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Cacti & Succulents

cactus and succulents being eaten

9 years ago

I finally live in a climate where I can plant cacti and succulents outdoors. Unfortunately, we have quite a few Scrub Jays and they are eating and/or digging up my precious new plants. (The only cactus they don't eat is the dwarf Cholla lol).
Does anyone have a suggestion for dealing with this that won't be unsightly? I'm wondering if I could lightly dust them with chili or cayenne pepper powder without harming the plants. I'm also wondering if they are eating them for the water in them. In which case maybe putting out a water source for them might help? Any suggestions welcome! tyvm

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Comment (1)

Joe1980
9 years ago
Chili pepper is ineffective on birds, so don't bother with that. In fact, putting chili pepper in birdseed is a tactic to keep squirrels out, as the birds don't taste or feel hot things.

It is very possible that the birds are seeking water, so a bird bath would be effective, providing them with the water they seek. I stopped squirrels and birds from chomping my tomatoes in the garden by providing a bird bath. The digging by jays can be them hiding food, as they like to "cache" their food for later. Since using grit and turface, I have no problems with anything digging.

Joe
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