Stop the Weasel

[brenbee]

At one time we were getting regular visits from rats in the wintertime when they came looking 4 warmth. This all ended when a weasel family took up residence at the bottom of the garden. Trouble Is- how do we stop the weasel from raiding the various nests which we get dotted around the garden. I dont want 2 kill them but I need 2 stop the raids. Last year we lost 2 blackbird families & a wagtail brood.

[Dogghound]

Im afraid thats nature, Young blackbirds mating for the first time often pick poor sites once they loose a brood they learn where is a good site and where isnt. Natural selection to ensure the more intelligent birds stay in the gene pool if you like. Also if the weasels dont try and predate them, the rats will, im sure you could put funnels on hedges to stop them climbing up like with squirrels on feeders etc.

[Dutchess]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Im afraid thats nature, Young blackbirds mating for the first time often pick poor sites once they loose a brood they learn where is a good site and where isnt. Natural selection to ensure the more intelligent birds stay in the gene pool if you like. ...snip,,,.

Absolutely. I watched a couple of blackbirds build a nest in what was an easily accessible spot (I thought so anyway.) They laid eggs, they hatched, but magpies raided the nest and the young chicks were either taken away by them or tipped on to the floor below


D.

[Gill Catton]

plus how many gardens across the uk have a nest or two of breeding birds? Loaaaddss how many have a family of weasels?? Very very very few I reckon. You are really very lucky indeed to be able to watch the antics of weasels. They are normally so quick and so shy, with them in your garden you may even be able to hide out and get some good photographs or watch the babies play - which would be way more entertaining than the tv.

Much as I love blackbirds and wagtails I see those all the time, they're almost ten a penny in comparison to how often I see a weasel. revel in your luck I say

[Kayleigh]

Yes, I agree with Gill give me weasels instead of rats any day..
I would love them in my garden..

[ron1863]

If the birds are alert they may not nest in your garden, mind you we have a pair of Mallards that visit our garden every year and nest on the river bank that is frequented by Mink. They always seem to raise a family.

[brenbee]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll bow to the inevitable & let nature take Its course. It Is lovely 2 have weasels & also have seen stoats passing through. Last yearwe saw one In the Ermine coat, the only 1 we've ever seen. And one year we had a baby Otter walk in the front door. We had 2 get the SSPCA out. It was taken 2 Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue & later returned 2 the wild. So, yes we are very lucky, gill.

[camo]

Originally Posted by brenbee

Thanks everyone. I think I'll bow to the inevitable & let nature take Its course. It Is lovely 2 have weasels & also have seen stoats passing through. Last yearwe saw one In the Ermine coat, the only 1 we've ever seen. And one year we had a baby Otter walk in the front door. We had 2 get the SSPCA out. It was taken 2 Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue & later returned 2 the wild. So, yes we are very lucky, gill.

Lucky, wow you must be in Utopia!

Roy

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by brenbee

Thanks everyone. I think I'll bow to the inevitable & let nature take Its course. It Is lovely 2 have weasels & also have seen stoats passing through. Last yearwe saw one In the Ermine coat, the only 1 we've ever seen. And one year we had a baby Otter walk in the front door. We had 2 get the SSPCA out. It was taken 2 Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue & later returned 2 the wild. So, yes we are very lucky, gill.

Wow this sounds amazing.....
I doubt I'll ever see a stoat in his winter coat
oooh that rhymes...


anyway I'm glad you have decided to let them be. I'd swap if I could