Do not feed them. It will increase your problems,especially when you stop. They have ways of getting even. (Really.)

We have three squirrel houses in 3 different trees and the only critters we've seen giving the squirrels any grief are raccoons. The first one I built is designed differently than yours, with a roof that overhangs the front. One time a raccoon hung over the front and managed to reach in and get a hold of one, although he didn't get it. I promptly put a little rail on top to block them. We've had Cooper's hawks come through and stalk them but never seen one try and get in one of the houses. No foxes around here, so I can't say. It's not as easy for a larger predatory bird to get at them in the box. Some boxes have ledges installed underneath the hole on the inside to keep other predators from reaching them. 6-7 feet is kind of low. The general recommendation is at least 15 feet although some say 10 is enough. Mine are about 15, 20 and 25 feet up. The one has been up for 8 years and I put two more made from tires up last year. What can I say? I found a plan, was curious and had an old tire. I almost laughed when I saw them moving in last fall. ("SOB! They work!") When you hang them, give them some kind of nesting material to get them started. I put dry crushed or mulched leaves in ours, about 1/3 filled. One caveat about your box. Even being one inch thick, pine will rot over time, especially the floor. Even though it has a hole for drainage, water will collect in there from time to time. I made mine of cedar and it's held up well, but I can see I'll have to replace the floor or build a new one before long. I got the idea for the tire ones from a guy who sells them online.(Not myself) They hang from hooks and he sells them with a rope and attachment to fling it over a limb. I also found a plan for a different style house made from a tire. They seemed to like them just fine.

Watermelon rinds!!! I swear by it. I won't see any fox squirrels for days, the minute I cut up a seedless watermelon and throw the rinds in the back yard; they come out in droves and start eating the rinds down to the skin. Mind you I have peanuts in shells, cracked corn, sun flower seeds etc... In the yard at all times which they also love. There is just something about watermelon that they can't refuse. They won't leave till all traces are eaten up!! :>)

This is one of those times where it pays not to go whizzing past that 'preview message' page... . :) FHFchrish and Adawehi_Dikata, you are both correct. I meant to say 'red fox squirrel' and obviously just blew that. I looked them up and am pretty sure that's what I've got here, but they're really not supposed to be in our area. Of course, the ranges seem to change rather frequently for a lot of animals, so I would imagine it's possible they didn't read the book that says they're not supposed to be here! :D Thanks, Ging