Keeping Squirrels Off Bird Feeders

The battle with the squirrels begins as soon as the first bird feeder is hung. Their ability to hang upside down and contort their bodies in seemingly hundreds of forms, makes the battle between the bird watcher and the squirrel, much like the Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote.

As bird watchers, we know which one we are. While many enjoy watching these critters and their antics, this article if for those who wish to limit their activity on bird feeders.

Our main focus is to prevent them from getting at our sunflower seed feeders. This type of seed tends to be more expensive and attracts the greatest variety of birds, we want to limit the squirrels access to this seed.

If you use nyjer (thistle) seed you'll have little problems with squirrels, as they will not be interested in dinning on nyjer seed.

Their are two main goals we are trying to accomplish: (1) Keeping them from reaching our sunflower feeders...

(2) Should they reach them, keeping them from damaging the feeder by chewing it apart.

Keeping Squirrels From Feeders

(2) Baffles - baffles are round umbrella-shaped barriers that are place either above a hanging feeder or below on a pole mounted feeder.

On pole mounted feeders, baffles need to be at least 4 feet up on the pole.

(3) Another method you may want to consider is using PVC pipe, available at local building supply stores. Squirrels are unable to climb on the PVC pipe.

Using a 6 inch diameter PVC pipe 6 feet long and 1 treated 4 x 4 x 8 post. Place the treated fence post 2 feet in the ground and slide the pipe over the post. Attach feeder to the 4 x 4 post.

Remember to place feeders far enough from overhanging tree branches and rooftops to keep them from jumping to the feeder.

Chewing On Your Feeders

Try using the methods above in order to deter them from destroying your feeders,

Once they are able to reach your wooden feeder, they'll make short work of chewing it apart to get at the bird seed.

Look for feeders that are made from tough plastic such as Lexan, as well as metal-reinforced portals where the birds get the seed.

Another good choice is a plastic tubular feeder surrounded by a grid of vinyl-coated wire. Hung from a branch with a baffle on top has worked very well in preventing squirrels from eating.

One of my favorites (pictured right) is made of steel and has a spring loaded platform on which the weight of a squirrel will close the feeder door. This type of feeder can be placed just about anywhere. While a bit pricey, this unit will last for years and is an excellent investment.

Another design offered by Droll Yankee, a well known supplier of bird feeders, is the Yankee Flipper This feeder is squirrel proof and a lot of fun to watch.

Finally

Cracked corn is inexpensive and placed close to the ground will draw them away from your sunflower seed feeder.

Who knows, maybe you'll come to enjoy their activity on a cold day when there seems to be no other life in the great outdoors.

Be sure to visit our store for a complete array of Squirrel Proof Feeders

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