Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site rochester.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!rochester!nemo From: nemo@rochester.UUCP (Wolfe) Newsgroups: net.rec.birds Subject: Re: squirrel@feeder Message-ID: <11013@rochester.UUCP> Date: Tue, 13-Aug-85 08:53:51 EDT Article-I.D.: rocheste.11013 Posted: Tue Aug 13 08:53:51 1985 Date-Received: Thu, 15-Aug-85 00:24:57 EDT References: <711@umd5.UUCP> Distribution: net Organization: U. of Rochester, CS Dept. Lines: 27 > how do I keep the squirrels from my feeder? > Jay Elvove ..!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umd5!jay Squirrels are gold-medal caliber gymnasts, as I'm sure you know. I have never had consistent success with any of the techniques that make it hard for the squirrel to get to the (otherwise unprotected) feeder. It just takes them a little longer and is more amusing to watch (if you can see the humor in it). However, there is a variety of feeder that friends have told me works without fail. It is made of steel (tough on those little squirrel teeth) and glass (ditto), with wood in non-critical places (like the perch so the little birdies don't stick to the feeder when it's 10 below). The main idea is that the perch is attached to a metal shield that can cover the food tray. Ordinarily springs hold the perch and shield up so birds can feed, but if something as heavy as a squirrel tries sitting on the perch (and it is designed so that there is really no other way to get at the chickadee chow), the shield drops with the laden perch, covering the tray. Squirrels give up pretty soon. I don't recall the name of the feeder's maker, but I have seen them advertised and at markets for about $20 or so. The steel is stainless, so they should last practically forever. Nemo -- Internet: nemo@rochester.arpa UUCP: {decvax, allegra, seismo, cmcl2}!rochester!nemo Phone: [USA] (716) 275-5766 work, 232-4690 home USMail: 104 Tremont Circle; Rochester, NY 14608 School: Department of Computer Science; University of Rochester; Rochester, NY 14627