AusBonsai

Don't get me wrong, I love wallabies, who doesn't. They are adorable.... and pretty much adorable! However, Wikipedia gives the following analysis of the diet of a Wallaby:

Wallabies are herbivores whose diet consists of a wide range of grasses, vegetables, leaves and other foliage.

They did however, fail to realize that they omitted one important item from their buffet. This addition I might add to Wikipedia, being:

For all those masochists out there who grow bonsai, this is a particularly fine cuisine for these cute, but hopping fury-tailed ferrets. The leaves of a bonsai are of a particularly fine vintage for them, being kept just nice and fresh and at head height for their cute little chewing mouths. Their strong tail also is used to knock over the bonsai and feed lovingly on the spread of green munchyness that thus presents itself. It is considered the holy desert among leaf munching bush wallaby enthusiasts. They will even stop to waive at your dogs that lie silent at the base of the house while they gorge on your prized desert. One such tantalizing meal of goodness is Pandorea pandorana which they can completely defoliate in one sitting, including the flowers??. Not to be confused with the beautiful Angophora genus, which they usually savor over 2 nights to slowly appreciate and devour. Fortunately though, they are highly social - thus being so generous that they bring other hopping furry ferrets over to enjoy the spoils of these deserts to help pass the cold lonely nights.

One might assume that one or more central coast wallabies live/ visit your backyard now Rory. You'd reckon the shade problems were enough to contend with without adding a few herbivores.
Probably time to talk harshly with the dog - maybe point out the probability of a long walk on a short lead?

Rory wrote:They are adorable....

shibui wrote:One might assume that one or more central coast wallabies live/ visit your backyard now Rory. You'd reckon the shade problems were enough to contend with without adding a few herbivores.
Probably time to talk harshly with the dog - maybe point out the probability of a long walk on a short lead?

Yeah, I feel like I'm the butt of a Monty Python skit now.

THIS IS AN EX BONSAI!!!!!

It is almost as if the small tree gods hate me. If we don't end up moving soon, I'm going to switch hobbies - collecting bonsai POTS! At least you don't have to water them. The irony is that my parents had a pet wallaby when I was growing up..... But a cane toad ended its beautiful life

Rory, your ramblings are always an entertaining read.

I guess the one benefit of living in an apartment is that we don't have the inconsiderate wildlife eating our trees.

Okay, this is no longer a laughing matter. (Puts on Bill Murray camoflauge outfit from 1980 movie Caddyshack). For Bill, it was the gopher. For Rory, it is the wallaby. Make no mistakes my friends, this is war!

They have started defoliating my Casuarina. Now, a good prune is welcomed for bonsai, but not a complete defoliation. Last night was the last straw. The Mels, the Cals, the maple (yes, only 1 maple.... bloody exotic wormed its way into my collection), the Angophoras, the Eucs, the Swampies ( dang, damn exotics keep popping their heads in), and the list goes on. Oh, there is a reprieve. They don't touch the figs. How nice of them! They 'leave' the most boring looking bonsai of them all for me to enjoy. Thanks fury farts Cheers, most welcome.

So, I am off to purchase nuclear chilli powder and spray the foliage of....everything. So, along with triforine, chilli powder, confidor, and my soul, I think I've pretty much got this one covered.

I wouldn't think so, but does anyone know if chilli powder would have any problems? And apart from constructing a fence, (I am confident they'll just hop over it), any other suggestions from others?

Great Story Rory hahah
I kept thinking of this when i was reading it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G8Xlx7dfT8

Chilli powder might be ok but wonder if an ultrasonic cat scarer would work?

Ken

I think one of those motion sensor sprinkler things would probably do the trick?

My neighbour is using "Scat" with some success to keep the possums off his herbs:
http://www.multicrop.com.au/horticultur ... ellent.php

kcpoole wrote:Great Story Rory hahah
I kept thinking of this when i was reading it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G8Xlx7dfT8

Chilli powder might be ok but wonder if an ultrasonic cat scarer would work?

Ken

I'm at work, so don't know what the youtube link is yet, but the ultrasonic cat thing might be interesting
I'm hoping to come to the School of Bonsai this Sunday Ken, would even have a yarn with you, but not sure if I can make it. I am actually booked in for our clubs bus trip, but I forgot to tell my wife the date and we have guests coming this weekend ....

Boics wrote:I think one of those motion sensor sprinkler things would probably do the trick?

Yeah, that wont work, they usually chomp away at night. An experienced member of my club suggested a scarecrow or 'scarewallaby' I assume, as a cat might work, but at night it will be ineffective. He also suggested dangling CD's from the branches, but again, its a nocturnal thing.
I'm at my wits end, if the chilli doesn't work. Besides, I don't think the chilli is going to work, once it rains, it will be washed off anyway.

How do they get into your yard?

I've seen some nasty looking fence toppers @ Masters - they're supposed to keep birds off but seemed strong enough to to discourage "any" intruder climbing over the fence...
Sorry, not familiar with your lay-out...


Cheers
Elmar

Elmar wrote:How do they get into your yard?

I've seen some nasty looking fence toppers @ Masters - they're supposed to keep birds off but seemed strong enough to to discourage "any" intruder climbing over the fence...
Sorry, not familiar with your lay-out...


Cheers
Elmar

Swamp wallabies. They can clear a 2 metre fence no problem. My work collegue is suggesting an electric fence, so I might look more into that, as one of the furry farts walking backwards will get a very sharp surprise on his tail and hopefully deter him. It is going to be a long arduous task to install it I am guessing.

I might try the chilli powder / water spray first, and if that still doesn't work, then will move onto the power fence. It will be a shame, as I like to sit there and gaze / work on them with my dogs near me, but I imagine once the fence is up, that will be the end of the dog visitations.

Try this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8

Slightly nsfw.

Don't suppose something as simple as a sensor light could work?

Since they are obviously already there what if you were to plant a nearby shrub that they like purely for the purpose of food for them? I say this because we have possums in our area, in order for us to get them away from sleeping in the roof, we created a house for them in the tree.

If you can control the way the act you may not need to rid yourself of them. Although I must say the electric fence sounds like it will be the most effective

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Andrew F wrote:Try this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8

Slightly nsfw.

That is the most awesomest video I have seen for ages but his second edition here was even better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goZ2DqM ... e=youtu.be

Ken