Grey Squirrells any threat?

[minskey]

Morning All,
Just spotted a Grey Squirrell, never seen one around here before, the hens spotted it and there was a lot of clucking going on; are they a threat to hens or eggs. My little lot are inside a low fence along with the hen house, one of the hens is also sitting on eggs.

[Starchild]

Squirrels make excellent stew. They will eat birds eggs and young birds if left unattended.

[minskey]

I can imagine this one could feed a family of 4, it was huge & not frightned of me at all; rats with bushy tails to me though!

[vicky]

I can't think of any way to make a run/house squirrel-proof!
Other than an armed guard!

[Eyren]

My bantams usually complain when one comes in the garden, because they know a rat when they see one

As long as the chickens are around to guard any eggs or chicks, I don't suppose the squirrels will be a problem. Chickens, being omnivorous, are quite capable of killing small mammals - mine caught and killed a mouse once, and made a hell of a racket squabbling over who had possession of the corpse!

[Hilary B]

Unlikely to attack an hen, but will steal eggs if given the chance, and if a baby chick got out of 'defensive Mum range' a squirrel might take it.
While on the subject of squirrels, be careful not to let them get in your roof. They like chewing plastic, including plastic water pipes and electric cabling insulation.....