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Fat ball removal

mark_heyworthB2Xy4BJlmark_heyworthB2Xy4BJl Posts: 8
in The potting shed
I have a hanging fat ball container hanging under a Wisteria branch by the house. It is a standard wired container capable of holding 6 or 7 fat balls. These are standard fat balls and fit snugly into the container.

I have noticed on several mornings now that some fat balls have been removed and left on the floor. The removed fat balls are too large to fall through the wires in the container.
These removed fat balls still appear to be reasonably intact i.e. not eaten.

So what is capable of removing these fat balls ? It is not humans, it appears a mystery to me.


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  • mark_heyworthB2Xy4BJlmark_heyworthB2Xy4BJl Posts: 8
    On reflection the only logical explanation is squirrels... But to be able to move the fat ball up several inches within the container so that it is capable of being released is a pretty tricky operation.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Squirrels are very capable of that sort of manouevre.   :/

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • mark_heyworthB2Xy4BJlmark_heyworthB2Xy4BJl Posts: 8
    Many thanks for that very interesting story, that is amazing !!!

    I have fed the birds for decades and it seems only this year that there is a new super breed of the squirrels in the garden ...

    I have never really had too much of a problem and I have been able to get rid of them.

    This last blighter(s) is elusive and it is a shame to stop feeding the birds because of him...

    I will persevere... 

    So, in conclusion, the culprit(s) are very early morning squirrels...


  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    @Fairygirl has come up with some strategies to outwit 'her' squirrels ... I've given her a nudge ...

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • SuesynSuesyn Posts: 664
    It may not be "tree" rats  but their cousins. They are equally intelligent but much better at concealing themselves. 
  • mark_heyworthB2Xy4BJlmark_heyworthB2Xy4BJl Posts: 8
    Are you saying that normal rats can potentially remove fat balls like squirrels ?
  • mark_heyworthB2Xy4BJlmark_heyworthB2Xy4BJl Posts: 8
    I have recently got rid of a young rat under the fat balls...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm back @Dovefromabove :)    
    Mine are mostly in cages which the tree rats can't get into, although I do have a 'sacrificial' fat feeder which is in a corner so that the starlings stay out the way a bit more, as they're so manky  ;)


    The cages are now a bit more robust and with their own green roof. 

    Sorry I don't have a better photo with one of the tree rats in it, but you get the idea
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Why does everyone want to feed the birds and not the squirrels? Squirrels get hungry too.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Because they shouldn't be encouraged - they aren't native, they cause a lot of damage, and they're rapidly destroying our native reds. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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