Attracting birds to your yard is a rewarding experience, but pesky squirrels often steal the food meant for your feathered friends. In this guide, we’ll look at effective ways to keep squirrels away, what to look for in a squirrel-proof bird feeder, and the five best feeders that will keep these nimble creatures from taking over your bird food.
How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Bird Feeder?
Squirrels are nimble and intelligent, making them hard to scare away. However, these strategies can help:
1. Choose a squirrel-proof bird feeder – Invest in a feeder designed to be squirrel-proof (see our top picks below).
2. Use a baffle – A domed or cone-shaped baffle placed above or below the feeder makes it difficult for squirrels to climb.
3. Position the feeder wisely – Place the feeder at least 10 feet away from trees, fences or structures that squirrels can jump from.
4. Use safflower seed. Birds love safflower seed, but squirrels find it unappetizing.
5. Add a rotating mechanism – Some feeders have a rotating perch that knocks the squirrels off.
6. Install a squirrel-proof perch – Mount the feeders on a smooth metal perch with a protective cover to block climbing.
7. Offer squirrels their own food – A separate squirrel feeder with peanuts or corn can distract them from the bird feeder.
What to look for in a squirrel-friendly bird feeder
When shopping for a squirrel-proof feeder, look for these key features:
Weight-sensitive mechanism – closes access when a squirrel climbs on it.
Metal construction – Plastic feeders can be chewed through, so choose a sturdy metal one.
Seed port design – look for small openings that birds can access but squirrels can’t.
Baffle integration – some feeders come with built-in squirrel baffles for added protection.
Hanging vs. pole-mounted – Hanging feeders should be strategically placed, while pole-mounted feeders should have baffles.
Top 5 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
1. Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
✅ Weight-sensitive perch closes access when a squirrel climbs on it.
✅ Adjustable for different bird sizes.
✅ Durable and chew-resistant.
2. Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper
✅ Spinning perch gently flips squirrels.
✅ Large seed capacity.
✅ Weather-resistant and durable.
3. Audubon Squirrel-Proof Feeder
✅ Spring mechanism closes when squirrel weight is detected.
✅ Can be mounted on a pole or hung.
✅ Holds a variety of seeds.
4. Perky-Pet 336 Squirrel-Be-Gone Feeder
✅ Decorative cage with weight-sensitive perches.
✅ Affordable and easy to fill.
✅ Ideal for small backyard birds.
5. Roamwild PestOff Squirrel Proof Feeder
✅ Dual seed compartments for multiple bird species.
✅ No batteries or electronics required.
✅ Fully enclosed design to prevent seed loss.
Squirrels can be stubborn, but with the right feeder and a few simple deterrents, you can enjoy birdwatching for years to come. Invest in a high-quality, squirrel-proof feeder and follow our tips to ensure your bird food is safe.
For more birdwatching and nature tips, visit Natural World 50.
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