There’s no doubt about it: squirrels are some crafty thieves regarding backyard bird feeders. Watching them try to gain access by jumping from objects and trees or hanging upside down swinging by one skinny arm as the bird feeder spins wildly in circles is comical. Squirrels can be hilarious, but there’s nothing funny about running out of birdseed for hungry backyard birds. Let’s check and see which squirrel-proof bird feeders are absolutely genius.
Why Do Squirrels Steal Birdseed?
They just can’t help themselves when it comes to your full bird feeder beckoning them in your pretty garden. Squirrels steal birdseed all year round, but in the fall and winter, when food for them becomes scarce, they will seem to have moved in under your bird feeder. Squirrels harvest nuts all year and bury them in secret places. Some of those places end up being too good of a hiding place because the squirrel never sees the nut again.
When a squirrel is pregnant or has young, they will be extra hungry and desperate to reach your bird feeder. They do not see what they are doing as wrong. They are just trying to survive. One idea is to also feed the squirrels but in a separate location. Squirrel houses and feeders are one way to keep the peace. However, not everyone feels kindly about squirrels and they may not want them in their yard at all.
The Worst Bird Feeders to Have Around Squirrels
Some squirrels will relentlessly try to break into your bird feeder. The types of feeders hanging from a chain are perfect for a little squirrel to shimmy down. If you choose to go that route, you will need a very big protective saucer over the top of the bird feeder. That way, the squirrel will not be able to climb over it without falling.
If there is anything for a squirrel to hang on to, they will. This means anything with mesh, holes, chains, ledges, and so on cannot be squirrel-proofed easily. Instead, it’s possible to purchase high-end squirrel-proof bird feeders online. Your feathered friends may be in trouble in the winter when the squirrels steal their food.
The Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrel-proof bird feeders can cost anywhere from $10 – 100, depending on the size and quality. It’s best to get one that will last and that you won’t need to fill daily. Birds tend to throw whatever seed they don’t want onto the ground, so the squirrels aren’t at a total loss. Feeding your feathered garden visitors shouldn’t turn into a war. Having a wildlife and bird-friendly garden helps them and entertains you! A win-win situation.
1. Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder
It is a small, weighted tubular bird feeder. When a squirrel steps on it, their weight closes the holes to the birdseed. This option only holds two pounds, but that can last more than a day, depending on your situation.
2. Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Home Style Bird Feeder
This option is a bit larger than the first and offers enough space in its cute house design to hold a whopping eight pounds of birdseed. That will last a bit of time and save you the trouble of refilling it. The house-shaped bird feeder has a weighted bar, so if a squirrel steps on the bird feeder, the horizontal opening in the feeder closes tight, not allowing any birdseed to escape. Another fantastic detail is that it is chew-proof, so they will not have any opportunities to steal the seed. This one runs around $50.
3. Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder
This option is similar to the others in that it relies on the weight of the squirrel to close off the seed collection. It has six feeding ports and can hold up to five pounds of seed. It is a bit costly at around $120 but does seem to do the job very well. The design is very sturdy metal, and it can be mounted on a pole with a tray underneath it to catch any loose birdseed. Of course, that part won’t be squirrel proof, but birds aren’t horribly messy.
4. Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
This is an epic bird feeder. It’s huge and holds 12 pounds of birdseed. The feeder is very durable and should last a very long time unless you also deal with bears at your feeders. The outer shell is powder-coated and chip-resistant. Those pesky little rodents won’t be able to chew through to the seed, either. It is possible to hang or mount the large bird feeder on a pole. The feeder measures roughly 16 inches long, so there are plenty of spots for all of your backyard birds.
Other Tips and Tricks for Squirrel-Proofing Bird Feeders
Squirrels are incredibly smart, which may come as a surprise since they frequently forget where they buried their nuts. Their problem-solving skills are very strong and similar to that of a rat. Because of this, they will constantly try to find a way around your squirrel-proofing. There are a few DIY ways to trick the little critters and foil their plans again.
- Using two-liter plastic soda bottles, cut it to slide over the pole so that a squirrel coming from the bottom or top can’t get to the bird seed.
- Make or buy your own squirrel baffle. These contraptions work well and don’t take much time to get set up.
- Put slinkies up and down the pole so that a squirrel would not be able to get traction to climb.
- Use metal or plastic for the pole, never wood, since squirrels have no problem climbing it.
- Slide PVC pipes over the pole. This will keep the squirrels from being able to climb over it.
- Put out food for the squirrels, too. Keep some distance between it and the bird feeder.
- Squirrels do not like certain types of birdseed. They do not like millet and supposedly bird seed with spice added to it.
