Peanut Holder Visitor

[horselady]

Just looked out the kitchen window and spotted a little mouse scoffing the peanuts on the hanging holder thingy, on the apple tree. Not really what I want so took it down and now there's a row of little great tits on the branches looking puzzled so I feel mean. I could dither around all day and not get a thing done, so I want some votes-mouse or birds?:-))

[dannyk13]

Why not both?

[horselady]

Tree is right outside the kitchen window and a mouse so close was a bit un-nerving, have visions of it popping in the window if it was open, yes I know that's daft as field mice don't come in. S'pose I could move the nuts to another tree but then I won't see the birds.

[Tuvok]

Birds - they may be feeding young.

[rccatnap]

I agree with dannyk13. Anyway the mouse is as unlikely to come in through your window as the birds are, unless you leave food on the window-ledge by an open window. A field-mouse is a delightful creature and should be appreciated more. You're lucky to be able to observe it so closely. So enjoy both species, it's nature!

[Tilly2]

Another vote for both here.

[Ratty2E]

Both, they won't be the sort of mice that want to come in your house so don't worry. I have mice that take shelter in my greenhouse, they are wood mice and apart from raiding the bird food they are no bother.

[SlackAlice]

Both from me as well. I often see a field mouse underneath my feeders. Live and let live ☺☺☺

[Bertrum]

You could try hanging the feeder on a piece of thin string like an old boot lace to see if you can prevent the mouse from physically getting to it

[naomi24]

Both. I don't mind who eats the food I put in the garden. I just top it up when it's low. They all have to survive.

(Field mice do sometimes go into houses, but they don't stick around).

[horselady]

OK the nuts are back on the tree. Thank you all, I agree the mouse was very sweet, tiny little thing, so he or she can stay. The birds are happy too. :-))

[murraymints]

put the nuts back..all part of the ecosystem

[murraymints]

ah...you have done..good..enjoy watching

[Arrods]

Anybody seen Wildlife Kate's web site? It's got 3 or 4 live web cams - fascinating stuff. I happened to chance on a bird feeder webcam late at night and caught sight of mouse-like creature helping itself. Enjoy!

http://www.wildlifekate.co.uk/home/4588862341

[murraymints]

Ta for that Arrods..have it bookmarked to watch between Ospreys !

[woofgang]

if the mice bother you then put up the kind of feeder that you only put a tiny bit of food in at a time and make sure that there is none left in it overnight. It won't solve the problem entirely but it will reduce it.