Baby Rat on Route to BIRDFEEDER!!!

[shirl]

We have both in our garden , mice & rats (and not forgetting the shrews), I have seen the rat climbing up the tree to get at the bird feeders, they really can climb very well. Saw it on the ivy recently heading for the loft, blocked a hole up but it's still getting in and I have no idea how. It WILL not beat me, it is going to live outside where it should be.

Shirl

[Bouncytigger]

i had to cut a loads of shrubs back last year as they were nesting in the wilderness at the bottom of the garden

thing is they have moved into next doors wilderness now

[Yorkshire pud]

I know rats are good climbers up trees and fences, but has anyone ever known one to climb up a metal pole to grab the peanuts in a hanging birdfeeder?

Was horrified last night when I glanced up and saw my peanut feeder swinging wildly from side to side with a full grown rat attached! Can't imagine how it got there unless it jumped ... Are rats good jumpers as well as climbers?

[feathered-friend]

They are good jumpers and climbers.

Yes they can climb the metal poles on bird feeders. We have an upside down pop bottle with the bottom cut off, slotted on and halfway up all our metal feeder poles. They look like funnels.

The smooth surface prevents both mice and rats from getting a grip. Not great looking but they do the job!

you can also buy squirrel baffles that will do the same thing.

Remember to Keep feeders away from fences where they can jump onto them too!