Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

We have the squirel proof bird feeders found to be the most successful in keeping squirrels out of the bird seed! Squirrels love the seed that we intend for the birds. They are smart and quite nimble, so will quickly find an unprotected bird feeder. If you have squirrels in your area, we offer many styles of squirrel proof feeders as well as domes and baffles. Putting a large dome over the tube feeder will keep them from hanging down from above to eat seed while a baffle will keep them from climbing up a pole. We also have caged feeders that have openings too small for squirrels but big enough for small birds. There are feeders that are weight sensitive so the ports close when a squirrel arrives. Others are battery operated to spin and throw off the squirrel. We cannot guarantee that any feeder will always keep them out, for squirrels can be quite persistent and creative, but these have proven to be quite reliable. For other suggestions to discourage them, see our Bird Feeding Tips page.

Other Ideas to Discourage Squirrels

There are a few things that assist in discouraging squirrels from attacking your squirrel proof bird feeder. In general, position bird feeders away from buildings, fences, tree trunks and the ground. If your bird feeder is mounted on a pole, be sure the pole is at least 10 feet from any structure that a squirrel can climb and jump from. Also, putting a baffle on the pole that is at least 4 feet up from the ground and right under the feeder will really help. If the bird feeder is hanging from a tree, it should be more than 4 feet off the ground and 10 feet from the trunk of the tree. Putting the bird feeder under a baffle that is preferably at least 18 inches down the chain will protect it from above. Using these methods or using a good squirrel proof bird feeder should work, but squirrels are ingenius and very determined!

Of course, many people love to watch squirrels in their yards and put out foood especially for them. That can actually help keep them away from bird feeders. However, squirrels are voracious eaters and can empty an unprotected bird feeder in no time at all. They are also very persistent and great at solving the problem of how to get to bird feeders! As explained above, the use of baffles can solve the problem, but the easiest solution is usually the use of squirrel proof bird feeders. They can be hung anywhere bird feeders are usually hung, including in trees which offer the best cover for songbirds. Squirrel proof bird feeders come in many different forms. The most common is a tube feeder surrounded by a cage. The birds can get through to the seed perches, but a squirrel cannot reach the seed. There are others that are weight controlled. When a squirrel grabs the perch, his weight lowers covers over the seed ports. Still other squirrel proof feeders, such as the Yankee Flipper, begin to spin when the squirrel is on it. It spins faster and faster until the squirrel flies off. This offers entertainment for the entire family!