[bantam novice]

For the last couple of days something has been gnawing at the broody coop.  I realised today when I went down that it was squirrels.  They obviously have seen the feed I have put in the coop for the broody hen and the eggs that she is sitting on.  They don't seem to be fazed by the electric net fencing surrounding the hen run.  I saw one of them jumping through it.

I would not like the broody to be really disturbed.  She is sitting tight now (day 5) and if the squirrels break in they might shoo her off the nest or pinch the eggs.   Does anyone know of something I can paint on the wood to deter them?  Any other suggestions? (I am even starting to think that squirrel pie sounds good!)

[joyfull]

some bird boxes have metal plates fixed to the edges to prevent squirrels from gnawing them so you could try fixing some to all the edges of your coop.

[8doubles]

If the squirrels jump through they are not grounded so do not get a shock.
A metal bird feeder full of maize connected to the fence close to the ground might give them a jolt !

You may need to put it out of sight of the chooks.

[themagicaltoad1]

You could try painting "stop and grow" on the wood. I know it's to stop people from biting finger nails but I used it when my dog started chewing a doorframe and she soon stopped! It has a very bitter taste.

[8doubles]

You could try painting "stop and grow" on the wood. I know it's to stop people from biting finger nails but I used it when my dog started chewing a doorframe and she soon stopped! It has a very bitter taste.

Not as bitter as acorns ! 

[Sassy]

I'm assuming we are talking about grey squirrels. I feel they would try to take the eggs and maybe the chicks when they are very young or hatching. They raid birds nests so it is possible.

The suggestion of baiting the fence is a good one. If you can get access to the right sort of trap that is an option but if you caught one it would need to be culled - it is illegal to release them back into the wild.

Good luck

[bantam novice]

Thanks for some really helpfull suggestions 
I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Helenaj]

Have you tried a slurry made with really hot crushed chilli peppers painted on the chewed bit? I use Habanero chillis, but if you can find them, ghost chillis are the best. It usually does the trick, but you may need to make sure your hens can't get at it as it won't be too pleasant for them.

But wear gloves!

[Carla]

Have you tried a slurry made with really hot crushed chilli peppers painted on the chewed bit? I use Habanero chillis, but if you can find them, ghost chillis are the best. It usually does the trick, but you may need to make sure your hens can't get at it as it won't be too pleasant for them.

But wear gloves!

And dont scratch your 'bits' afterwards either...my ex did, funniest thing I've ever seen 

[bantam novice]