with slightly smaller mesh to keep squirrels out of my containers when all I had was a container garden and they wanted to eat the bulbs. It worked.

Wish I'd thought of this when I had both chickens and a non-chicken-proof garden! Little beggars did SO much damage! Good idea!

Right now, when I am trying to sprout seeds in some planters,
I cover the seeded planter with a large clear plastic bag which also keeps the moisture.
Birds are nesting here now and they like to get to the pots for the mud. But they also remove seeds too.
The wire idea is good too!

I want a couple of chickens, and if (when) they become allowed within our city limits, I will remember this little tip.

Does a duck do that much damage? I can't remember as I haven't had one since childhood. I know they are great about eating snails. And that's very useful!

The problem is, it still doesn't stop squirrels. They reach thru and dig around. But rat wire would be better. I love my Flowers and love my critters so I try to make it so I can enjoy both...It is a challenge..
Geese eat grass in gardens, I don't know much about ducks but I like them..

I use chicken wire and it keeps the squirrels out of my hypertufa pots.

Ridesredmule said:The problem is, it still doesn't stop squirrels. They reach thru and dig around. But rat wire would be better. I love my Flowers and love my critters so I try to make it so I can enjoy both...It is a challenge..
Geese eat grass in gardens, I don't know much about ducks but I like them..

That's why I used a tighter mesh than the one in the picture -- it kept the squirrels out

I agree with "tighter mesh". Chicken wire protects my seed beds from cats and squirrels. But these squirrels aren't very motivated. If they were hungrier, i think they would find ways around it.

Sticks did not scare them away, and chile pepper flakes washed away, if they worked at all.