Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
If you’ve ever put out a bird feeder, you know just how ingenious squirrels can be in finding a way to get to the food. One of the most popular animal documentaries on PBS was an attempt to make a bird feeder that was theoretically completely squirrel-proof and see how long it took the squirrel to learn how to beat it. Interestingly, the other highly popular program in the same series was about the intelligence of birds – it seems the two are well-matched!
An unusual and organic solution is the use of hot cayenne pepper or chili, in power or flake form. When mixed with bird food it can’t be detected by them, but squirrels can smell and taste it and they don’t like it.
For those who prefer to put their trust in mechanical solutions, there is a variety of bird feeders available that claim to be squirrel proof. As bird feeder manufacturers came to realize just how clever the squirrels are, so their products have become ever more complicated in an attempt to stay one step ahead. Do they succeed? Let’s take a look at some popular brands:
Brome produces 2 models of their Squirrel Buster feeder, the 1015 Classic and the 1024 Squirrel Buster Plus Wild Bird Feeder with Cardinal Perch Ring
The Squirrel Buster Plus Cardinal Ring
It has a 3 quart seed capacity, measures 22 x 6-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches and comes with a 6 inch hanger.
According to the reviews on Amazon.com, these aren’t 100% squirrel-proof if you have red squirrels in your area (which are lighter than the larger grey squirrels) and if you want to serve larger birds such as morning doves. However, 64 out of 90 people gave the Brome 1024 Squirrel Buster
Very different in design from most other feeders, the Heritage Farms 7536 Absolute Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder (feeds from both sides)
It has a large, 2 gallon capacity and comes with a heavy-duty hanger with snap-link WunderHook as well as a 4-section steel pole, so the feeder can be hung or pole mounted. It also has baffles in the seed port help to reduce wasted seed.
On Amazon
“This is as close as you’ll ever get to squirrel-proof. Once in awhile, they get smart enough to hang from the top and grab one seed at a time, but seed loss is minimal as they eventually tire of this strategy. Since the birds usually spill plenty of seed on the ground, foraging at the base of the feeder becomes the preferred method for the critters. I have tried MANY feeders and this is the only one that works.”
There is a cheaper version with feeding holes from one side only but this one, currently at a 30% saving
For many people, the ultimate squirrel proof bird feeder is the Droll Yankees YF Flipper Bird Feeder
Now, for the fun stuff: The birdfeeder features an encased motor and rechargeable (and replaceable) batteries. After charging the batteries overnight, hang the feeder from its looped bail wire, and prepare to be amazed (and entertained!). The motor is connected to the weight activated perch ring – birds will not set it off, even larger species like woodpeckers and cardinals. But the minute a squirrel hops onto the perch, the motor is triggered and the feeder begins spinning, taking the squirrel for a whirl before it loses its grip and is thrown (gently) from the perch. It’s a humanitarian way to deal with persistent squirrels–there are no shocks or poisons to hurt them, simply a wild ride that they won’t be inclined to repeat. Birds are free to eat without disruption, and your family will get a kick out of watching squirrels go for their rides. There’s a lifetime warranty on the feeder body and a one-year warranty on the motor and battery charger.
58 reviewers gave this a 5 star, and the comment below is typical of those reviews. However, 10 people gave it 1 star and the two main reasons were that the feed tends to stick in the tube if it gets damp and that the smaller red squirrels don’t trip the perch ring. However another reviewer did point out that the spring for the weight activation can be adjusted. At just under $100 through Amazon
“I can’t praise this feeder enough. The bird seed lasts so much longer, the birds are happier that they aren’t chased away by the squirrels and the squirrels CANNOT get to the seed!!!!”
