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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 7:46:02 GMT -5
I live in Maine, where squirrels are quite abundant. My boyfriends mother shoots them in her backyard all the time, because they get into her bird feeders. Anybody know if they are ok to feed?
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 7:47:24 GMT -5
Oh, and what about wild birds, like blue jays???
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 8:14:09 GMT -5
The very best thing to do if yo want out feed wildlife is to check with local hunting laws/licensing agencies to find out what risks are associated with the wildlife in your area and what/how to safely avoid issues Not all diseases can be avoided by freezing.... Squirrels & CJD - www.mad-cow.org/~tom/victim23.htmltularemia -http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/tularemia.html there are many more diseases that potentially a problem, and disease ris varies by location, time of year, etc. this is why it's best to check with local agencies before feeding wildlife. -jennifer |
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Post by kpaz on May 24, 2012 8:28:16 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 8:52:38 GMT -5
I don't know a ton on this subject but I do know squirrels are usualy loaded with fleas and often mites. I have hand raised a couple baby squirrels before and the rehab woman who helped me with them said they become flea ridden little things.  |
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Post by Heather on May 24, 2012 10:31:40 GMT -5
Freezing will deal with the fleas and mites....the other you need to look up. I know it's done. My guys get the occasional chipmunk (I didn't give it to them, I think they're cute) with no ill effects. Check your area. If it's dead I hate to waste it, and a weasel would eat it but be safe, investigate in your area for possible diseases that aren't killed by freezing.
ciao
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Post by katt on May 24, 2012 11:23:33 GMT -5
If they really are such a pest, is it possible that people are poisoning them? With rodent repellants and such? If so, and a squirrel has eaten something it could really hurt your babies...
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 11:47:12 GMT -5
In most areas, it's legal to hunt small game on your own property without a license, regardless of seasons. Check your state's DNR site to be sure (the answer is probably in a PDF of this year's regulations), but there's likely no legal issue unless you're in a residential area with other firearm laws.
Songbirds are not "small game," however... I'd definitely double check on that. Here in Wisconsin, a few larger birds like crows and grackles can be considered a nuisance and hunted on one's own property, and doves have a season, but I'm not sure about the regulations on birds like jays.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 13:40:42 GMT -5
I always think my kiddos would love squirrel. I wish I could find a place that sells them. I don't think I could do the shooting myself (they are really cute).
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Post by Heather on May 24, 2012 14:40:08 GMT -5
I personally have no problem with it. Destructive little sods. They just dragged off another of my humming bird feeders down to the ravine   That's 2 this season. We have an ongoing war..between the bushy-tailed tree rats and me. ciao |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 17:42:57 GMT -5
I personally have no problem with it. Destructive little sods. ;D Agreed. They ARE kinda cute, especially when they pause and wash their faces just like my past pet rats, but... cute isn't enough to save you around here! We have a never-ending supply of squirrels. The only reason they haven't been on the ferrets' menu is that neither of us want to take the time required to skin and dress them for such a small amount of meat, and I just don't quite trust the pelt/brain/organs for the reasons already mentioned. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2012 12:32:47 GMT -5
My thought is this; she's going to shoot them regardless, so why waste the meat if it is safe? I'll see what else I can find out from Inland Fissheries and Wildlife.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2012 12:45:40 GMT -5
Witchywoman, I'd be careful about shooting song birds. I know certain ones are protected just as haws, eagles and owls are and have hefty fines just for owning the feathers, never mind harming the animal. I do not know without looking it up if it is at the state or federal level for the songbirds, but I live in NH and I know it's a big no no here.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2012 18:41:04 GMT -5
My kids have enjoyed wild squirrel on several occasions. My upstairs retired neighbors feed the wildlife so of course this means well fed squirrels. When the squirrel population seems to be overtaking the multiple feeding stations they get terminated. Grey squirrels are not protected here. I skin them. Doesn't take too long. Have never run into any with even ticks or fleas and no evidence of tularemia! Eating well agrees with them. Some have dressed out close to two pounds! Most are about a pound. Which is what a Cornish game hen weighs. I suppose I could simply toss the entire squirrel in to the crew, but I search for any shot pellets, as well as examine for parasites. Also many have a digestive tract full of corn and they won't eat that. So they get edible bone, heart, lungs, liver, brains, and at least a pound of meat from nuisance squirrels! The squirrels get free food, grow strong and free and obviously procreate profusely. I'd say my guys get a half dozen or so squirrels per year and about as many raccoons.
If I was more intent on supplementing their groceries with game, I'd easily be able and willing to do so. Again, I feel their healthy raw natural diet bolsters their immune system as well as the protection they get from Revolution. And my own observations of the prey sources.
Each locale will vary of course and it behooves anyone venturing in to feeding game to take personal precautions and learn before doing!
Also be prepared for some interesting reactions from the ferrets when introduced to the new prey!
Cheers,
Kim
A bit of Pocket Fuzz from my A100 with Tapatalk
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2012 18:43:19 GMT -5
Wow, I'd love to get my kids some squirrel. What do you use to kill them?
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