While squirrels sometimes seem cuddly and cute, most of the time, they are annoying. This is especially true when it comes to birders, as these naughty creatures never miss stealing bird seeds from your garden.
While you can put some barriers in your garden, placing a squirrel-proof bird feeder is the most effective to keep your bird seeds away from these clever critters. You will find a variety of bird feeders that deter squirrels.
You will need to choose the one that serves the purpose accurately and last you for longer. This guide will help you opt for the best squirrel resistant bird feeder.
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Types of squirrel-proof feeders
At first, you may enjoy seeing them performing antics and doing acrobatics, but then you will realize the wild bird food is just as tempting to squirrels as birds. These creatures will become a challenge to your kindness as they take over your bird feeder. They will not leave until they have finished almost all the food you put inside.
The best solution for keeping squirrels away by installing a squirrel-resistant feeder. Not to mention, these feeders feature sleek design, easy to install and offer a smart way to thwart these naughty critters from enjoying the bird buffet you added in the feeder. Here are the common types of squirrel-resistant bird feeders.
Caged Feeders – These bird feeders include a simple, metal-made tube feeder having a chew-resistant enclosure. The design and construction of this feeder will keep squirrels away. Caged feeders provide protection against larger and aggressive birds from getting into the feeder.
Pole-Mount Feeders – These feeders are as same as the normal hanging bird feeders; however, you will install the feeder on a feeder pole rather than hanging it on a tree. Note that the metal pole should be a minimum 6-ft high. In addition, it should be away from jump-off places that squirrels can easily access. Also, make sure to prune any bushes and tree branches within 12-ft of your feeder, since these creatures can jump ten or more feet.
Weight Active Feeders – Such feeders come with a weight-sensitive and perfectly balanced mechanism that closes the seed ports immediately as the squirrel stands on it. However, the port will open as soon as the clever critter leaves. It is important to mention here that these ports will remain open when lighter-weighted birds perch on it.
Decorative Squirrel-Proof Feeders – These feeders serve two functions; they protect birdseed from squirrels and features attractive design. You will find several beautiful and eye-catching designs in the market. If you want to add an appealing flair to your backyard or garden, you can consider buying such feeders.
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Do squirrel-proof feeders actually work?
Squirrel-proof feeders come with different mechanisms, quality, and design. While you will see plenty of such feeders in the market, make sure to choose the one that best fits your requirements. In case, your neighborhood has so many squirrels and you often see them jumping around your backyard trees, you can consider installing a cage design or spinning squirrel proof bird feeders.
Note that cage feeders are usually for small birds like chickadees or finches and they keep bully birds away. Even if you have bought the best quality squirrel-resistant feeder, you will have to choose the perfect place to mount it.
This is because squirrels can jump from tree branches and bushes easily and attack your feeder. Therefore, make sure to hang the feeder above 12-ft height
Can squirrel-proof feeders keep raccoons and chipmunks away?
If you find squirrels cute, then you will agree that chipmunks are equally adorable. When you see their cheeks full of bird seeds, you may not stop laughing. Since these little rodents have almost the same diet as squirrels, they are more likely to try jumping in your bird feeder.
If you are wondering whether squirrel-proof feeders can keep chipmunks out, remember that they are small enough to slip through squirrel-resistant feeders; in fact, they weigh the same amount as a birdie. You can keep them off by mounting your bird feeder on smooth and tall poles that chipmunks cannot climb.
Other than this, you can also add a squirrel baffle below your feeder to get them to slip off. Similar is the case with raccoons; they can reach bird feeders and steal all the food you added for birds. You can keep raccoons away by sprinkling some cayenne pepper in your bird feeder and on the ground.
How to choose the right squirrel-proof feeder?
Choosing the best bird feeder can be quite difficult for you, as there are a variety of options available in the market. So, when you are looking for a squirrel-proof feeder, make sure to consider the following factors before making the final shopping decision.
- Ease of Use – You must choose an attractive feeder that birds can see from far and can easily access it. Other than this, make sure the feeder you are opting for is easy to refill and clean.
– - Weatherproof – Since feeders are vulnerable to various weather conditions, you should select a feeder that can withstand all the changing temperatures. For instance, if you are buying a plastic feeder, ensure it is UV-treated to prevent cracking and fading.
– - Durability – Choose a feeder that uses top-quality material and offers extreme durability. Make sure the feeder you are choosing does not fall when a squirrel knocks it off. You may go for a feeder made of thick polycarbonate, RoxResin, or metal.
– - Capacity – When buying a squirrel-resistant feeder, make sure to choose the one having a large capacity for feeding. Get a bird feeder that can hold a minimum of 2lbs of birdseeds mix. Therefore, if your area has high bird traffic, you can get a feeder that has a capacity of at least 5lbs seeds.
Best squirrel-proof bird feeders
1. Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
Woodlink offers top-quality feeders and the Absolute II one is the best option if you are looking for a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
The company has constructed it with steel that is hard for squirrels to chew. That means it can surely withstand the sharp incisors of squirrels.
It has adjustable weight settings, seed saver baffle, double-sided entry and with 12lbs mixed seed capacity.
Other than this, if your squirrels are an extraordinary genius, you can apply petroleum jelly or oil on the feeder and pole to make it squirrel resistant.
How does it prevent squirrels? The feeder will close the seed access as squirrels hop on it.
Check the price of Woodlink Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder here
What we liked
- It protects feeder from squirrel attacks
- You can mount it on a pole
- Easy to install and refill
- Comes with beautiful design
- Simple to assemble
What we didn’t like
- Quite expensive compared to other products
2. Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
The Droll Yankees Flipper feeder is true to its description, ‘squirrel-proof.’
The rotating mechanism of the feeder does not let squirrels reach the feeder and munch on bird seeds.
This weight-activated squirrel-resistant feeder starts spinning as soon as a squirrel hops on the device.
While birds can fly away on spinning, the squirrels will eventually fall on the ground.
Therefore, even after the pesky squirrels hop on the feeder successfully, the feeder will continue spinning until these creatures give up on their quest.
How des it prevent squirrels? This flipper feeder spins the clever squirrels off when activated. Since birds are light enough, the feeder will not spin when birdies perch.
Check the price of Droll Yankees Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder here
What we liked
- Big capacity for seeds
- Features a great perching area for birds
- The rotating mechanism
- Birds will come to feed due to its attractive design
- High-quality
- Comes with sleek design
What we didn’t like
- During spinning, seeds can fall off from the feeder
3. Woodlink Caged 6-Port Seed Tube Feeder
Woodlink Caged Tube feeder features powder-coated metal grids, which allows birds to feed and move around easily.
Also, it offers protection against predators, especially from squirrels.
This 6-port caged feeder utilizes a die-cast steel top and bottom. In addition, it has a polycarbonate tube.
The best thing about this feeder is it comes with loads of perching capacity that can accommodate chickadees, redpolls, titmice, siskins, finch, and goldfinch.
How does it prevent squirrels? This feeder has a mechanism that automatically closes the seed ports when squirrel weighs on it. However, it does not harm the little critter in any way.
What we liked
- It features 6 port seed tubes
- Allows to put mixed seeds
- Comes with powder coated metal grids
- Keep squirrels away
- No bracket required for installation
- The metal grids protect feeder from predators
What we didn’t like
- The access holes can be small for some birds
4. Brome Standard Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder
The Brome Squirrel Buster is made from clear plastic and it is extremely easy to install and clean.
You can dismantle it by hand into separate components and you will not need tools for it.
However, it is important to mention here that chunky birds would have a difficult time feeding through these feeders, as the ports are quite small.
The adjustable spring mechanism of the feeder allows you to control which birds can perch in.
How does it prevent squirrels? As the squirrel will jump on the feeder, its weight will automatically close the shroud, preventing it from accessing to seed.
What we liked
- Birds can feed through the mesh and also perch
- It is easy to install and clean
- Keep squirrels away
- Birds of different sizes can perch in
What we didn’t like
- Chunky birdies may not be able to feed from this feeder
5. Natures Hangout Window Bird Feeder
Natures Hangout bird feeder comes with an innovative design.
It provides you with a clear view, allowing you to watch beautiful birds perching and feeding through your feeder.
This well-protected feeder offers an unhindered view of colorful birds from your window.
Besides, it protects your feeder from predators such as raccoons and squirrels, keeping them away from climbing or reaching the glass window.
It also comes with top-quality suctions, which will last you long, and you will not need to replace it often.
How does it prevent squirrels? If you are installing this bird feeder, make sure to mount it on a heightened window and is away from jump-off spaces. If you have a glass window, consider hanging the feeder there. Squirrels will not be able to climb such a window.
What we liked
- Most squirrels will not be able to climb a glass window
- It comes with roof that protects seeds from rain
- This feeder is easy to clean
- It comes at affordable price
- Features clear plastic that offers clear bird-watching
What we didn’t like
- This feeder will not be safe on placing near the window ledge
Conclusion
Now that you have come across some of the best-rated squirrel proof bird feeders, you can choose the one according to your requirements easily. However, it is important to mention here that some work better in certain conditions. Still, all of the options mentioned in this guide are effective enough if you use them correctly.
If you are buying the bird feeder for the first time, you may go for Squirrel Buster Standard. If not that, you can also opt for squirrel-proof feeders from Brome. The rest of the feeders mentioned feature high quality and extreme durability, ensuring to serve you for years. If you are still unsure which feeder to choose, you can read the features and specifications and compare each option to make the final decision.
Also, you can read squirrel proof bird feeder reviews to find out the product that meets your requirements perfectly. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a feeder that works well for feeding birds and keeping cardinals and squirrels out, all of the above-mentioned options do that.
Such wonderful research with beautiful words not maligning any creature! Thanks for greatly helping!🕊🪶🐿