Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is a farm utility item used to protect crops from Cockatoos and Jackaroos. Once placed, it creates an 11×11 coverage area, extending 5 tiles in every direction from the scarecrow. You can check the exact range with the Tape Measure, which makes it easy to position scarecrows so that nearby fields are fully covered.

Scarecrows become available after obtaining Farming Licence Level 1 from Fletch, and they can be crafted at the Crafting Tables. They can also be bought from Rayne’s Greenhouse after she moves in, though they appear in a random rotation. During December, a festive version is available for crafting through Nick.

A few practical notes make them easier to use efficiently:

• One scarecrow covers a large square area, so placing it near the center of a crop patch gives the best value.
• The range is fixed at 11×11, so long rectangular farms may need multiple scarecrows to avoid gaps.
• The tractor cannot drive over scarecrows, unlike sprinklers, so leave enough space for farming routes if you use machinery.
• Because the coverage is measured from the scarecrow itself, it is worth planning field layouts before planting large sections of vulnerable crops.

Scarecrows are especially useful on larger farms where bird damage would otherwise be a constant interruption. Once set up correctly, they provide a simple, passive way to keep crops safe without needing to constantly patrol the area.