Recommendations To Discover Great Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Most often when we think of animal care, we’re looking for traditional pet supplies, like food or medication. How many of us, then, consider what it takes to care for birds that visit our back yard feeders?
There are hundreds of squirrel proof bird feeders, but do any of them actually work? Squirrels are intelligent, acrobatic, capable of leaping distances of almost 12 feet and intent on eating your lovingly placed bird seed – making them a challenging nemesis to keep out of your backyard bird feeder.
Because squirrels are not only drawn to bird feeders but also repel the birds, do damage to the feeders and eat up all the bird seed, they’re often a major nuisance for backyard bird watchers. So, if you’re looking for great squirrel proof bird feeders that actually work, keep reading.
The Squirrel Buster Plus
The Squirrel Buster Plus is a basic, tubular feeder with a circular bird perch at its base. When a squirrel jumps on it, the squirrel’s weight causes the perch to sink down, therefore closing access to the feeding holes. For a day or two, the squirrels will sit there and try to figure out the device, but eventually leave for better feeding grounds.
Suet Sandwich Woodpecker Feeder
If you love watching woodpeckers (and can stand the noise), the Suet Sandwich is for you. Basically, two thin slices of suet – favored by woodpeckers – are wedged between two chunks of synthetic bark. The Suet Sandwich sells for approximately $35 and allows the long-tongued woodpeckers access to the suet beef fat, but the squirrels are excluded.
Bird Feeders by Droll Yankees
Droll Yankees sell a whole line of motorized and battery-operated squirrel-proof feeders that range in price from approximately $80 to about $120. Their basic model uses a battery-operated perch that will spin when it senses the extra weight of the squirrel. The idea is that the squirrel will tip or fly off. Though entertaining and fairly effective, the Droll Yankees’ models need new batteries every two to three months.
Buy a Squirrel Feeder
If you can’t beat them, feed them. To keep squirrels off your feeder, try a block of birdseed placed on the ground. These all-in-one feasters come in a hefty size and hold several pounds of seeds and nuts in one compressed block. The squirrels will nibble away and (hopefully) leave your bird feeder alone.
Build it Yourself
The amazing Instructables website has a great DIY project that teaches you how to construct your very own squirrel proof bird feeders for less than $10 and a day’s labor. The project uses little more than some PVC piping, a few cable ties and a lot of ingenuity.
Check it out online at instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-Flexi-Perch-Squirrel-proof-birdfe/?ALLSTEPS.
