Lubricating Nestbox poles to stop climbing predators

[wroughtiron]

I just wanted to post this new thread to let people know about a lubricant that I have been using with great success on my nestbox poles and feeder poles as well. It's called "UN-petroleum jelly" which is derived strictly from plant oils. It is 100% totally safe for the environment. If a bird accidentally comes in contact with the "UN-petroleum jelly", it will not mat in the birds feathers like traditional petroleum jelly will. Snakes have not been able to climb any pole that is lubricated with this stuff, period. However, you should check the pole and clean it and reapply as necessary to ensure it stays lubricated. I also use it to lubricate sheet metal that I have attached to the base of a large pine tree with Southern Flying Squirrel nestboxes. A Southern Flying Squirrels number one predator while inside a nestbox is a snake.

[Beverlybaynes]

This is quite interesting, wrought iron, and I'll be interested to hear if more people have tried it.

May I ask where you've purchased it? I've never heard of it before.

[wroughtiron]

This is quite interesting, wrought iron, and I'll be interested to hear if more people have tried it.

May I ask where you've purchased it? I've never heard of it before.

Thanks for your reply. Being a vegan, I am very concerned about the treatment of animals and was very happy to find this "animal cruelty-free" product. Here is a link to purchase the Un-Petroleum Jelly online.
http://www.internatural-alternative-health.com/SCAT/UN-PETROLEUMPRUN-PETR_0555.cfm

[Beverlybaynes]

Thanks, WI -- I'll be checking it out!

[billhiltonjr]

I just wanted to post this new thread to let people know about a lubricant that I have been using with great success on my nestbox poles and feeder poles as well. It's called "UN-petroleum jelly" which is derived strictly from plant oils. It is 100% totally safe for the environment. If a bird accidentally comes in contact with the "UN-petroleum jelly", it will not mat in the birds feathers like traditional petroleum jelly will. Snakes have not been able to climb any pole that is lubricated with this stuff, period. However, you should check the pole and clean it and reapply as necessary to ensure it stays lubricated. I also use it to lubricate sheet metal that I have attached to the base of a large pine tree with Southern Flying Squirrel nestboxes. A Southern Flying Squirrels number one predator while inside a nestbox is a snake.

How long does this stuff last before it dries out?

Thanks,

BILL

[wroughtiron]

How long does this stuff last before it dries out?

Thanks,

BILL

Thanks for your inquiry about UN-petroleum jelly Bill. First of all, I have altered the application of this lubiricant slightly. The steps are as follows, first clean the surface of the pole which is to be lubricated and then dry it off. I use a mild vegetable soap that is 100% earth friendly (Seventh Generation liquid soap). Then I apply the un-petroleum jelly which is thick like traditional petroleum jelly (it provides a base). I then lubricate it with a vegetable oil such as coconut, soy bean, etc. By using the combination of the 2 lubricants, THE SETUP WILL LAST A FEW WEEKS. However, it is all dependent on the weather. It sounds like alot of trouble, but I can lubricate each metal pole in just a few minutes and when it is done, it is done right without any fear of harming wildlife that may come in contact with it.

I strongly discourage anyone from using automotive grease, it not only is harmful for the environment, but it can be leathal for the birds that may come in contact with it. Birds that have feathers that are matted from automotive grease are more susceptible to predators and are also not able to maneuver as well to catch food and survive.

Lubricating poles is not a replacement for predator guards however. A predator guard should always be in place. I am only suggesting lubricating a pole as an additional means of protection, not as the only means of protection. I personally use lubricant, a predator baffle and snake netting so as to have 3 lines of defense. Nothing, and I mean nothing is getting up these poles. I have a 100% success rate when dealing with ground assaults.