Will Critters Carve My Pumpkin?

[Rodafina]

Last year, @maycontainthunder inspired me:

Post something Weird or Random

Hey @Forest Cat :tearsofjoy: :) These forest cats find it very interesting.

www.autismforums.com

I tried, but these were the results:

Post something Weird or Random

This is Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III. He is the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King's Guard. And I'm talking about the penguin and it's not a joke. :) This is a real thing. He was honoured with a Knighthood in 2008. He was the first penguin to receive such an honour in the...

www.autismforums.com

Time to try again.

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October 1, 2023

 

[Rodafina]

The experiment begins.

October 3

 

[maycontainthunder]

This will only work if Rocky doesn't get wind of the peanut butter....

 

[Rodafina]

This will only work if Rocky doesn't get wind of the peanut butter....

Precautions have been taken!

 

[maycontainthunder]

Precautions have been taken!

Does that include against impressive disguises like this one?

 

[Rodafina]

Does that include against impressive disguises like this one?
View attachment 117534

Uh oh. I think I have to upgrade my security system.

 

[TBRS1]

Last year, @maycontainthunder inspired me:

Post something Weird or Random

Hey @Forest Cat :tearsofjoy: :) These forest cats find it very interesting.

www.autismforums.com

I tried, but these were the results:

Post something Weird or Random

This is Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III. He is the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King's Guard. And I'm talking about the penguin and it's not a joke. :) This is a real thing. He was honoured with a Knighthood in 2008. He was the first penguin to receive such an honour in the...

www.autismforums.com

Time to try again.

---

October 1, 2023
View attachment 117531

Oh my sweet baby cheese wiz, that is so funny!!!

 

[tree]

Self Carving Pumpkin

Self Carving Pumpkin: Tired of carving pumpkins? Have a large squirrel population in your neighborhood? With a little guidance and a couple of days, they will do the job for you.Required toolsDrill1/8" or larger drill bitsmooth peanut butter

www.instructables.com

How to Train Squirrels to Carve your Pumpkin this Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner, and if your neighborhood is anything like mine, squirrels are wreaking havoc on the fall decorations. However, if you work with them, squirrels can actually carve your jack-o-lanterns for

flannelandflame.com

 

[Tom]

If you have deer, they might do a little more then carve.

 

[Rodafina]

Almost 12 hours later, we have some action.

 

[Outdated]

Almost 12 hours later, we have some action.

That picture reminds me of something that used to be a common sight across southern Australia. We have a species of giant rock crab who's shell was very popular for many years as a wall ornament in fish and chip shops, restaurants, and even some pubs.

To clean and empty a crab shell for this all you do is sit it on a meat ant's nest. The ants go in through the mouth and completely clean out anything edible but they leave all the shell and ligaments intact. Once the ants have finished with it you spray it with lacquer and hang it on the wall.

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

That picture reminds me of something that used to be a common sight across southern Australia. We have a species of giant rock crab who's shell was very popular for many years as a wall ornament in fish and chip shops, restaurants, and even some pubs.

To clean and empty a crab shell for this all you do is sit it on a meat ant's nest. The ants go in through the mouth and completely clean out anything edible but they leave all the shell and ligaments intact. Once the ants have finished with it you spray it with lacquer and hang it on the wall.

View attachment 117571

I like ants. I call them 'nature's cleaning crew'

 

[Rodafina]

The "cleaning crew" has definitely been working hard. It appears as though the action has slowed considerably, but there were still plenty of ants doing something. I think it is a time to exercise patience and see what happens. I haven't touched the pumpkin since I placed it in the garden.

 

[tree]

I think it needs more 'bait'/peanut butter.

 

[Rodafina]

I think it needs more 'bait'/peanut butter.

I think so, too. But I do want to see what happens. Over the weekend, I might reapply.

I have resources to consult in post #8.

 

[Rodafina]

Not much action to report and it’s still too dark outside to take a photograph of the nothingness.

This weekend I will make the holes a little bigger and re-up on the peanut butter.

Not everything works perfectly the first time through, but let’s see what happens with a little encouragement.

 

[MNAus]

I suspect your critters may have jaws that are lacking against the task. They seem to be efficient cleaners, but not up to the task of taking extra bites that might carve your pumpkin. Is there any way to get birds or rodents to have a go?

 

[Rodafina]

Is there any way to get birds or rodents to have a go?

I will try to entice them this weekend!

 

[MNAus]

I'd have a go but i have a feeling that the wildlife would leave only the pips. The local possums are always having a fight outside the window and would defo enjoy a half time snack.

 

[Rodafina]

I know in good science you are meant to change only one variable at a time during an experiment, so we will have to call this casual science.

I have made three changes. I made the holes going into the pumpkin flesh a bit bigger (used a dowel instead of a shish kebab stick) put full peanuts into the holes (not shown here because they are covered in peanut butter). And, I moved the whole thing to a more prominent spot in the yard where I see more of our big critters.