Does the Invasion of Black Squirrels in the UK concern you??

[Clodhopper]

It's going to be tricky, then. My garden is about 12 foot by 20 and involves veg patch and faaaar too many cats.

I was thinking of putting a box or two on the north facing (non-garden) side of the house. Out of the direct sun and safe from felines. Can't provide the luxury apartments you can!

I think it's going to be a case of try it and see. Will certainly bear in mind the provision of nesting material. Cheers.

[oscar]

Originally Posted by Clodhopper

It's going to be tricky, then. My garden is about 12 foot by 20 and involves veg patch and faaaar too many cats.

I was thinking of putting a box or two on the north facing (non-garden) side of the house. Out of the direct sun and safe from felines. Can't provide the luxury apartments you can!

I think it's going to be a case of try it and see. Will certainly bear in mind the provision of nesting material. Cheers.

My front garden where I get all the birds is actually quite small but I did fore-see a bird haven when I moved in around 13 years ago and took into account the plants I'd need to attract them.

My advice to you with your garden would be to get some straw based boxes and place them high up near to the eaves of your roof. You may get Swallows, Martins etc and Blue Tits who like to nest high.
Position it under the eaves, away from any windows and out of the direct sun, wind and rain.
House martins build their nests under the eaves of houses. You could place a ready-made nest beneath the eaves, preferably on a north or east-facing wall and not above a door or window.
You can fix a small, removable shelf, 25 cm wide, about 2 metres beneath the nest site to catch any droppings. At the end of each season, you can take it down and clean it off, replacing it the following year before the birds return in April and May.

[Odie]

Originally Posted by oscar

No it's not a hoax... Black Rabbit population is on the up. Mr O has seen them while out fishing in South Glou.

there you go Mick, being prestigious again!

[gmc]

Originally Posted by oscar

Do you get them in Scotland? In the past year we have seen many at night on the grass verges in South Gloucestershire. You don't see them at first until the headlights pick them up.

Yes we do. There is also a colony of white rabbits near me as well which unbelievably are thriving. It's quite a sight seeing them along tjhe edges of the dual carraigeway. They live in warrens but seem to nest-for want of a better word-in shallow holes amongst the bushes. My wife's theory is that mixi has almost wiped out the burrow dwellers and those oddballs that didn't use them have survived to breed.

[oscar]

Originally Posted by gmc

Yes we do. There is also a colony of white rabbits near me as well which unbelievably are thriving. It's quite a sight seeing them along tjhe edges of the dual carraigeway. They live in warrens but seem to nest-for want of a better word-in shallow holes amongst the bushes. My wife's theory is that mixi has almost wiped out the burrow dwellers and those oddballs that didn't use them have survived to breed.

I have heard of wild white rabbits but I am surprised that you see so many. Like any Albino species, they are a beacon for predators, wild cats, fox etc. I've never seen one myself but the Black species is certainly thriving around here. I like the theory of the Mixi... It makes sense.

[theia]

Originally Posted by YZGI

Why? Are they American Gray squirrels? Can you tell by their accent?

[gmc]

Originally Posted by oscar

I have heard of wild white rabbits but I am surprised that you see so many. Like any Albino species, they are a beacon for predators, wild cats, fox etc. I've never seen one myself but the Black species is certainly thriving around here. I like the theory of the Mixi... It makes sense.

They're not albino they just have white hair-there are piebald ones as well.

[oscar]

Originally Posted by gmc

They're not albino they just have white hair-there are piebald ones as well.

I used the word Albino in the descriptive sense. Albino or white, I'm surprised they haven't been wiped out by predetors but then looking at how rapidly a rabbit breeds,

[Lon]

What a jolly interesting poll this is. I could not sleep last night while contemplating whether or not the Invasion Of Black Squirrels in the UK concerns me. If they were to carry the Plague like Black Rats centuries ago, that would not be pleasant, on the other hand and on a positive note, they could be a good food source for all in the UK. Stews and Soups made with Black Squirrels would provide a excellent source of protein for some Britishers of sallow complexion and anemic disposition.
Dr. Maynard K. Witherby, a Black Squirrel authority and author of the best selling book "How to Co-exist With The Black Squirrel" has stated "to eat Black Squirrel is a meal of a lifetime".

[oscar]

Originally Posted by Lon

What a jolly interesting poll this is. I could not sleep last night while contemplating whether or not the Invasion Of Black Squirrels in the UK concerns me. If they were to carry the Plague like Black Rats centuries ago, that would not be pleasant, on the other hand and on a positive note, they could be a good food source for all in the UK. Stews and Soups made with Black Squirrels would provide a excellent source of protein for some Britishers of sallow complexion and anemic disposition.
Dr. Maynard K. Witherby, a Black Squirrel authority and author of the best selling book "How to Co-exist With The Black Squirrel" has stated "to eat Black Squirrel is a meal of a lifetime".

I beg to differ my Yankee Doodle Buddy. What may appear to you as an Innocuous rambling around the British Isles by these cute little fluffy things, Under-pinned Is a huge matter of concern for our Government. Please bear in mind that the Grey Squirrel who is being slaughtered in their droves, are infact American, How can you Idly stand by and watch this civil war on our Green and Plesent land of your own type? You must engage and help us fight them on the Beaches, send allied Troops but this time..... Please try to be punctual