Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrel-proof bird feeders aren’t necessarily something you’d expect to see on a site where the love of squirrels is key. But we’ve decided to use our squirrelly knowledge to let you know more about squirrel proof bird feeders, because:
-Anything that helps squirrel PR has to be a good thing, and
-Many people who love squirrels also love birds, and therefore want to be able to let birds get to their food without squirrelly interference.
Do Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Really Exist?
Grey/gray squirrels are so persistent, so intelligent, and sometimes so devious, that we’d never like to say that any feeder is 100% squirrel-proof in the hands (or rather, the paws) of all squirrels.
Nevertheless, there are several steps you can take to minimise the risk of squirrels getting at bird food. Which route you take rather depends on your own feelings about squirrels and your own situation.
Route One: Dedicated Squirrel Feeders
It may seem like “giving in” to give squirrels their own feeder, but just a glance out of our own window can confirm that putting out hazelnuts or other squirrel food (sometimes known as “distraction feeding,” is one of the surest ways to keep squirrels off bird food).
Click here to browse squirrel feeders.
Route Two: Squirrel Baffles and Squirrel Resistant Feeders
If you’re just a bit devious yourself, and/or would enjoy leading the squirrels as merry a dance as they’ve led you, you might enjoy watching them attempt to get at birdseed that’s protected by a “squirrel baffle”. These items (which are usually dome-shaped) are probably not squirrel proof for ever, but, properly placed, may take the squirrels an entertaining few days or weeks to crack.
NB. We used to put squirrel feeders of a birdcage design into the more “squirrel proof “category. But since reading this “squirrel breaks into a birdfeeder story” we now class them as something that squirrels will crack in time too.
Route Three: Weight Biased Feeders
Your best chance of owning a squirrel-proof bird feeder (and we’d stress again that we personally would never give any guarantees about that) probably rests with any type of feeder that uses a squirrel’s weight to trigger a closure of the feeding mechanism, and/or to tip squirrel off the feeder.
We’ve included some examples of both squirrel proof bird feeders and squirrel resistant bird feeders in the selection below.
So if you’re really determined to find a bird-feeder that’s as squirrel proof as possible, pick the sturdiest one you can see (that might at least resist being knawed for a good while and has no obvious weak points)…and we wish you the best of luck.
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Comments on Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders »
Nancy Stewart @ 11:59 pm
I love your site!! I’ve loved squirrels since I was a kid…and had a pet squirrel that I raised to adulthood from a teeny-tiny baby. I’ve gotten my husband interested in squirrels…he didn’t have any use for them as they ‘messed-up’ his bird feeders. But, do to my dedicated squirrel feeders and a new deck to view all the birds and sqirrels, with a few ’squirrel-proof’ bird feeders… life has been great! We really enjoy watching them try to get to the bird seed from the different feeders. It’s a riot! I am going to order the mase…just as soon as I can figure out the best viewing site! Thanks so much!!
JustSquirrels @ 8:02 pm
You’re welcome-and many thanks to you to-for your comment, and for visiting.