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Your search for the best squirrel proof bird feeder ends here today. We understand your struggle of keeping these nasty buggers from hoarding all of the (sometimes expensive) birdseed.
While you might like nature and believe that squirrels getting a bit of the nourishment may not bother you to an extent, it becomes an issue when these free-munchers consume almost all of the birdseed, leaving nothing for the birds to eat.
When left unattended, this can become an expensive issue. If you go through many other bags of seed and see the squirrels getting fatter yet the birds are being chased away by these rodents, it’s time to intervene; NOW!
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This is why we’ve rounded up our favorite squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market right now
Whether you need large capacity, you use suet cakes, or just want a standard feeder to work well to keep these critters off, we have you covered.
Finally, a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder that really works!
Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Reviews, Plans and How they Work
We’ve carried out some serious digging, and based on 2019 consumer reviews the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus is one of the best at deterring squirrels.
How it works: Openings in the bottom section of the feeder align with seed ports providing birds access to the seed. When a squirrel or large bird lands on the perch, its weight automatically forces the “door” down, closing the seed ports.
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Best Overall: Best Multi-Bird: Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
This is #1 on our list of top squirrel proof bird feeder you will find online.
Bird feeders are basically defined by the number of feed ports they offer. Individual ports are nice for 1 or 2 birds to eat at, but also present a security risk when squirrels try to get to the seeds inside. The Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird feeder is a cool way of feeding many birds and bird types at once without having to worry about Squirrels getting in.
This is one of the few spinning squirrel proof bird feeders you can purchase. It manages to offer a lot of feeding area in a narrow space. Sporting a cardinal ring that stretches the entire circumference of the feeder, this smart purchase has 6 feeding ports for simultaneous feeding.
Once a squirrel lands there, its weight temporarily closes the port. Therefore temporarily blocking access to the seeds inside. You can adjust the activation weight to cater to larger birds as well.
- Second Best: Squirrel Buster Standard Wild Bird Feeder with Metal Perches
Pros
- Has a detachable component system
- It is affordable and is a 11.5” tall feeder
- Holds roughly 1.3 pounds of seed
- Detachable component system
- Seed saver design prevents wastage
- Must hang with at least 18” clearance from both branch and truck or hook
Cons
- Some complaints about some seeds falling through, or design for small birds
Features & Specs
- Holds roughly 1.3 pounds of seed
- Around $35 for one 11.5” tall feeder
- Seed saver design prevents
- Detachable component system
- Must hang with at least 18” clearance from both branch and truck or hook
The Squirrel Buster Standard Wild Bird Feeder with four metal perches comes with a hanger and has excellent customer ratings. We agree.
It comes with a sturdy design and has an ingenious system of shutting off the supply to birdseed if an animals with such weight like the squirrel does manage to get into the feeder (this includes large birds of prey such as hawks, too).
This feeder is dishwasher safe for sanitization. It’s also is UV-resistant, chew proof, and waterproof with trademarked material squirrel cannot feast through. Overall, we found this to work fantastic, and with a capacity of 1.3 pounds of seed, it offers lots of room for birdseed.
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Runner-Up: Perky-Pet Squirrel Resistant Easy Feeder
Pros
- Decent price
- Features 12 seed ports birds can feed on through cage
- Wire cage guard to protect against squirrel attack and damage
- Removable cartridge for easy cleaning
- Stainless steel loop hanger
- Easy to see birdseed levels even from afar
- Hold up to four pounds of seed
Cons
- Some users who bought it claimed it didn’t work for them
- Fills seed from the bottom, so must be take caution not to spill
Features & Specs
- 4 pound seed capacity
- Measures 11.8 x 11.7 x 19.8 inches
- Price for one feeder is affordable
- Perky-Pet product number 102
Perky-Pet (model number 102) Squirrel Resistant Easy Feeder is excellent in its simple yet effective design. This feeder’s tall, cylindrical-shaped birdseed reservoir is caged in a red metal barrier.
The barricade does a dual job: presents a comfortable perch for many birds and also helps thwarts rodents such a s squirrel from getting to any of the 12 seed ports.
We love this feeder transparent birdseed reservoir that makes it easier to check the seed levels with a glance,
Bonus: the clear cylinder lifts out of the metal cage barrier for easy re-filling and cleaning whenever needed. We found this to be a simple yet effective design with a classic look.
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Best Large Volume: Perky-Pet Squirrel Be Gone II Feeder Home with Chimney
Pros
- Automatically covers seeds with the weight of a squirrel
- Appealing home design—not standard, overdone cylinder shape
- Can be either mounted or hung
- Comes in attractive red or green colors
- Easy to see seed levels through windows
- Holds up to 8 pounds of birdseed
- Wide perch for birds
- No assembly required
Cons
- Smart Squirrels may figure out how to open it
Features & Specs
- Available in two-pack
- 8-pound seed capacity
- Perky-Pet model number 339
- Ranges $26 to $34 (depending on color)
We love the design of the Perky-Pet (model number 339) squirrel proof bird feeder home with Chimney. The home design construction is cozy and classic, yet trendy with the rustic chic style of this little “house” and its tin-look roof.
Highly-rated and weighted to shut off seed supply if a squirrel jumps on, this feeder is perfect for those looking for an affordable large capacity bird feeder.
When you consider how many pounds of seed this feeder can hold (up to eight full pounds) the price is also very reasonable. It’s simple to monitor the seed levels through the cute windows and clear “door” of the house, and the large capacity makes refilling this birdfeeder a job that needs to be done far less often.
Made of metal construction and the roof is removable for filling and cleaning.
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Best Suet Feeder: Stokes Select Squirrel-X Squirrel-Proof Suet Bird Feeder
Pros
- Price is decent
- Weather-proof design
- Highly-rated with hundreds of reviews
- Open-air design prevents mold growth
- Ports allow birds to feed, yet too small for squirrels
- A portion of proceeds goes to bird conservation fund
Cons
- Some consumers witnessed a few birds get stuck in the feeder
Features & Specs
- Best to hang with 18” clearance from branches or trunks to keep squirrels off
- Can be cleaned easily with 50/50 solution of water and vinegar
- Two suet cake capacity
- Feeder weighs two pounds
- Less than what you’d spend on a bird cage
- Measures 10 x 10 x 9.4 inches
The Stokes Select Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Suet Bird Feeder comes in an attractive natural brown color. The design of this feeder is appealing to many bird varieties, and it has 4 ports to provide sufficient feeding areas for the birds.
The opening mechanism of this suet feeder is constructed to keep squirrels from intruding and is guarded with a metal cage. Yet it’s easy for bird lovers to fill and clean the interior.
The complete open-air construction of this caged feeder allows you to see feed levels and stops mold growth on suet cakes. Like all squirrel proof bird feeders, hang them with a clearance of at least 18 inches from both the top and any sides of trees or hooks squirrels can climb.
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Best Decorative: Perky-Pet Wilderness Lantern
It is easy to forget about the aesthetic feeling a bird feeder can add to your yard when you are only concerned about finding the right size and type of a feeder.
Do not forget that a well-designed bird feeder can serves a s a focal point or a decorative addition outside. Finding the right bird feeder to express your personal style or add something unique to the exterior décor.
For ample security with a rustic look, the Perky-Pet Wilderness is a good choice for something decorative and small in the yard. It comes with a two-pound seed capacity.
The metal wilderness cut-outs add both security and flair that deters squirrels out in combination with the locking cap. You can adjust the four feeding perches to accommodate various species of birds as
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Best for Cardinals: Roamwild PestOff Cardinal Feeder
One of the joys of feeding the birds is actually attracting birds you want. Attracting Cardinals to your yard can prove to be a tricky task, especially for beginners.
Commonly larger than other bird species, most common bird feeders do not have the necessary support and strength for cardinals. Because of this, the best feeders that attract these unique virds have larger, stronger perches and defenses tailored to their greater weight.
The Roamwild PestOff Cardinal Feeder offers the “perfect” temporary home for hungry cardinals. It features large perches that automatically close the feed ports whenever a larger animal tries to climb on.
Being a squirrel proof bird feeder, the storage tube is easy to access and is ideal for the seeds cardinals love the most such as sunflower seeds.
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Best User-Friendly: Squirrel-X Circular Suet
There is more to bird feeding than just selecting the right spinning squirrel proof bird feeders. In so me ways, this act is a science and an art just like learning to pick the right seeds, find the right location, and how to protect the feeder from harm.
A user-friendly bird feeder can help decrease the learning curve with an easy-to-use loading cage and a reliable defense against ekorre and other animals.
The Squirrel-X Circular Suet feeder makes filling and maintaining a bird feeder in your yard real easy. Well suited for woodpeckers and other suet-loving birds, the 10-inch diameter feeder sports a dual-layer metal cage and solid lid to allow birds to access the inner chamber while blocking larger creatures. The feeder uses seed cakes and suet so you can quickly refill the interior whenever it runs low.
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Best Large: Heritage Farms Woodlink
The number of birds you can attract at any given time will depend on the size of your bird feeder. With smaller feeders are easier to maintain and place, larger varieties offer more chances to attract various types of birds.
They can also be protected from other wild animals when hung from an isolated position or pole off the ground.
Sitting on a pole or hanging from a tree, the Heritage Farms Woodlink bird feeder is the best way to feed a lot of hungry beaks at once. With a trough feeding system and a 15-pound seed capacity, the Woodlink allows many birds to congregate at the same time. The top locks and unlocks for refilling while keeping squirrels and other small creatures out of the seed reservoir.
- Myard ROCKET Double Sided Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
This squirrel proof bird feeder is uniquely designed to feed the weight of the birds that you want to watch, and not the squirrels that you don’t.
You might enjoy watching squirrels (that is nice) but not certainly when they are damaging your bird feeders and scaring away the birds off. Because the feeder holds so much, you won’t have to fill it as often (although it is very easy to fill and clean).
- Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver Wild Bird Feeder
You won’t need to worry about a squirrel breaking into this bird feeder because its seed locking mechanism will shut them out.
This squirrel proof bird feeder is strong, lasts long, and will look decorative displayed in any lawn. Plus, birds love spending love spending time around the feeder when the squirrels are deterred from it, so you’ll enhance your bird watching skills.
- Wild Bill’s 8 Station Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
If you tried many of the squirrel proof bird feeders amazon, but still have no success with keeping them out of the bird’s food, then you may want to try this particular product out. The squirrels will get a small shock that will deter them from raiding the food but won’t harm them.
They’ll simply throw in the towel and find another food source
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Squirrel Buster Peanut Plus Wild Bird Feeder
If you like to attract larger birds by giving them bird food nuggets or peanuts, then you’ll need a feeder that can keep the squirrels away.
Squirrels are attracted to larger food sources that fill their bellies a little more than traditional seeds. This one does an excellent job, and you’ll love that you can watch the variety of birds that come for the bigger sized treats.
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Squirrel Stopper Pole and Baffle Set
Feel free to try this squirrel proof bird feeder pole if you are ready tpo stop those squirrels from getting to your bird feeder.
With this stopper pole and baffle set, squirrels won’t be able to reach your bird feeder.
This can hold up to 4 different feeder and will add stunning looks to your lawn. You’ll bring life to your landscape, as well as stop squirrels from getting your bird’s food source when you invest in this attractive squirrel stopper pole and baffle set.
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Woodlink Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle
If you own a bird feeder, but still get goose bumps when you see squirrels stealing seed from it and beating it up by knocking it to the ground, then this baffle will work wonders.You can leave your bird feeder exactly where it is to mount this squirrel proofing mechanism.
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Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper® Seed Feeder
The Droll Yankee squirrel proof bird feeder uses a smakl motor to send squirrels on their way. It’s weight-activated, so when bird land on the perch, nothing happens and they will safely enjoy their snack.
But when something heavier (e.g a squirrel) tries it out, though, the fun begins!
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Duncraft Squirrel Proof Selective
This classic squirrel deterent is famous for a reason – it works. The tube feeder inside the cage can be filled with different seeds, and only smaller songbirds can make their way in to dine.
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Squirrelproof Double Suet Feeder
Caged feeders work well for suet, too. Smaller woodpeckers and songbirds slip right through, leaving racoons, squirrels, and big bully birds behind.
- Rollerfeeder Bird Feeder
The best (and funniest) bird feeder we have ever seen… They never give up or get in this one!” Birds feed from underneath at this feeder, while squirrels who land on top are slowly rolled off as the feeder turns due to their weight. (
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Electric Blue Absolute Ii
Like most bird feeders talked about above, this one also works on weight principle. Lightweight birds can land on the spring-activated perches and feed, but a heavier squirrel will immediately cause the metal shield to close, cutting off access. It can be adjusted for weight to keep off heavier bully birds too.
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Squirrel Proof Feeder Selection Tips
Once you decide to keep these pests off, the next task is to select a squirrel proof feeder for your birds, you’ll want to consider the types of birds that you want to attract to your yard.
Each style of feeder will attract and accommodate birds of various breeds and sizes, and you want to be sure that you keep the birds around that you love to watch feed, as well as deter the squirrels. If you want to make them both happy, then consider getting a separate squirrel feeder that is designed specifically for them.
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Types of Feeders
When it comes to squirrel proof bird feeders, you’ll want to find a feeder style type that compliments the kinds of birds you want to watch, as well as looks attractive in your landscape.
Generally, there are 3 main types of feeders, and the first is one designed to close the access to food when the weight of the squirrel triggers that mechanism in the feeder.
The second will have a protective layer of wire around it that the squirrel won‘t be able to get through, and the third will be a traditional feeder with squirrel proofing accessories like baffles added to keep the invaders out.
You can decide which type of feeder is right and best for you and your surroundings. And you may find that some feeder work better in certain landscapes than others.
Make sure you test out few styles out if you haven’t found one simple one that works best for you.
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Feeder Sizes
Feeder sizes vary in most cases because the various nuts and seeds will attract different sized birds. So, if you want to fill your feeder with food nuggets or peanuts, you’ll need a feeder that is equipped to handle these larger sizes.
If you would love to attract smaller birds, you can find feeders that hold the seed types and sizes you prefer.
Note: Just because a feeder is small doesn’t mean it holds a tiny amount of food and vice versa. A lot of people want to see multiple birds come to their yard, and the more seed variety your feeder holds, the more birds will be there to dine.
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Feeder Prices
You’ll agree with me that the best squirrel proof bird feeders will range in prices anywhere from twenty to a hundred dollars. However, they’re long lasting and save you lots of money on seed in the long run.
But if you would like to preserve your current feeder, then you can get baffle or other accessories for a little less. When squirrels knock down your feeders and rough them up, it can be expensive to continually replace them, so paying a bit more on the front end will save you time, money and stress in the long run.
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Feeder Brands
Brome, Woodlink, and Homestead are all brands that you’ll find value in when it comes to squirrel proof bird feeders, but there are more quality manufacturers out there you can count on. Each person will have their own personal preferences and appreciate the unique qualities that the brands provide customers, and it won’t take long for you to have a personal favorite.
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DIY Feeder
Following our guide below, you will be able to make your own squirrel proof bird feeders which are more productive and fun.
It simple when you know the needed materials to use and little knowledge about how to use a drill. You can make the entire durable bird feeder from scratch, or you can add a couple additions to your present feeder to keep squirrels from getting to them.
Squirrel-Proofing Feeder Accessories/Parts
We’ve already shown you a few designs for squirrel proof bird feeder, but here are a few more quality products that you can choose from
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Stokes Select 15-Ince Wrap Around Steel Squirrel Baffle
You’ll love this baffle that speaks convenience. It also doesn’t require you to move the feeder or pole, and it’s weather resistant so that you won’t worry about it when the rain comes.
Your birds will appreciate that the squirrels aren’t eating their seed, and you’ll like that it’s within your budget.
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Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle
This baffle is a special design and will add a little touch of elegance to your bird feeders. It’s stupid simple to assemble and does a perfect job.
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Super Tall Decorative Trio Hanger
One great way to deter squirrels is to put the bird feeder in an open place that they can’t jump on as they can near trees. This is a lovely and tall hanger for bird feeders, and baffles will fit on snuggly to keep the critters away.
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How to Make A Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
After studying a couple of expensive “squirrel-proof” birdfeeder designs on the market I discovered an inexpensive patent-pending birdfeeder design which can use cable ties (tie wraps) as flexible plastic perches.
These “Flexi-Perches” ™, combined with PVC pipe of the right width and length, make an inexpensive, easy-to-build, and effective squirrel-proof birdfeeder.
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Materials
- 4″ diameter plastic drain pipe at least 24″ long. Quantity: 1 (a 10′ pipe cost me $5.48)
- 4″ PVC cap (1)
- PVC glue
- 4 3/8″ sheet metal screws
- 1/2 ” PVC couplers. Quantity 4 (around $0.39 each)
- 10 gauge (about 1/10″) galvanized wire at least 33″ long. Quantity: 1
- 6″ cable ties (tie wraps). Quantity: at least 4
- wood block approx. 6″ high x 6″ wide x 1″ thick (i.e. a 6″ long piece of 1×6 board)
Now that we know the material needed to complete the steps on how to make a squirrel proof bird feeder.
Note on Materials:
The cable ties are super important. When used as perches, they won’t support a squirrel’s weight.
To maximize anti-squirrel effectiveness, the plastic drain pipe must be at least 24″ long so that the squirrel can’t reach feed holes while hanging from the top of the feeder.
The pipe must also be at least 4″ in diameter so that the squirrel can’t cling to the feeder.
The wood block will be cut down to fit into the bottom of the pipe to act as the base plate. It fits flush into the bottom of the pipe so that there are no protrusions for a squirrel to hang on to.
You can change other dimensions to suit whatever materials you may have on hand.
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Tools Needed
- Ruler or tape measure
- hacksaw
- drill & bits
- pliers
- spray paint
- dremel (optional)
- staple gun & staples
- screwdriver
- sandpaper
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Make the Birdfeeder Body
Using a hacksaw, Cut the 4″ pipe to 24″ inches long. This will be the body of the feeder.
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Mark and Cut the Base Plate
Select one end of the pipe to be the bottom of the feeder and mark it with a pen knife, or pencil.
Now, you need to cut the wooden block so that it will fit comfortably into the feeder bottom. Since the pipe is generally not round, you can’t just cut out a 4″ circle, Instead, mark the wood with the pipe’s actual outline on the inside.
I chose to set the pipe on the wooden block and spray paint into the pipe. The outside edge of the painted area is our cut line.
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Fit and Mark the Base Plate
Sand or/and trim the block until the pipe’s bottom fits it. The block will serve as the base plate of the feeder.
The pipe will have four lines evenly spaced round its circumference. Mark the base plate at each of these lines, for one of them, use a unique mark on both the plate and base plate so that the base late can be easily lined up in the correct orientation.
Use a straightedge to mark the center of the base plate.
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Drill the Base Plate
Remove the base plate and drill a 5/32″ hole in the center. Put a piece of scrap wood beneath the base plate so the drill bit doesn’t hit the drill table. Put aside the base plate until a later step.
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Mark Holes for Retaining Screws
Measure 7/8″ up from the bottom of the pipe at 4 equally-spaced points around the pipe. These points should be between the lines used for marking the base plate, not on the lines.
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Insert the Retaining Screws
At each point, drill a 5/64″ hole, and put a screw in each of the holes. These screws act as “stops” to keep the base plate in place, while allowing the base plate to be easily removed when necessary.
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Cut the Perch Slots
Measure 1″ up from the bottom of the pipe on each of the four lines used to mark the base plate. Cut a slot (centered on the line) large enough for a tie wrap to easily pass through.
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Drill the Feed Holes
Measure 1 3/8″ up from each slot and make a mark on the line. Drill a 1″ hole centered on each of the marks. These will be the feed holes.
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Make the Seed Baffles
Cut out a 1/3 section from each of the 4 PVC connectors. These will serve as the baffles that prevent seed from falling out of the feed holes.
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Put the Baffles in the Feed Holes
Get a pair of pliers and use it to compress each baffle and force it into a feed hole, with the open side down. Leave about 1/3 of the baffle protruding out of the feed hole.
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Glue the Baffles in Place
Pick up PVC glue and apply it outside of each baffle and force them into the pipe until the outside edge is flush with the pipe. Set the pipe aside to let the glue dry for an hour.
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Make the Hanging Loop
Form a hanging loop in one end of the wire.
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Feeder Cap
Drill a 5/32″ hole in the center of the PVC cap and thread the wire through it.
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Make the “flexi-perches”
Put the base plate on your work surface with the inside facing up. Place a cable tie on the base plate (flat-side down) with the head near the center hole and lined up with one of the marks corresponding with a feed hole and perch slot.
The tail of the cable tie should extend past the edge of the base plate.
Staple the cable tie wrap down securely. Do not staple more that halfway to the edge. I used 3/8″ staples. You may need to use another cable tie as a spacer to prevent the staple from cutting through the cable tie.
Repeat with a cable tie at each of the other 3 marks. You have now made great flexi-perches for the feeder.
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Assemble the Birdfeeder
When the applied glue on the PVC baffles dry off, insert the wire into the top of the pipe until it sticks out the bottom. You can then decide to paint the feeder first, or later.
Pass the wire through the base plate and bend the bottom 1″ of the wire to prevent the base plate from sliding off. Make sure the base plate is oriented properly with the tie wraps on top.
Rotate the base plate until it is in proper alignment and thread the ends of the tie wraps into the pipe and out of the perch slots.
Slide the base plate into the bottom of the pipe while guarding the tie wraps out of the oerch slot until the base plate hits the retaining screws. The bottom of the base plate should be flush with the bottom of the pipe.
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Final Step & Instructions for Use
Hold the feeder by the hanging loop and slide the cap onto the top of the pipe. Your DIY feeder is complete and can go live now!
Hang the feeder in this manner: at least 4′ off the ground and the feeder at least 18″ from the nearest vertical surface. Fill by sliding the top cap up and pour seed into the tube. It doesn’t need to be filled up all the way.
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Tips for Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
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Rule Of 5-7-9
It’s a common truth that squirrels cannot jump more than 5 feet up from the ground, more than 7 feet across building or trees, and are reluctant to drop more than 9 feet onto a feeder from above.
Place your feeder station with these numbers in mind to deter a large majority of squirrels.
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Baffle Them
Squirrels are amazingly fast climbers, even on metal poles. Buy a squirrel baffle and attach it to the pole to prevent them from climbing up from below.
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Toy With Them
If you’d like to have a little more fun with your squirrels, try a turning a toy Slinky into a baffle. Thread the post through the Slinky and attach one end under the feeder, allowing it to drape down the post. Shorten it if the Slinky touches the ground. Squirrels that try to climb it get a ride back to the ground every time!
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Bird Feeder On A Wire
Suspend your feeders on a wire strung from one pole to another, at least 5 feet from the ground. To stop squirrels from doing a tight-rope walking trick, string plastic liter-size soda bottles onto the wire on both sides of the feeders.
This is an easy way to make spinning squirrel proof bird feeders. The plastic bottles roll the squirrels right off as they approach.
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The Caged Bird Eats
Invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders featuring a cage design. They work especially well for feeders meant for small birds, like chickadees or finches, and do a good job of keeping out the bully birds too.
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Switch Up Your Seed
Squirrels love most types of bird seed, but some folks notice that they tend to grow a dislike for safflower seed.
Birds like titmice and cardinals enjoy safflower, so replacing the seed in one or more of your feeders with safflower may help.
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Pick The Proper Pole
Metal and wood poles are very easy for squirrels to climb, but it’s been noted that copper or PVC piping are more of a challenge. Try building your own feeder or pole station using these materials.
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Keep It Clean
Squirrels love to forage for seeds on the ground, and the detritus from your feeders may be attracting them.
Keep the areas underneath your feeders clean, this not only deters them but deters other unwanted pests like racoons, rats, moles and voles). Attach a large tray on the pole beneath the feeders to catch the falling seed.
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Spice It Up
Birds and squirrels taste things differently. For instance, birds don’t taste the heat of peppers, but squirrels sure do.
Some bird lovers swear by thoroughly mixing a small amount of dried cayenne pepper into their seeds (a tablespoon or so per 10-pound bag of seed). However, there are those who argue the pepper can be irritating to birds’ eyes, so use this method with caution.
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Get Fresh
One often-shared tip for a squirrel-proof feeder involves hanging a bar of Irish Spring soap in a sock nearby. Supposedly, the scent repels squirrels and other unwanted mammals.
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Spin Me Right Round
To turn your feeder into a spinning squirrel proof bird feeder, hang it from a spinning hook, or seek out specialty feeders designed to spin squirrels off. (See our list below.)
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Feeding The Enemy
Sometimes providing squirrels their own feeders is enough to keep them away from bird feeders. Try a dried corn cob feeder, or build your own easy DIY squirrel feeder to offer them peanuts.
Deterring Squirrels
An extra step to help keep squirrels out of your bird feeders to fill them mainly wiith seed birds love, but squirrels hate/detest.
Some of these seeds are nyjer thistle (which goldfinches love), or a birdseed blend that contains a significant amount of white millet seed (which is excellent for mourning doves and house finches) and safflower (which attract birds such as cardinals and chickadees),.
You can also hang feeders on a thin wire that is strung between two points and put a slippery plastic baffle on top of any of these feeders.
Make sure the feeder is high enough off the ground and far enough from any tree(s) or deck(s) that squirrels could use as a launch pad to jump onto your feeder. A minimum of 18 inches is an excellent place to start. If you find the squirrels can still reach your feeder, hang it with more distance between squirrels and their jumping point.
Plus, consider squirrel deterrents to keep them from your yard in a more general sense. Different anti-rodent sprays and ultrasonic devices are on the market that can work well and are also often made from non-toxic, environmentally-friendly blends.
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Keeping Feeders Sanitary
Nourishing birds with a feeder is not only enjoyable to watch as songbirds and brightly colored cardinals, oriels, and blue jays stop by. It is more important to offer birds food during winters, especially those that are incredibly frigid.
Migrating bird species can end up returning to snow-covered soil during harsh, long winters, so having seed available is a great thing to do for our feathered friends.
One big concern with bird feeders other than squirrels is that of potential diseases birds that do not commonly interact with one other might encounter from various species. Experts say it’s still important to feed birds, but just to take precautions to keep your feeders clean.
To feed bird safely, scrub out bird feeders with either 10 percent non-chlorine bleach, 90 percent water solution at minimum a few times a year, and always between seasons.
If you don’t like to use bleach, a half vinegar half water mixture is another option. Keeping your feeders safe also means researching the preferred seeds of the fowl species you would like to attract.
Whether you build your own using our squirrel proof bird feeder plans, or you decide to buy a squirrel proof bird feeder we recommend, you are guaranteed to enjoy your bird watching sessions as their food get protected. You can always provide squirrels with their own food sources if you want to watch both sets of wildlife in your landscape.
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