I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on a
regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James

On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:02:25 -0000
"the_constructor" wrote:

I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on a
regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James

1) Divorce

2) Nails won't hurt the birds. They are quite used to avoiding thorns.

R.

On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:02:25 -0000, "the_constructor"
wrote:

I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on a
regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James


You could use something like this along the edge of the shed and on top of the
bird box. Can you lower the box ?

http://www.gullstop.co.uk/shop.asp?c...Prikka%20Strip

Andy

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on
a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails
on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful
to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every
night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

A wide flap of something stiff but flexible nailed to the edge of the shed
roof, continuing over the top of the box. An offcut of vinyl flooring would
be ideal. The cat won't want to walk on something that gives under its
weight.

Colin Bignell

On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:02:25 -0000 someone who may be
"the_constructor" wrote this:-

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds.

Nails will not harm small birds.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

On 2008-01-28 06:02:25 +0000, "the_constructor"
said:

I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on a
regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James



All you need to do is something to interrupt the path of the cat
somewhat. It doesn't even need to be perfect - just something that
will make going a different way easier for the cat.

You can get plastic strips with stick up points that are normally used
on the tops of fences. Screwfix sell them among others. A
couple of these on top of the bird box and perhaps the shed will be
enough to deter the cat without interrupting the landing positions of
the birds. You might be able to make an effect by putting some
on parts of the fence as well. All you need is enough to make the
exercise unattractive to the cat. They are quite lazy and there are
much easier ways for them to catch birds - e.g. lurking in the bushes
and jumping out while the birds are on the ground.

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2008-01-28 06:02:25 +0000, "the_constructor"
said:

I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have
fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be
coming on a
regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the
cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful
to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every
night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James



All you need to do is something to interrupt the path of the cat
somewhat. It doesn't even need to be perfect - just something that
will make going a different way easier for the cat.

You can get plastic strips with stick up points that are normally used
on the tops of fences. Screwfix sell them among others. A couple
of these on top of the bird box and perhaps the shed will be enough to
deter the cat without interrupting the landing positions of the
birds. You might be able to make an effect by putting some on
parts of the fence as well. All you need is enough to make the
exercise unattractive to the cat. They are quite lazy and there are
much easier ways for them to catch birds - e.g. lurking in the bushes
and jumping out while the birds are on the ground.



I can remember fixing a bird table to a length of plastic broom handle

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on
a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails
on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful
to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every
night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James

We had exactly the same problem. It was solved by making a wedge-shaped
cover from ply to fit on top of the box.

You could make an artificial 'proper' roof from ply, like a house roof with
gables if you prefer. Some ready-made nest boxes are made like that.

Nails wouldn't harm the birds but would look unsightly.

Mary

I suggest you get a few branches of Holly and wire to shed

Colin
"Stuart Noble" wrote in message
...
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2008-01-28 06:02:25 +0000, "the_constructor"
said:

I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have
fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across
the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the
bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming
on a
regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I
do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails
on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to
the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night,
but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James



All you need to do is something to interrupt the path of the cat
somewhat. It doesn't even need to be perfect - just something that
will make going a different way easier for the cat.

You can get plastic strips with stick up points that are normally used on
the tops of fences. Screwfix sell them among others. A couple of
these on top of the bird box and perhaps the shed will be enough to deter
the cat without interrupting the landing positions of the birds.
You might be able to make an effect by putting some on parts of the fence
as well. All you need is enough to make the exercise unattractive to
the cat. They are quite lazy and there are much easier ways for them to
catch birds - e.g. lurking in the bushes and jumping out while the birds
are on the ground.



I can remember fixing a bird table to a length of plastic broom handle

the_constructor wrote:

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

Try this: http://tinyurl.com/32spg9
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160202204685&ru=http%3 A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dl l%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D1602022 04685%26fvi%3D1

hth
David

On Jan 28, 5:34*pm, Lobster wrote:
the_constructor wrote:
I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat, but
I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails on
top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful to the
birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every night, but
all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

Try this: http://tinyurl.com/32spg9
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160202204685&ru=....

hth
David

wear a crash helmet

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on
a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails
on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful
to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every
night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James





I noted all the replies here, I also noted your comment about not wanting to
hurt the birds but no mention of the cat....



shoot the flipping cat.

"Neil - Usenet" wrote in message
...

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted
a nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming
on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of
nails on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be
harmful to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard
duty every night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James


I noted all the replies here, I also noted your comment shoot the
flipping cat.



I love watching and photographing the birds which use the feeder which I
have fixed to a tree in my front garden. The problem is that they are greedy
and will empty the feeder in a day. As a pensioner, I can't keep up with
the cost of bird feed. I have a pet shop just over the road where I buy my
bird feed but I'm now spending over £5 a week. Can anyone suggest a cheaper
alternative as I don't want to deprive the birds of their daily feed. I'm
now also thinking of installing a nest box on the tree. Any tips would be
most welcome. No problem with cats - I shot them all years ago! (only
joking).

Terry D.

In article ,
orld/com says...

"Neil - Usenet" wrote in message
...

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted
a nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming
on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of
nails on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be
harmful to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard
duty every night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James


I noted all the replies here, I also noted your comment shoot the
flipping cat.



I love watching and photographing the birds which use the feeder which I
have fixed to a tree in my front garden. The problem is that they are greedy
and will empty the feeder in a day. As a pensioner, I can't keep up with
the cost of bird feed. I have a pet shop just over the road where I buy my
bird feed but I'm now spending over £5 a week. Can anyone suggest a cheaper
alternative as I don't want to deprive the birds of their daily feed. I'm
now also thinking of installing a nest box on the tree. Any tips would be
most welcome. No problem with cats - I shot them all years ago! (only
joking).

Terry D.



Not easy in your situation, granted, but you should try to buy in bulk.
This mob have some good deals going on

http://tinyurl.com/27wqzu

Furthermore, stay away from ladders, for God's sake!

"Bikini Whacks" wrote in message
t...
In article ,
orld/com says...

"Neil - Usenet" wrote in message
...

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have
fitted
a nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is
there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across
the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the
bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming
on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I
do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of
nails on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be
harmful to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard
duty every night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James


I noted all the replies here, I also noted your comment shoot the
flipping cat.



I love watching and photographing the birds which use the feeder which I
have fixed to a tree in my front garden. The problem is that they are
greedy
and will empty the feeder in a day. As a pensioner, I can't keep up with
the cost of bird feed. I have a pet shop just over the road where I buy
my
bird feed but I'm now spending over £5 a week. Can anyone suggest a
cheaper
alternative as I don't want to deprive the birds of their daily feed. I'm
now also thinking of installing a nest box on the tree. Any tips would be
most welcome. No problem with cats - I shot them all years ago! (only
joking).

Terry D.



Not easy in your situation, granted, but you should try to buy in bulk.
This mob have some good deals going on

http://tinyurl.com/27wqzu

Furthermore, stay away from ladders, for God's sake!



I don't need a ladder - I can reach the feeder from ground level. I have a
ladder but I wouldn't dare to use it. My neighbour has kindly offered to
change the bulbs in my security lights. I hardly have the strength to carry
the ladder from the garage but he said he will do it all. I'm lucky to have
such a good neighbour.

I intend to buy a nest box this week - any advice most welcome.

Terry D.

In message
"Terry D" /com wrote:


I don't need a ladder - I can reach the feeder from ground level. I have a
ladder but I wouldn't dare to use it. My neighbour has kindly offered to
change the bulbs in my security lights. I hardly have the strength to carry
the ladder from the garage but he said he will do it all. I'm lucky to have
such a good neighbour.

I intend to buy a nest box this week - any advice most welcome.

Are there any farmers' markets near where you live?
Assuming you have transport, it could work out cheaper than buying
mail order.

http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=b...oducts&h l=en
will give you an idea of what's available and cost.

Barry
--
Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

"Lobster" wrote in message
...
the_constructor wrote:

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of
nails on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be
harmful to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard
duty every night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

Try this: http://tinyurl.com/32spg9
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160202204685&ru=http%3 A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dl l%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D1602022 04685%26fvi%3D1

hth
David

Love your sense of humour David

James

"Neil - Usenet" wrote in message
...

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted
a nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming
on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of
nails on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be
harmful to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard
duty every night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James





I noted all the replies here, I also noted your comment about not wanting
to hurt the birds but no mention of the cat....



shoot the flipping cat.


I wonder if the local Police would loan me a tazer !
Food for thought
James

"Terry D" /com wrote in message
...

"Neil - Usenet" wrote in message
...

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted
a nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across
the landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger
cat first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the
bird box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be
coming on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I
do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of
nails on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be
harmful to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard
duty every night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

James


I noted all the replies here, I also noted your comment shoot the
flipping cat.



I love watching and photographing the birds which use the feeder which I
have fixed to a tree in my front garden. The problem is that they are
greedy and will empty the feeder in a day. As a pensioner, I can't keep
up with the cost of bird feed. I have a pet shop just over the road where
I buy my bird feed but I'm now spending over £5 a week. Can anyone
suggest a cheaper alternative as I don't want to deprive the birds of
their daily feed. I'm now also thinking of installing a nest box on the
tree. Any tips would be most welcome. No problem with cats - I shot them
all years ago! (only joking).

Terry D.



If there are 4 feeding holes in the feeders, block 2 up
James

"the_constructor" wrote in message
...
I have a wooden shed and on the side of it near to the top, I have fitted a
nesting box for bluetits, which they are just staring to know is there.

This morning at 5am, the wife had to get up and whilst walking across the
landing looked out of the staircase window and saw the local ginger cat
first sat on top of the shed then it started sniffing and pawing the bird
box. Now that it knows the bird box is there it will no doubt be coming on
a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I can not put the bird box anywhere else so what can I do.

I had thought of putting nails on top of the bird box to deter the cat,
but I do not want to harm the birds. I thought of putting a strip of nails
on top of the shed above the bird box, but there again it may be harmful
to the birds. Then I suggested to the wife that stay on guard duty every
night, but all I got was a wallop across the lughole.

Any suggestions please?

If it's a flat topped box cut a piece of thin ply the same size as the box
top.
Screw a bolt loosely through the middle of it with a spacer underneath
creating a turntable effect.
Bolt through the roof of the box.
Set up your camera and watch the kitty somersault off the top each time it
tries to mount the box.

Post pics to alt.binaries.photos.original if you can stop grinning long
enough ;-)

Terry D wrote:

I'm now also thinking of installing a nest box on the tree. Any tips
would be
most welcome.

Don't put a nest box in the same tree as the feeder. It's unlikely any
birds will use it because there are too many other birds in the vicinity.
Can't you fix one to a fence a short way away but still in view?