Tips for Squirrel Proofing your Bird Feeders

Image by Elaine with Grey Cats via Flickr

You must be tired of squirrels in his backyard, trying to get bird feeders who have the benefit of birds visiting your backyard, but with squirrel-proof, you can be sure not to disturb. Feeders squirrel proof which are designed to keep squirrels and other animals who will not disappear and are of various types.

You can get a squirrel proof feeder collapsing or money with the weight of the squirrel. They are made to withstand only light weights, like the birds so that when squirrels try to get food, the charger starts to spin and the squirrel dropped. You can also use bird feeders cage that you can allow birds to enter so that the squirrel is too big for the space on the left.

Some people only serve to the small birds to enter depending on what you want is the proof of the squirrel prevent other large birds who do not your feeder for birds and squirrels.

You can find ways to squirrel proof your bird feeder that includes the placement of your bird charger to a distance where the squirrel can not reach and maintain cleanliness in the area for squirrels not be drawn. There are many Companies producing squirrel bird feeders ready, but is important to have in the best materials and is durable.

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Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

After writing that there’s no such thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeder, I’ve learned I’m out of date on bird feeding technology. One reader told me about the Eliminator Feeder, which has kept squirrels out of her bird food for years.

Another told me of a cylindrical feeder with a steeply sloping roof and holes and perches on the sides. If a squirrel can reach one of the perches, its weight closes the hole and the squirrel gets frustrated and eventually gives up.

A reader who says he ate a lot of squirrel as a youngster in Northern California described a small plastic dish, similar to a satellite dish, that fits upside down on a pole. The dish has a ball and socket joint so the dish rocks on the joint. He positions the feeder beyond squirrel jumping range of trees, shrubs, man made structures, or anything else that could serve as a launching platform, and about five feet above the ground. “I haven’t seen a squirrel or raccoon yet that can overcome it,” he says.

I also learned about a man who used a live trap cage like mine. When he caught a squirrel, he put the cage in a pail full of water to drown it; but the trap was longer that the height of the pail, so the squirrel just climbed up to the top of the cage, above water level. The accountant inverted the trap, and again the squirrel survived by climbing above the water level. A neighbor dropped by and asked the man what he was doing.

“Apparently giving the squirrel a bath,” the man said. The neighbor executed the squirrel with a pellet gun and hoped the man was better at his day job than he was at disposing of pests.

The gray squirrels emptying our Kitsap bird feeders are Eastern Gray Squirrels, which were introduced in Washington early in the last century. They’re intruders from east of the Rockies, they’re bullying out our native little reddish Douglas’ squirrels, and they’re not protected, so capture and dispatch as many as you like.

And in fact that may be the best means of controlling them: no wild animal can survive very long once we humans discover it’s edible. A reader from Minter, Washington, who has trapped over 200 squirrels and also eaten some, says Eastern Grays, having left behind their native territory rich in acorns, are tough and undersized. But this means only that we’ll have to harvest more of them, then dose them liberally with tenderizer.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jan/29/rob-woutat-yes-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/#ixzz0eD4Y9wU6

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Image by Getty Images via Daylife

How to choose bird feeders for your backyard

Your local garden center or online retailer is likely to have a massive selection of bird feeders to choose from in various sizes, shapes, colors and prices and it can be difficult to know which bird feeder will be the best for the birds in your garden or backyard. Regardless of the type of bird feeder you decide to purchase it should be built of sturdy material, easy to clean and squirrel proof!

The most popular choices are tubular bird feeders and platform feeders. Tubular feeders are built using a plastic or metal tube with various holes to allow the seed to come out. Many of these feeders have perches for birds to rest on while feeding. Look for a tubular bird feeder that has a solid hook or chain to hang it from a tree or pole, a large tube so you are not refilling everyday and a mesh or dome to protect your food from squirrels.

Platform feeders can be simply be a sheet of plywood raised off the ground and covered with seeds, fruit or other food.  A platform feeder about one foot off the ground is perfect for attracting birds that feed on the ground such as sparrows, doves or juncos. You can also hang a platform feeder from a tree or mount on a pole to attract a vast array of different birds. Again remember to look for protection of squirrels and ensure any wooden surfaces have been protected from the weather.

Hopper feeders are a bit more expensive but are usually easier to look after and come in a variety of interesting styles, including a Victorian house!  The main advantage is this type of feeder automatically restocks the feeder until the feed has been exhausted from the hopper – this means you don’t have to refill the feeder every day. Look for hopper bird feeders which hold a decent amount of seed and are easy to clean. You’ll attract many kinds of birds with these feeders including woodpeckers, cardinals and jays.

Window feeders attach to a pane of glass and allow you to see the birds while they are feeding from the comfort and warmth of your house. It may take slightly longer for the birds to feel comfortable feeding in this way but soon you’ll have a variety of birds feeding right next to your living room window!

The final types of bird feeders are the suet feeder and nectar bird feeders. Suet feeders are usually consist of a wire cake that suet cakes are attached to – suet feeders can be difficult to clean but do attract a variety of birds in winter and summer. Nectar bird feeders are diesgned to attract hummingbirds and Orioles. The birds ‘suck’ a sugary water from an inverted bottle or from a saucer that drips the liquid through the feeder.

It’s often worth having a selection of bird feeders in your garden to attract different types of birds at different times of the year. If you buy bird feeders that have been built well, they should last for a number of years and bring you lots of pleasure.

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What is the best tube bird feeder?

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

What is the best tube bird feeder? How do you tell the difference and is there a difference? The best tube bird feeder is one that suits your needs, not someone else’s. The best tube bird feeder will stand up to time, be easy to fill and clean, doesn’t clog easily and is affordable. For most people, this pretty much sums it up. However, do you know what to look for when you choose your next tube bird feeder? Well, we are going to give you 5 easy tips to assist you on your next purchase.

Materials. Most tube bird feeders are made of an 18″ long clear, plastic tube with holes arranged in a staggered way to allow 3-6 birds to eat comfortably. The best plastic tube feeder will be made with the UV stabilized polycarbonate tubes that won’t yellow with age. This tube is very flexible when you squeeze it. Hard plastic tube feeders look more durable but after a short time in the harsh elements, they become very brittle and crack easily.  

Portals. In the industry, we call the holes birds sit and eat from “portals.” They look almost like a ship’s window, openings surrounded by metal. Portals can be made of plastic, wood, or metal. Plastic breaks easy and can be chewed, but is cheaper. Same goes for wooden portals. Metal portals made of aluminum die-castings last a lifetime and resist even the sharpest teeth. Hole Arrangement.

This is one area that backyard birders never look for. Take a look at how the portals are arranged down the tube. The best tube bird feeders make sure that the holes are not on top of one another, they should be staggered around the tube. Overcrowding stresses the birds. Less stress means wild birds will stay longer in your yard. Tops & Bottoms.

The best tube bird feeders are made with easy-opening tops and bottoms, without needing special tools. You open the top to fill the feeder and remove the bottom of an empty feeder to allow for simple cleaning. Due to their design, tube bird feeders are notorious for trapping moisture. The bottom of any tube feeder is the area that causes hardening of the seeds inside. You need complete access to remove old, moldy seed. Hangar.

Another overlooked component of tube feeders. Strings, ropes and cords are not the best choice to hang a tube feeder because they snag and break too easy. The best tube bird feeder will have a metal loop-shaped hangar at the top. This is usually attached to the feeder on the sides and holds the top in place. You simply slide the top up the sturdy metal hangar to fill the feeder.

Use these 5 tips to help you choose the best tube bird feeder for you. Look over each tube bird feeder, feel the materials, look at the portals, tops, bottoms and hangar. With this new knowledge, you can be sure that the best value for you is not the cheap, throwaway models. After purchasing 3 or 4 of these in one season, you will have already covered the cost of the best tube bird feeder you can find. read more

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Deck the boughs with treats for birds

Image via Wikipedia

Here’s a holiday gift idea for birds around a bird lover’s home: a specialty bird feeder from Songbird Essentials filled with treats from Cole’s Wild Bird.

The Red Peanut Feeder ($33.95) is a solidly-made aluminum and stainless steel feeder made by BirdQuest. It features a caged tube with opening just large enough to squeeze about 1/8th of a peanut through. Around the tube runs a spiral perch. Small songbirds appear to enjoy the perch, scooting down or up when it’s time to change locations.

It is ideal for nut and sunflower kernels – high energy food that helps songbirds survive cold, winter nights.

It features a squirrel-proof locking lid and is easy to fill. A wire loop comes attached at the top for hanging. Songbird Essentials sells several accessories including trays and Twirl-A-Squirrel, a spinning protector at the top that keeps squirrels off the feeder.

The feeder – which comes with a lifetime warranty for the metal parts – is available in several colors, including red, silver and copper.

If squirrels are a problem, try filling the feeder with Cole’s Hot Meats, a spicy hot food that birds love and squirrels hate.

Cole’s infuses sunflower meats with a formula of chili pepper and safflower oil. For squirrels, it’s like biting into a jalepeno. Birds, however, do not get the stinging sensation. Of course it will take a week or two for the squirrels in the area to get the message. In the meantime, however, they won’t be emptying out the feeder. They’ll just take a nibble, then head to the nearest drinking spot.

Wild birds that seem to love Hot Meats include the bluebird, red-bellied woodpecker, goldfinch, wren, chickadee, titmouse, nuthatch, cardinal, indigo bunting and many others.

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Cover of Birding Cape Cod

A birding kit for beginners

The first item in a bird watching kit should be a bird feeder. Even the best birders begin their love of birds by appreciating backyard birds first. Feeders come in four basic styles. Your choices are: cheap and flimsy, artsy-fartsy, squirrel-proof, and plain but well-made. Forget the cheap and artsy-fartsy feeders. They won't last very long and the kid could be discouraged before she even gets started. Squirrel-proof feeders are great but they aren't cheap and I have a lot of items to suggest for this kit; there's no sense in blowing the entire budget on one item. I think a simple, well-made tube feeder is the way to go. Choose a feeder with metal perches and seed ports because these feeders will last forever. So what if the squirrels are able to eat out of it? Let your granddaughter learn about squirrels the hard way, just like we had to. It will put hair on her chest.

Of course the food for this new feeder should be sunflower seed. If you dare buy your granddaughter a bag of that mixed crap from the grocery store, I'll report you to the Department of Social Services.

How to keep squirrels off your deck!
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The next item to get is a good bird identification book. There are many "beginner" books out there, but I'm not a big fan of watered down bird books, even for kids. I think everyone, at any age, should have a complete birding field guide. I hear too many adults misnaming birds because the bird that they saw wasn't in their copy of "Little Billy's Guide to Pretty Birds." Get an all-inclusive book. Or, if it makes you feel better, buy the child a beginner's book and a comprehensive book for her parents. That way, there'll be at least one good book in the kid's house.

I don't know if you intend to buy your granddaughter binoculars for this kit, Paul, but if you do here are some guidelines. Many birders don’t recommend small, compact binoculars, but I think small makes sense in this case. No ten-year-old girl wants to drag around heavy binoculars. Plus, small binoculars fit better in small hands. But don't even think about buying her binoculars made by Fisher-Price or Mattel. Binoculars aren't supposed to have pictures of Barbie or Hannah Montana on them. I'm not saying you have to get top of the line optics, but at least buy a brand name you've heard of. You should also look through them first to make sure they work. That means you shouldn’t consider any binoculars that come in those frustrating plastic clamshell packs. Not only won ‘t you be able to try them first, but your ten-year-old granddaughter will be in college by the time she’s be able to finally get one of those %*!@?? ƒ°!*@ packages open.

One thing younger people have that many adults don't have is good hearing. Because of that I would encourage you to consider a CD of bird songs. Identifying birds is a million times easier for those who can recognize songs and calls. And unlike my complete bird book rant earlier, a bird-song CD doesn’t need to include every bird. A good collection of backyard bird songs would be fine for a young birder. Let the child master familiar and easy songs first. See, I can be flexible.

I don’t know where your granddaughter lives, but if she is fortunate enough to live around here, you should definitely include a copy of Birding Cape Cod. Birding Cape Cod is an informative book that was put together by the knowledgeable folks at the Cape Cod Bird Club. It contains maps and info on the very best local birding spots. If she doesn’t live on the Cape you should get the book for her anyway. That way you'll have good places to take her when she comes to visit and you won't end up being dragged to the mall.

The last thing you should purchase for your granddaughter is the most important item of all. You should buy her a brand new, fire red Corvette convertible. A convertible is the perfect vehicle to go birding in. You can see and hear the birds so much better in a car without a roof. And because your granddaughter is only ten years old you are going to need me to keep this car safe for her until she’s old enough to drive. I would totally do that for you, Paul. That’s the kind of guy I am.

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How Do You Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

I love watching the birds and filling their feeders, but I don’t enjoy watching the squirrels emptying them out. I have bought the “squirrel” proof feeders that are on springs and close the feeding holes from their weight, and I have bought the plastic bowl looking contraptions , and they don’t work…

I have fought this battle for a long time and also had problems with large numbers of doves, as well as squirrels, cleaning out my feeders in no time flat. I have found you have to buy a special squirrel-proof feeder. I have tried many and finally found two that are truly dove-proof and squirrel-proof:
Brome Squirrel-Buster Plus (the best)
Droll Yankees Yankee Whipper (this one is squirrel-proof only if mounted at least 16″ from the support, or from any wall or tree, so that the squirrels cannot reach it and pull it towards their hungry little selves.)
Another good feeder that keeps out both squirrels and large birds is the Duncraft Selective Bird Feeder, but this one is a caged feeder, so cardinals cannot use it. I have one of these that I’m using also, and it’s wonderful for smaller birds. Woodpeckers can also use it by clinging, as can grosbeaks and other desirable birds, but not cardinals.
The first two I listed, the Yankee Flipper and the Brome Squirrel Buster, are weight-sensitive. The Brome can even be adjusted so that large birds like doves cannot eat from it!!! I’m SO happy with mine. If you get the Brome, you need to be sure to get the cardinal ring that goes with it so that they can eat.
This week on my feeders, I have had red breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings, downy woodpeckers, red headed woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, chicadees, titmice, goldfinches, house finches, blue jays, white breasted nuthatches, brownheaded nuthatches, but NO squirrels and NO doves!

For best prices, try bestnest.com. Bestnest has a useful search engine that allows you to select what you do and don’t want to feed.

I am passionate about this subject and have also spent way too much money in my quest for the right feeders. My feeders are so squirrel- and dove-proof that I am using shelled sunflower seed so that there is no messy waste. (Cooperseed.com has a good bulk price.) I have two Yankee Flippers, one Duncraft Selective, and one Brome Squirrel Buster with the cardinal ring, so I hope you can benefit from my experience and enjoy your birds!!!
P.S. I DO order bulk cracked corn from Cooper Seeds that I put on the ground in large quantities as a consolation for the squirrels and doves; towhees, white-throated sparrows, and juncos like it, too!