I was visiting in-laws in Seattle last year and as we watched the
chickadees et al at the platform bird feeder on a wooden pole, we watched
in horrified fascination as a very plump rat leisurely crawled up the
pole and helped itself to the seed in the feeder. Yes, rats do use bird
feeders. I don't have any strong opinions about whether or not this is a
common problem. Janet Partlow

On Tue, 21 Nov 1995, Mark Eburne wrote:

> Over the past I have enjoyed my feeders, atracting many different birds.
>
> Over a conversation with my brother-in-law he showed concern about
> attracting other creatures such a mice and rats, feeding on the spilled seed.
>
> Now this is something that I never had given much thought to and we don't
> have a pest problem that I have seen but is something that has be on my mind
> now.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts on the matter? Is there steps we should be
> taking at the feeder to decrease the potental problem?
>
> Mabye it's nothing and I should be spending my thoughts birding.
>
> Ths.
>
> Mark Eburne
> Mark_Eburne at mindlink.bc.ca
> Maple Ridge B.C. Canada
>
>