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Posted by ken archambault on 14:59:06 03/17/06
In Reply to: Nestbox Squirrel posted by Doug
hi, a couple of suggestions: baffle the tree above and below your box to prevent squirrel predation; stuff the box with woodchips mixed with soft aspen (pet shops have) which doesnot irritate the babies' skin. woodchips i use are the hickory chip barbecue type stuff. also, have near some parches for nonwoodpecker fledglings to make it to on their first flights. good luck
: I've had several postings within the last week or two so I hope none of you are becoming annoyed with me. Anyhow, as mentioned previously, I have a male Red Bellied Woodpecker that checks out my nestbox several times a day. To my knowledge he has yet to put more than just his head in the nestbox hole. Also, I see him quite often at my feeder with a female so I've got my fingers crossed they'll raise a family there. One problem though, a squirrel now uses this nestbox as his hotel room at night. He/She leaves in the morning and returns in the evening. I will do my best to keep him away in the afternoon but my questions are...even if I succeed in keeping him out, is there already a squirrel scent inside that would discourage the Woodpeckers from taking up residence or is that not a concern? Also,I have a new nestbox that I plan to put up today. The wood is fresh and untreated so it is a very light color. Is the light color a big deal or should I weatherproof and darken the outside color?
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