot sense of style or odor, so they’re immune. Because of this, they can eat scorching pepper birdseed all day lengthy and don’t have any sick results.
Simply take into consideration this reality for a second. The mammals that may trigger issues at your feeding station embody not solely squirrels but in addition raccoons, chipmunks, rats, mice, and even bears! All these creatures have SUPER delicate noses, so all it takes is one odor, and they need to begin on the lookout for meals elsewhere.
I examined whether or not scorching pepper seeds labored at my feeders. You’ll be able to watch beneath to see if it labored or not. ?
Take a look at my YouTube channel HERE!
And please don’t fear concerning the birds consuming spicy meals, because it’s secure. Merchandise that include capsaicin have been in the marketplace for a very long time. There are not any experiences of birders or ornithologists who’ve spoken concerning the antagonistic well being penalties for birds.
So the place can you purchase scorching pepper fowl meals?
Generally, there are TWO methods to amass scorching pepper birdseed:
Choice #1. Purchase birdseed already coated or infused with capsaicin.
The simplest factor you are able to do is purchase pre-made scorching pepper birdseed. Simply open the bag and fill your feeders!
Whereas that is straightforward, it’s additionally comparatively costly. You might be paying for comfort. Under is the recent pepper birdseed that I’ve used: View Value – Amazon
Cole’s Sizzling Meats Sunflower Seed
Choice #2. Make your personal scorching pepper birdseed!
Making ready your personal spicy meals is extra time-consuming, however it would prevent cash. I exploit the concentrated scorching sauce pictured beneath and blend it with shelled sunflower seed.
Cole’s Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce
You have to be cautious utilizing these things as a result of it’s scorching and extremely painful to get the concentrated resolution in your face (talking from expertise). Listed below are three issues I do this assist hold the sauce on the seeds and OFF me. ?
- I’ve a 5-gallon bucket with a lid devoted to mixing and storing my selfmade scorching pepper seed. It’s additionally individually marked, so nothing else ever goes into this bucket.
- I’ve a devoted thick wood stake to combine the recent sauce into the seeds. The stake is saved in a particular location, so I don’t by chance contact it with out gloves.
Earlier than we finish at present, I need you to know that I really do like squirrels, and they’re welcome to eat at my fowl feeding station.
BUT I need these acrobatic rodents to eat on the bottom. I don’t need them sitting on my fowl feeders, scaring away the birds. ?
You’ll be able to even watch squirrels consuming proper now on my fowl feeders. Take a look at the 2 LIVE cameras which are streaming in my yard HERE.
What meals do squirrels keep away from in your yard?
When you have every other suggestions or feedback, please depart one beneath!
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