r/AnimalsBeingStrange • u/FierceBadRabbits • 1d ago

Clumsy animal Weird bird

I spotted a fledging Mourning Dove sitting in the left lane of a busy street this morning. I pulled over to rescue it, and moments before I could get it, a speeding SUV ran it over. I drove home crying and went to my backyard to feed the birds. And I found this. After unsuccessfully attempting to free her big fat head from my “squirrel-proof” feeder, I drove her to my vet as she CONTINUED TO EAT MY BIRDSEED THE ENTIRE TIME. Shout out to my local vet who knocked her out, got her out of the feeder, gave her fluids, and released her far from my backyard. How was your morning? Any rat-proof feeder recommendations?

86 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

34

u/Coffin_Dodging 1d ago

Chilli powder coating the seeds before putting them out really helps

Birds are immune to the effects of capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers spicy, because they lack the receptors that mammals use to sense the "heat".

This allows birds to eat chili peppers and disperse their seeds, which is beneficial for the plants

17

u/FierceBadRabbits 1d ago

Thank you. I will definitely do that going forward.

8

u/SkookumFred 20h ago

Dropping in to say you're an awesome person. First a dove then a rat. I hope you treat yourself to something awesome. Most certainly well deserved !!!!

7

u/FierceBadRabbits 20h ago

Thank you. I’m feeling absolutely terrible about the dove. I wish I had gotten to her in time.

•

u/Bowling4rhinos 2h ago

I second that! Congrats on your big heart and thanks for sharing with us here.

6

u/dudeman_joe 21h ago

Does this work for squirrels, asking for my mom who has a bird feeder.

3

u/Coffin_Dodging 19h ago

It does for any mammal, the squirrels I have actively avoid my seeds now.

I find it best to do half the amount of seeds at a time because as soon as it rains, the potency wears off.

3

u/dudeman_joe 19h ago

Oh good too know about the rain its going to be wet here for like a week. Thanks mate I'll work on getting that set up for my mum.

1

u/Coffin_Dodging 19h ago

No worries, as a side note (if you are in EU), if you have hedgehogs and like them coming, it will put them off too)

10

u/PhdamnD 1d ago

The lengths you went to to show compassion to this lucky little one is so incredibly heartwarming. So many people are cruel to rodents, and they don't deserve it. Thank you for being so kind and caring - the world needs more people like you

6

u/alicesartandmore 1d ago

This is very wholesome, I'm glad your vet was able and willing to help!

5

u/DitchDigger330 15h ago

The quote on the vet sign Is gold.

2

u/FierceBadRabbits 15h ago

They change it out every few weeks and it’s always hilarious!

5

u/blueSnowfkake 22h ago

Google bird feeder squirrel deterrent and see what’s available in your area. This inverted cone style has worked well for us for years.