Something eating my seeds?

[Amy K]

I'm kinda new to seeds germination. I've been growing my seeds outside since September and ever thing seems fine until today. My seeds had been chewed on, some are dug up, and some are totally missing

All of the Eugenia seeds I gotten for free from Richard in this forum are all gone too. Who could have ate! They're just seeds with no flesh.

I'm very upset and now that I know I need to make a set up for seeds germination inside. But Idk where to start. ):





As you can see, something chew these. They're peanut butter fruit seeds


What left of my Eugenia seeds. All the other ones are completely missing from the cup

[achetadomestica]

Sounds like squirrels ?

[roblack]

Squirrels or rats. Birds will attack seeds and sprouts as well. Best to cover/protect them if germinating outdoors.

[Jaboticaba45]

Squirrels ate over a couple hundred worth of seeds in total over the years lol.
Keep the seeds safe or put crates over them.

[Amy K]

Lesson learned. I didn't see this coming at all.

[elouicious]

Squirrels ate over a couple hundred worth of seeds in total over the years lol.
Keep the seeds safe or put crates over them.

crates is a great idea

[Ognin525]

Do you guys have chipmunks down there? 

[Amy K]

Do you guys have chipmunks down there?

I haven't seen that many chipmunk, squirrels, or racoon since I moved to this housing area. Never seen rats either(doesn't mean there ain't any). But there are lots of birds. My guess a squirrel or something must have spot my back yard recently and investigate by destroying my seedlings. Haha

[W.]

Squirrels ate over a couple hundred worth of seeds in total over the years lol.
Keep the seeds safe or put crates over them.

Squirrels and chipmunks are why I germinate my seeds inside. Those vermin do enough damage to my larger plants; seeds and seedlings don't stand much of a chance.

[NateTheGreat]

Squirrels (and jays) are a seasonal issue. Right now they're being compelled to collect and bury acorns for the winter.  I think they might have another annoying phase in the spring, but most of the year they don't bother my seeds.

[Fruitguy]

There are few things as frustrating as going out to check on you planted seeds and finding them chews or removed. I built some frames with spare material to protect them. The other night I planted a tray and failed to protect them and every single one was gone in the morning. One night was all it took and the local mice had a feast. These are the frames I built.

[Amy K]

There are few things as frustrating as going out to check on you planted seeds and finding them chews or removed. I built some frames with spare material to protect them. The other night I planted a tray and failed to protect them and every single one was gone in the morning. One night was all it took and the local mice had a feast. These are the frames I built.

I agree. It is absolutely frustrating and infuriating at the same time. Thanks for showing me your idea. It's perfect. Now I know what people meant by crates!

[Fruitguy]

I agree. It is absolutely frustrating and infuriating at the same time. Thanks for showing me your idea. It's perfect. Now I know what people meant by crates!
[/quote]

Happy to share. They key things I would point out is to make sure the sides give plenty of clearance so that the seedlings have room to grow before removing the crate,; if you use trays -make the crate as near as possible to the size of your trays (and  flush to the surface) so that critters cannot bypass the crating; and make sure the holes in the screen are small enough to keep the critters out. Nice can get into pretty tight holes. Larger critters may be able to overturn the crates so you may have to weigh them down.