Wildlife in the garden - Indian summer?
- Thread starter Dog Star
- Start date
oldravendale
Western Thunderer
Probably none! But a bit of digging suggests that the only bird to eat them is the cuckoo.
jcm@gwr
Western Thunderer
We have a huge number of those, at the club, they seem to like Ragwort.
It's illegal to cultivate that plant, because it can be detrimental to cattle if they eat it, but
as the garden is inaccessible to cattle, we allow it to grow, to encourage the caterpillars.
This was about a month ago, and not all are in shot.
It's illegal to cultivate that plant, because it can be detrimental to cattle if they eat it, but
as the garden is inaccessible to cattle, we allow it to grow, to encourage the caterpillars.
This was about a month ago, and not all are in shot.
daifly
Western Thunderer
However each plant can produce in excess of 100,000 seeds so as long as every one of the seeds remains within the grounds it's probably OK.
It is a major problem for all livestock and although it is not an offence to have these weeds growing on your land and species such as ragwort have significant conservation benefits it must not be allowed to spread to grazing land or land which is used to produce hay or silage
Dave
It is a major problem for all livestock and although it is not an offence to have these weeds growing on your land and species such as ragwort have significant conservation benefits it must not be allowed to spread to grazing land or land which is used to produce hay or silage
Dave
jcm@gwr
Western Thunderer
We are some distance from the nearest grazing land, and are surrounded by residential properties.
The plant regrows in the same spot every year, but doesn't normally get a chance to go to seed, as
the caterpillars are quite keen. Also, if any others appear, they are promptly removed, we only allow
the one plant, just for the caterpillars.
simond
Western Thunderer
Allen,
If you can nip into the local zoo, and if they’ll supply you the stuff, large cat (lion, tiger, cheetah) poo is supposed to deter domestic cats. I imagine it would!
I have no idea if it smells worse, whether it actually works, or even if the zoo sells it, but I guess they have some…
If you can nip into the local zoo, and if they’ll supply you the stuff, large cat (lion, tiger, cheetah) poo is supposed to deter domestic cats. I imagine it would!
I have no idea if it smells worse, whether it actually works, or even if the zoo sells it, but I guess they have some…
Lancastrian
Western Thunderer
I wonder if Woburn could lend me a big cat for the weekend to get rid of the f'in magpies!!!
Indeed it does - I talk from experioence as a volunteer zoo keeper in past years. So does their breath! Having a Siberian tiger breath on you from immediately behind the bars is a whole new olfactory experience!
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Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I do firmly believe in the principal of live and let live, and try very hard to practice patience and understanding at all times... except when it comes to Wood Pigeons! The wretched creatures are driving me mad!
A good friend complained that their interminable mating calls were waking him up far too early every morning. He then ruefully commented:
"If I had a voice like that, the only thing I could expect to attract is high velocity lead!"
Pete.
A good friend complained that their interminable mating calls were waking him up far too early every morning. He then ruefully commented:
"If I had a voice like that, the only thing I could expect to attract is high velocity lead!"
Pete.
michael080
Western Thunderer
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
That's much better than my never ending fight against cat poo
Have you tried one of those ultrasonic scarers? My neighbour on the right has one in the front border, and it seems to work well. We're not short of moggies round these parts, especially the neighbour on the left.
(Ours will go to any lengths to use his own litter tray. He simply will not do his business outside!)
Soak in a bucket of water then use as a liquid manure. Feeds the plants and frightens the natives. Dig remaining solids in to the veg plot. Win all round!
I do this with cow man yure which is more readily available. No problem with cats, mine or anyone else's.
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Jordan
Mid-Western Thunderer
What about Elephant poo?
Asking for a friend....
As both me & Allen's local Zoo is Dudley, I'm also reminded of this News Item...
when they finish eating this ragwort, they will eat each other. Unless you move some to a fresh plant, or there is another touching it! There’s plenty of ragwort around this year, but a scarcity of these caterpillars.
Jordan
Mid-Western Thunderer
Except on October 12th....True. And be very very careful to keep away from Cradley Heath.
Allen
Exhibition
Information will updated here nearer to the date, until then keep checking back for more info
www.cradleyheathmrc.co.uk
(and even that is in Rowley..!!
)
Eastsidepilot
Western Thunderer
Put the words " You poor, poor, bastard" to a wood pidgeons call and you will always hear those words.....it makes me laugh inside my head everytime I hear one now
Col.
Lancastrian
Western Thunderer
No idea what this little critter is.
