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Posted by Mike Martin (U14339257) on Sunday, 22nd August 2010
Has anyone tried it? Does it work? Does it harm the birds - or give them a raging thirst?. I'd like to try it, but I'm not so sure...
Birds have evolved to be much less sensitive to the capsaicinoids(the 'hot' stuff)than mammals are and don't feel the effects.
I wondered about that too. In all the reference books I have, especially those by Tony Soper who specializes in bird table books,, it warns people NOT to give salty or spicey food to birds.
Thanks for that Arch,
I'll try emailing the RSPB for a definitive verdict, and if I get an answer I'll report back here. Thanks again.
I've just checked with the RSPR and their website does indeed recommend using Chilli powder to deter squirrels. So thank you Toby, I'll give it a try.
That's a bit of a shock to me, Greenbuddha. I've just had a look through some of the books I have and it says that almost anything, apart from highly seasoned or salty food can be fed to birds.
I wonder who's right?
I tried it and the squirrels love it! They seem to be eating more of the bird food than ever.
I wouldn't risk it personally. Better to let the squirrels have a few nuts than endanger the health of the birds.
I tried it a few years ago on a bird table. I also greased the pole with vaseline and sprinkled chilli powder on that too. It definitely put the squirrels off, the birds came just the same and the whole garden smelt like an indian takeaway for days!
I've got a chilli based spray called 'Squirrel stop' which I use on the bird feeders/fat blocks. We have a lot of grey squirrels around & when they try eating the sprayed food you can see them stop. Only problem is that you need to keep repeating the spray, ie it doesn't seem to last. Also take care if using on a windy day- lethal for the eyes/throat! J.
Chile Powder is just that, powdered chiles, not salt. The RSPB have recommended doing it for some time and I think their research can be trusted.
, in reply to message 11.
Posted by Arch_Stanton (U14582337) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Hello Penylansue.
I remember, not so may years ago, that "after extensive research" slug pellets were hailed as the perfect way to rid you garden of slugs and snails. And the RSPB haven't been noted for their brilliant ideas in recent years.
Chilli pepper isn't salt, I agree, but it is a spicy seasoning and I prefer to take my advice from poeple who've spent a lifetime studying and feeding birds. At least I know I can sleep easy in the knowledge that there aren't any birds dying a slow lingering death under a bush somewhere on account of food I put out for them.
GHS.
A gun is the best way to get rid of grey squirrels. Hedgehogs and frogs get rid of slugs in my garden. Ladybirds get rid of aphids and lots of other nasties. I've noticed lots more ladybirds in the garden this year. Is that the same for most gardeners I wonder?
, in reply to message 13.
Posted by Arch_Stanton (U14582337) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
I wouldn't go as far as shooting them.
But if you put cheap peanuts ( certified of course ) at the point where the squirrels access your garden, they'll usually stay there and leave the other feeders nearer the house to the birds.
After the coldest winter on record here, I haven't seen a single ladybird this year. I've only seen one wasp but I do have buff tailed bumble bees in the nestbox above the back door and I've had more damselflies at the pond than ever before.
The idea of treating birdseed with capsaicin (the active ingredient in pepper) to deter rodents has actually been patented in the United States.
There's a very long and detailed article, which forms the patent submission, which can be found here:
Incidentally, if anyone should be troubled by rampaging elephants, there's also a useful technique for growing chilli peppers as a 'barrier crop'.
"The basic concept is that by teaching African farmers to grow chili peppers as a barrier crop, it provides them with a defense against elephants foraging"
Wiki:
Thanks for that Gary. I'll try and remember to send a cheque in the post to the patent holder when I tip supermarket bought chilli powder in my bird seed feeders. While I'm at it, I'll report myself to the police when I accidentally spill vinegar and salt simultaneously on a dandelion.
I know I sound (am probably am) a grumpy old woman, but it's a sad world when such simple, useful ideas are either patented or illegal!
, in reply to message 16.
Posted by Mike Martin (U14339257) on Sunday, 5th September 2010
Hi all. As the one who started this thread, I thought I should report back that I have now tried out the chilli deterrent and as far as I am concerned it is a total dead loss.
Yesterday evening I replenished my four bird feeders - one with suet balls, another with peanuts, a third with black sunflower seeds, and the fourth with sunflower hearts, each one liberally doused in strong chilli powder.
This morning when I opened the curtains there was a squirrel feeding to his heart's content, and throughout the day he - or some of his friends have been back for more. So I'm sorry Toby old chum (and the RSPB) but it doesn't work in my garden.
The only possible explanation that I can think of is that my squirrels may be a different breed. Most grey squirrels originate from North America. Could it be that my squirrels come from Mexico, and that's the reason they love chilli powder? Ay, caramba!
, in reply to message 17.
Posted by Bubble Works (U14532674) on Monday, 20th September 2010
the advice against spicy food for birds comes from the fact that a lot of "spicy" food is high in salt. Birds don't mind chilli powder. Salt will kill them though. It upsets their electrolytes. Salt replacement salt (No Salt etc) is just the same, not bird safe.
Chuckle at your "Mexican Squirrels". See how it goes over a couple of days. I am assuming they eat more to get rid of the burning sensation, not realizing it's more of the "burny" stuff. Maybe they will learn over a couple of days - or they may just request a Cobra and a Naan.... / Corona and Tortilla
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