Squirrel boxes

[Tyla 3,179]

I want to set up a trap line round the farm targeting squirrels, I have a few fenns floating about so would rather use them than buy new traps. I'd like to mount them on trees as I don't want to be killing stoats and weasels. Whats the best box design and is there anything I can do to discourage birds from going in the boxes?

Thanks in advance 

[Tyla 3,179]

25 minutes ago, W. Katchum said:

Loads ideas on web but if I was you an using fenns I’d have holes in bottom of box an a baffle to make squirrel head straight over pan. But there again id use body grips an it would make life a lot easier

Body grips would definitely be the best way, im just being tight and don't want to buy more traps. Once I've made a load of complicated boxes I will probably change my mind lol. Anyone got any pics of what they use?

[EDDIE B 3,166]

2 hours ago, Tyla said:

I want to set up a trap line round the farm targeting squirrels, I have a few fenns floating about so would rather use them than buy new traps. I'd like to mount them on trees as I don't want to be killing stoats and weasels. Whats the best box design and is there anything I can do to discourage birds from going in the boxes?

Thanks in advance 

Can't get much simpler than this

 

[EDDIE B 3,166]

A bit more to this type of box, but easy enough work out the measurements. This would keep birds out for sure

 

[Tyla 3,179]

They are both good designs, the second one looks ideal. I'd be a little concerned about woodpeckers in the first one

[comanche 3,061]

Bit of inner tube to hold the lid on

Make sure you leave room to flick the safety catch off. Schoolboy error ; l had to chisel a slot to make room for it on this one.

They seem to work better if a bit of daylight shows through the closed end. There are always gaps in my woodwork anyway. I just staple a bit of mesh over the bigger ones.

I just went into the garden to photograph this one that hangs permanently  on my fence. It holds a Fenn no 6 so the tunnel is stepped down to be narrower. The entrance can be restricted further with loose curtains of chicken mesh that a squirrel easily pushes past.

This picture shows why the bait disappears overnight!

 You might also have to 'think dormouse ' in you part of the world .Or  wait 'till the autumn and winter when they are asleep.

Edited March 24, 2021 by comanche

[Ken's Deputy 4,460]

2 hours ago, comanche said:

If you suspect  dormice are about they should be set high up the tree to avoid catching them.

Hazel Dormice?