Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder

[chippewastud79]

Originally Posted by Swampper

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

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

[acruce]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

whats wrong with feeding some squirrels? I like the little buggers

I like the squirrels to ,but I filled up to bird feeders and a squirrel feeder night before last. when I got home from work all feeders were empty. Thats about
10# of bird food in one day.Hell I can't afford to bird watch at that rate.

[theonlybear4CORT]

hire a bouncer?


them cute little things need to eat too you know,so I dont trip about it but good luck.

[Neuromancer]

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.]

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

[Swampper]

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.

[RGD.]

Now bears on the other hand . . . .













Ron

[CoventryCat86]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

whats wrong with feeding some squirrels? I like the little buggers

Sunflower seeds went WAAAAAY up in price over the last year or so here and if I didn't use at least some squirrel proof feeders, I couldn't afford to feed the birds.

My late mother started a tradition of feeding the birds at the homestead so in her honor, I'm keeping the feeders stocked up for them and the occasional squirrel who can outsmart the squirrel proof ones.