Monday, September 8, 2008

Osquirrelamosis


There is a very simple answer to squirrels gaining entrance to squirrel-proof feeders. The process is called "osquirrelamosis." This is the tendency of a squirrel to pass through a semipermeable membrane, like your feeder, into a concentrated space which then equalizes the feeding conditions on either side of the membrane.

This process is not fully understood by birdfeeder manufacturers at this time, so their claims of providing squirrel-proof birdfeeders are not quite dishonest. Of course, we can’t overlook the fact that these devices don’t work.

I am not trying to tell you squirrel-proof feeders are a waste of money because they do work on some squirrels. It is believed that some squirrels are not osmotic. Osmosis is a very complicated process, and many squirrels are just not mentally up to the task of physically performing the necessary osmotic steps that enable them to gain access to squirrel-proof feeders.

Your best defense is a good offense. Put out several nice squirrel feeders far away from the house if you do not want them hanging around harassing your birds. In most cases they will stay out and work the feeders that can be accessed without using the energy-draining osmosis procedure. But remember, when your squirrels are out of sight they are also out of minding distance.

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