Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder

acruce · 10-27-2008, 09:44 PM

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun.

G G · 10-27-2008, 09:47 PM

get a bunch of two liter drink bottles and cut the small end out so that it's very snug around the pole. Then cut out the bottom, and then just slide the bottoms into the bottom of the next one. Worked for me. If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I will take pics of mine so you can see how it looks.

That is the only thing that has ever worked for me.

FriskyDingo · 10-27-2008, 09:57 PM

This may be a bit elaborate but it works. It's called a Squirrel Stop. It uses batteries and when there is a sudden weight added to the feeder it spins, throwing the squirrel to the ground.

Here's a pic:

There are also several products that aren't nearly as funny that you add to the feeder pole that look like large drum cymbols that prevent squirrels from climbing up... hope this helps!

-Evan

St. Lou Stu · 10-27-2008, 09:50 PM

Dude, just save the PVC.... those lil fukers are GENIUSES!
Go with a good, high powered pellet gun or a .22.

I tried grease on my pole.... OK that sounds bad.....
Anyway, it didn't work. I had to fabricate a hood that hangs down under the feeder so they can't reach it. I'm waiting for one of em to show up with an Acetylene torch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by acruce

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun.

chippewastud79 · 10-27-2008, 09:51 PM

A spinning Squirrel Stop or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around.

St. Lou Stu · 10-27-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

A spinning Squirrel Stop or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around.

That's kinda what I made... only mine's uglier.

Ya need this.

madurofan · 10-27-2008, 09:56 PM

Maine Coons do a number on squirrels. Might not help with the birds, though.

FriskyDingo · 10-27-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

A spinning Squirrel Stop or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around.

I must type slow... that is exactly what I was talking about!

BlackDog · 10-27-2008, 10:11 PM

I've got one of each of these. They work prefectly, ahd them for over 5 years with perfect operation. The perches have springs which are strong enough to keep the feed tray open when there is a bird sitting on it, but not strong enough for the weight of a squirrel. If a squirrel gets on the perch, the tray closes. I paid less than they are listed for here at a local farm supply store.

http://www.duncraft.com/Heritage-Far...r-P383C34.aspx

CoventryCat86 · 10-27-2008, 11:08 PM

I use the Droll Yankee Flipper and Yankee Dipper feeders. The Yankee Flipper has a motorized base so when the squirrels jump on it, it starts spinning and they go sailing, LMAO! One of their factories is in Dayville, CT and I have a friend who works there.

Check out the video on the hyperlink, it's hilarious!
EDIT: For some reason, when I just tried to click the "See Video" link, I got an error message. Hopefully they'll get it fixed sometime soon because like I said, the video had me laughing for quite a while when I saw it.

I have to admit, the darn red squirrels figured out a way to jump on it and grab the holes to stop the base from spinning.

Check out THIS FEEDER on the BestNest.com site. It's electronic and gives squirrels a "jolt." I haven't bought one yet but I plan on it in the very near future.

10-27-2008, 11:21 PM

Only way I've stopped the buggers.

chippewastud79 · 10-28-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swampper

Why don't ya just put up a Squirrel feeder?

Quote:

Originally Posted by acruce

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high. I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard.

Sounds like he tried that

Swampper · 10-28-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Sounds like he tried that

Yeah, I missed that.

I have a bird feeder and a suiet thing on the north fence, and a squirrel feeder on the back fence. Load the squirrel feeder up with pumpkin seeds. Seems to work well. I don't notice the tree rats messing with the bird food. I guess the birds are just too mean here in Oklahoma.

Neuromancer · 10-28-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acruce

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun.

I have several bird feeders up...believe me, those squirrels are smart little suckers...if there's a way to get to the food don't be surprised if they figure it out...next thing ya know they'll be standing on each other's shoulders to get to it...

RGD. · 10-28-2008, 10:23 PM

The key is 8ft. 8ft off the ground and 8ft away from anything they can jump from.
I have been feeding birds for over 30 years now and have a long standing feud with the squirrels. Droll Yankee feeders are the best if you can't keep them away.

Also - change the food. Safflower seed is one they don't like but most song birds do. Blue Jays don't like it either - which is good. I give Niger seed in one feeder - sunflower hearts in a Droll Yankee and safflower and/or sunflower hearts in the third which is suspended from a 25 foot wire and 8ft away from anything. A fourth feeder has nuts - but it's a heavy gauge wire squirrel proof feeder that they can't fit into but nut-hatchers and wood peckers can.

Anyway - good luck with it.

Ron

RGD. · 10-28-2008, 10:48 PM

Now bears on the other hand . . . .

Ron

10-27-2008, 09:44 PM	#1
acruce Just killing Time Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andy Location: Venus TX Posts: 1,114 Trading: (1)	Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun. __________________ LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST~SMOKE AS MANY FINE CIGARS AS POSSIBLE ~ SMILE ~ IT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD!!

10-27-2008, 09:47 PM	#2
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,730 Trading: (10)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder get a bunch of two liter drink bottles and cut the small end out so that it's very snug around the pole. Then cut out the bottom, and then just slide the bottoms into the bottom of the next one. Worked for me. If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I will take pics of mine so you can see how it looks. That is the only thing that has ever worked for me.

10-27-2008, 09:57 PM	#3
FriskyDingo hoosierherfers.com Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Evan Location: Jeffersonville, IN Posts: 318 Trading: (16)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder This may be a bit elaborate but it works. It's called a Squirrel Stop. It uses batteries and when there is a sudden weight added to the feeder it spins, throwing the squirrel to the ground. Here's a pic: There are also several products that aren't nearly as funny that you add to the feeder pole that look like large drum cymbols that prevent squirrels from climbing up... hope this helps! -Evan __________________ -= http://www.hoosierherfers.com =-

10-27-2008, 09:51 PM	#5
chippewastud79 Fatter than you! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Larry Location: A little place called home. Posts: 5,397 Trading: (44)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder A spinning Squirrel Stop or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around. __________________ If we weren't supposed to eat animals, then how come they're made of meat? You can never have too many cigars, they are like an investment in good times.

10-27-2008, 09:56 PM	#7
madurofan Random Idiot Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bill Location: Florida Keys Posts: 146 Trading: (3)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder Maine Coons do a number on squirrels. Might not help with the birds, though. __________________ Better than a Nub Lancero........

10-27-2008, 10:11 PM	#9
BlackDog Gonna make you groove... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Warren Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,468 Trading: (19)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder I've got one of each of these. They work prefectly, ahd them for over 5 years with perfect operation. The perches have springs which are strong enough to keep the feed tray open when there is a bird sitting on it, but not strong enough for the weight of a squirrel. If a squirrel gets on the perch, the tray closes. I paid less than they are listed for here at a local farm supply store. http://www.duncraft.com/Heritage-Far...r-P383C34.aspx __________________ "We live in the good of this."

10-27-2008, 11:08 PM	#10
CoventryCat86 Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The North East Posts: 65 Trading: (0)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder I use the Droll Yankee Flipper and Yankee Dipper feeders. The Yankee Flipper has a motorized base so when the squirrels jump on it, it starts spinning and they go sailing, LMAO! One of their factories is in Dayville, CT and I have a friend who works there. Check out the video on the hyperlink, it's hilarious! EDIT: For some reason, when I just tried to click the "See Video" link, I got an error message. Hopefully they'll get it fixed sometime soon because like I said, the video had me laughing for quite a while when I saw it. I have to admit, the darn red squirrels figured out a way to jump on it and grab the holes to stop the base from spinning. Check out THIS FEEDER on the BestNest.com site. It's electronic and gives squirrels a "jolt." I haven't bought one yet but I plan on it in the very near future. Last edited by CoventryCat86; 10-27-2008 at 11:12 PM.

10-27-2008, 11:21 PM	#11
Ace$nyper Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder Only way I've stopped the buggers. Last edited by Ace$nyper; 10-27-2008 at 11:21 PM. Reason: pic too big

10-28-2008, 10:23 PM	#15
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder The key is 8ft. 8ft off the ground and 8ft away from anything they can jump from. I have been feeding birds for over 30 years now and have a long standing feud with the squirrels. Droll Yankee feeders are the best if you can't keep them away. Also - change the food. Safflower seed is one they don't like but most song birds do. Blue Jays don't like it either - which is good. I give Niger seed in one feeder - sunflower hearts in a Droll Yankee and safflower and/or sunflower hearts in the third which is suspended from a 25 foot wire and 8ft away from anything. A fourth feeder has nuts - but it's a heavy gauge wire squirrel proof feeder that they can't fit into but nut-hatchers and wood peckers can. Anyway - good luck with it. Ron

10-28-2008, 10:48 PM	#16
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder Now bears on the other hand . . . . Ron