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View Full Version : Squirrel Ladders---SAVE LIVES !!



stosh2010
09-25-2011, 11:10 PM
Here is a SIMPLE, FAST, CHEAP way to assure that any squirrel that accidently lands in a toilet---has an easy means to get out,
--or at least hang on and not drown. ( especially FLYERS )I was asked to post these on Rama's thread, but I thought they might reach more folks if it was on a seperate thread.
That hardware cloth wire is available at most hardware stores and is sold by the foot from a large roll.
You can mold it--shape it with your hands...it is very flexible.

island rehabber
09-25-2011, 11:30 PM
:goodpost I think this needs to be a sticky someplace, also....

Jackie in Tampa
09-26-2011, 07:37 AM
I was just telling member Susan HHRP about this yesterday...
:thumbsup

SquirrelNut
09-26-2011, 09:19 AM
Wonderful idea to make people aware of this!!:thankyou

ZooMomma
10-01-2011, 06:46 PM
Isn't it easier to train the humans to close the lid?...

Wait, scratch that, I have children & a husband too, ...

Great idea!

Adventurista
10-02-2011, 08:55 PM
Isn't it easier to train the humans to close the lid?...

Wait, scratch that, I have children & a husband too, ...

Great idea!


IF ANYone has ANY advice on how to train the hubs to close the lid---oh, I'll pay thousands! LOL! Thanks for the squirrel ladder idea stosh! brilliant!

JLM27
10-03-2011, 08:51 AM
Here is another pic:

150589

If any one needs a piece of hardware cloth, email me your address, and I will mail it to you. I have lots of scraps.

SquirrelRefuge
12-16-2011, 03:16 PM
I have a pool on my deck with a people ladder used to get in and out. Last summer I noticed a few squirrels grabbing a refreshing beverage by hanging just above the water by their back feet and lapping at the water. I think this would work great if strategically placed around the pool in case anyone ever takes a dive.

patjones
02-17-2012, 01:57 AM
After my tragic experience I made some squirrel ladders so it never happens again. I used an angle grinder to make quick work of the cutting and then spray painted them so they would not only look better but not rust as quickly. I also made 2 sets so one set could be pulled out and thrown in the dishwasher and another set put in place right away.
I would be happy to make a set and mail them to you if you are not able to make one yourself. I would do anything to keep someone from going through what I did.


http://www.patjonesphotography.com/img/s9/v15/p383738011-4.jpg
http://www.patjonesphotography.com/img/s11/v37/p145211693-4.jpg
http://www.patjonesphotography.com/img/s10/v16/p469936064-5.jpg

island rehabber
02-17-2012, 07:26 AM
Bless you, Pat.....from one tragedy comes many many potential little lives saved. :bowdown

kcassidy
03-25-2012, 06:46 PM
If you close the lid, how will the dogs get water :D

I wish more people would do something like this in their horse water troughs too. Glad the word is getting out.

TheAngryMother
04-26-2012, 12:59 PM
Ingenioius!!!

Kebtaz
09-07-2012, 04:35 PM
Excellent idea!!! I will make some for the pool, cow trophs, and toilet!:crazy :jump

stosh2010
09-23-2012, 10:52 AM
Excellent idea!!! I will make some for the pool, cow trophs, and toilet!:crazy :jump
I have read of dozens of new EYES-OPENED babies. This means lots of EXPLORING, young, squirrels.
PLEASE--try and squirrel proof your home.--esp. if they are allowed OUT-of-CAGE time.
You will NEVER be able to supervise a squirrel 100 % of the time...and within 60 secoonds or less-they can put themselves in PERIL

INVEST the TIME ( to protect )
AVOID the TEARS

Chickenlegs
09-23-2012, 11:00 AM
For those of us who have pet birds--they can land wrong too and end up in the drink. My husband is one of those men who actually closes the lid. He's sort of a germaphobe. I can deal with most germs (I came equipped with an immune system) I can't deal with a tragic death. This is a lifesaver and even someone with several thumbs on each hand can bend wire.

acorniv
10-02-2012, 09:24 PM
I would like to take this moment to thank my husband's first wife for teaching him to put the seat - and the lid down. THANK YOU, Roxanne! :thumbsup

This, BTW, is a brilliant innovation.

acorniv
10-02-2012, 09:31 PM
This, is a brilliant innovation. :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou whomever came up with it.

We lost our first squirrel to a bucket of water I left uncovered when I was called into another room and didn't get back until it was too late. We've never been so heartbroken, and my daughter in particular suffered serious depression afterwards. I'm a proactive person and if I'd known about this, I'd have popped one on even if I didn't expect to be called away, just as a precaution. Think of it as a seatbelt - something to use automatically every time; not something to think about and sometimes decide there's no point. Beleive me, there's always a point.

BTW, My brother lost a beloved parrot who flew into boiling water on a stove - another hazard for house squirrels - a cover would have prevented that tragedy.

Pixie
11-03-2012, 05:15 AM
Thank you for the ladder idea I will put them in my home for my angel peanut.Never would of thought of it THANK YOU

Nancy in New York
11-06-2012, 08:26 PM
BUMP!!!!!

Sara89nicole
11-07-2012, 05:51 PM
I never had to train my other half to close the toilet lid he already did it, heck he even closes bathroom door. :) I need to put one these in anyways, my fliers have figured out how to get in bathroom and all it would take is one slip up. I'm potty training a 2 yr old...

Christie1984
11-09-2012, 12:22 AM
Definitely something anyone with squirrels in the house NEEDS!!!! I lost a sweet baby to the toilet recently and completely regret not having a squirrel ladder.

jblwired
11-09-2012, 03:04 AM
This is great to see! I was warned many years ago by my granddad, when I saved my first baby in Broward Co. FL. where I grew up. He told me about someone close to him that lost one in the can. It was so sad to hear that I just always made sure to keep the lid down, and even put a reminder note on it to remind other family members too. Sounds like such a horrible way to go for a little guy. I can hardly imagine it.

jblwired
11-09-2012, 03:39 AM
@ Acorniv

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, and so much more so about your daughter. I so know how she feels.

and @ everybody else
I've never been more depressed in my life myself since loosing my 13 week old baby Leaha, to a Mimosa tree seed pod(thier HIGHLY toxic, even to children, and cattle). It's also called a Silk tree. The pod got tracked in accidently, just this last Halloween morning, and it put her down in under a half an hour of eating it. I cut down the few that were growing wild in my yard, the same day, and burned them to ash. Every, Last, Seed.

R.I.P. Baby Leaha

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/580974_420050084717308_524199730_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/559455_421779541211029_825425163_n.jpg

She was smarter than any dog I've ever had, and more devoted to me than any person I've met yet. She was my best friend.

acorniv
11-10-2012, 08:59 PM
@ Acorniv

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, and so much more so about your daughter. I so know how she feels.

and @ everybody else
I've never been more depressed in my life myself since loosing my 13 week old baby Leaha, to a Mimosa tree seed pod(thier HIGHLY toxic, even to children, and cattle). It's also called a Silk tree. The pod got tracked in accidently, just this last Halloween morning, and it put her down in under a half an hour of eating it. I cut down the few that were growing wild in my yard, the same day, and burned them to ash. Every, Last, Seed.

R.I.P. Baby Leaha

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/580974_420050084717308_524199730_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/559455_421779541211029_825425163_n.jpg

She was smarter than any dog I've ever had, and more devoted to me than any person I've met yet. She was my best friend.

Thankyou for your sympathy, jblwired. It was a terrible loss and a horrendous time, as I'm sure you know. What ultimateluy helpd my daughter was getting into horses - and if nothing else illustrates how big an impact a squirrel makes on a life, the fact that it took horses to help her through it should! Our local outdoor YMCA has a 12 stall barn that had been deserted and misused for years. She spent 4 months working 40 hours a week cleaning it by herself, or with my help. It was really cathartic, shoveling out stalls! Not many 13 yo's would do that ( with no horses around to ride at that point), but not many 13yo's have such a big heartbreak.

I'm absolutely sick, and so sorry, reading about your Baby Leaha, too. What a tragedy. Please pm me anytime you want to talk to someone who has been there.

It's hard to know why a squirrel would not be able to tell the difference between safe and unsafe seeds. You'd think nature would have equipped them better in this way.

FatJay
08-08-2013, 03:15 PM
I'm doing something like this for my pool, after an incident that recently took place. A good idea for sure.

Nancy in New York
08-08-2013, 03:35 PM
Here is an excellent idea, the Skamper Ramp.
My friend has this and she releases squirrels all the time on her
property with NO pool problems or drownings.
http://www.skamper-ramp-store.com/regular-skamper-ramp.html

Gussie
11-09-2013, 06:42 PM
Great idea Stosh! I am going to put one in immediately......

stosh2010
02-15-2014, 06:50 AM
BUMP---
Just a reminder to ALL--
and especially to our FLYER friends....

Karen
06-11-2014, 03:28 PM
I have a pool on my deck with a people ladder used to get in and out. Last summer I noticed a few squirrels grabbing a refreshing beverage by hanging just above the water by their back feet and lapping at the water. I think this would work great if strategically placed around the pool in case anyone ever takes a dive.

We have a scamper ramp, it helps the pups dive into the pool. And get out sometimes when they don't want to use the people ladder.

stosh2010
07-14-2014, 04:30 PM
ATTENTION:
If you are a fairly NEW T.S.B. member...
and you have a squirrel (s) in the house....
Start at page 1---and read all POSTS.
It may save a squirrel ---------and will surely save you a lot of anxiety, fear, guilt and (possible) remorse.
Squirrels will always get LOOSE
Squirrels will always find a way into the kitchen.
Squirrels will always disaappear for long periods of time.
Squirrels need US to have prepared--in advance-- for their BREAK-for-FREEDOM............
A small hole , to you & me...is a challenge ...to a small squirrel...to enter.

239004

stosh2010
07-14-2014, 05:34 PM
SORRY---I thought I was posting on a different Squirrel safety Thread...

Kitchen Dangers--CABINET NIGHTMARES......

click here to view Cabinet Squirrel-proofing tips...

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?33486-KITCHEN-DANGERS-Cabinet-Nightmares-This-Is-for-YOU-!!!!&highlight=

Mommaluvy
07-27-2014, 10:45 PM
We found one last year that fell into a pool with just 3 inches of water. He had tried to get out for some time . Foot prints in the dirt. It was spring and there was a branch in the pool, I suspect it broke. But there was a hose and a brick in there above water. The hose had been draining the pool. I suspect he panicked ans did not see the way out ( hose) or the brick that would have kept him out of the water. And maybe he died from exposure ... It was too shallow to drown. I felt terrible about it. I wonder if a thick ole rope would work in the pool. It's plastic and the mesh might pop it. Do you think a rope would work.

Anne
07-27-2014, 11:29 PM
Poor little squirrel, it doesn't take much to drown any small animal. I have one of those body surfer boards that is tethered in both my pool and in the pond. It's pretty good sized and if some animal falls in they can use the ropes to scurry out to safety.

stosh2010
10-14-2014, 10:24 PM
Poor little squirrel, it doesn't take much to drown any small animal. I have one of those body surfer boards that is tethered in both my pool and in the pond. It's pretty good sized and if some animal falls in they can use the ropes to scurry out to safety.

IT'S BEEN a few MONTHS -- since last post-
Just a Reminder--Be Safe !!!

stosh2010
10-03-2015, 08:16 AM
FLYER Moms & Dads.....................( and all squirrel parents)

Be Prepared--avoid the chance of a "water incident"

It's been a whole YEAR since this thread posted---
.
.
.
.
.
.
EASY, CHEAP and EFFECTIVE

stepnstone
10-03-2015, 01:54 PM
FLYER Moms & Dads.....................( and all squirrel parents)

Be Prepared--avoid the chance of a "water incident"

It's been a whole YEAR since this thread posted---
.
EASY, CHEAP and EFFECTIVE


http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=264242&stc=1

Thank you Stosh! :thumbsup

Moonridgerch
10-09-2016, 07:33 PM
IF ANYone has ANY advice on how to train the hubs to close the lid---oh, I'll pay thousands! LOL! Thanks for the squirrel ladder idea stosh! brilliant!

I believe it would be easier to remove the water with chopsticks after each use, then to train a man to close the lid!

stosh2010
10-22-2018, 05:32 PM
JUST a BUMP---- to remind you---protect all toilets, as it is near impossible ( for a squirrel) to escape or survive falling in.

Easy cheap LADDER...
Easier than that--keep the DANG DOOR shut. 24/7




160

melobryan
11-16-2018, 01:46 AM
I would be interested if you could send me one, I don’t have a way to make one.

stosh2010
11-16-2018, 09:52 PM
I would be interested if you could send me one, I don’t have a way to make one.

It really is simple. ANY hardware store or Home Depot has "hardware cloth". That is just heavy wire...that is sold from a roll.. 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch wire works well... One foot from the roll will make 6 "ladders". Home Depot will even cut them for you-- pieces should be 6 inch by 12 inch. Try to bend down any wires that stick out from the sides. Then you press it ( the ladder) down over the top of the bowl. It bends very easily.
GOOD LUCK.

You CAN Do This...

Spacec4t
09-02-2021, 07:18 PM
Thank you for this warning and the very good information! I will certainly keep this in mind.
Recently the industry has come up with different types of plastic mesh with holes between ¼" to ½". Very sturdy and durable material that has the advantage of not rusting compared to other products.

Momar
10-16-2021, 02:32 AM
This brought back a memory when our Ricky fell in the toilet. He did get out then ran scared all through the house,,,, what a clean up that was. Lids down

Wherever you are Ricky we miss you

nikkicreatesart
05-18-2023, 09:55 PM
If you close the lid, how will the dogs get water :D

I wish more people would do something like this in their horse water troughs too. Glad the word is getting out.

After a squirrel sadly passed away in my horses trough, I made a daisy chain out of baling twine and attached it to a fence to hang into the trough. Never had another tragedy. I have often told horse friends about this= even if they don't care about squirrels, they don't like the idea of their horses having to drink water with a deceased little body in it, or the colic not drinking water causes.

Chirps
05-19-2023, 12:36 AM
After a squirrel sadly passed away in my horses trough, I made a daisy chain out of baling twine and attached it to a fence to hang into the trough. Never had another tragedy. I have often told horse friends about this= even if they don't care about squirrels, they don't like the idea of their horses having to drink water with a deceased little body in it, or the colic not drinking water causes.

Yes! Good idea to appeal to their concern for their horses if they aren't concerned for squirrels!

lovesquirrels1
07-06-2023, 07:15 AM
MY SO is worried that the metal will rust and become a safety concern. Does it take long for the hardware cloth to rust? Should I try to find something stainless steel. What do you use to cut it with so that it doesn't have sharp ends?

island rehabber
07-06-2023, 08:04 AM
Make sure you use galvanized hardware cloth -- should be rust proof for a long time.

Spanky
07-06-2023, 11:45 AM
What do you use to cut it with so that it doesn't have sharp ends?

Using a Dremel or other similar rotary cutting tool will allow you to sand / grind down any sharp ends that are left.

lovesquirrels1
07-08-2023, 08:27 PM
Thanks, I now have ladders installed just in case someone forgets to close a lid. I called home depot and went by lowe's by neigher seem to sell cut piece by the foot so I purchased a roll of 1/2'X1/2" AT TSC for 20$

supersquirrelgirl
08-07-2023, 04:59 PM
As another quick solution for buckets, you can buy paint roller grids at paint stores and home improvements stores. They are not expensive and come in different sizes for the buckets.

325552