How to Build a Wooden Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
If you are trying to keep a squirrel away from your bird feeder, there are many ways to protect your investment. For example, you can build a squirrel baffle that can be installed part way up the pole of your bird feeder. A squirrel baffle will be installed in such a way that the squirrel will not be able to climb up the pole. The baffle will also keep the squirrel from reaching the feeder, as it won’t be able to get up there.
Distracting squirrels
If you want to prevent grey squirrels from stealing your seed, you can build a squirrel-proof bird feeder. You can make it yourself for less than $20 using common tools. A squirrel-proof feeder should be small and has only one thin leg. It should be placed away from tall objects, like trees. However, if you want to completely protect your seed from the gray squirrels, you can buy a motorised feeder.
To keep squirrels away, place your feeder about 15 feet off the ground. If you place the feeder on the ground, they’ll climb brickwork or climb a tree branch to get at the seeds. If you put out bird seed during winter months, squirrels will roll it around the ground to get to the seeds. Then, place a wire chicken wire cage underneath to keep out the rodents.
Types of squirrel baffles
Squirrel-proof bird feeders are important to maintain to ensure your birds are protected from the squirrels. These creatures have a habit of gnawing through plastic, glass, and hard plastic materials, so using a baffle that fits the size of the squirrels’ mouths is necessary. To ensure that your wooden feeder is squirrel-proof, be sure to purchase a baffle that is designed for the correct size of the squirrels’ mouths.
If you’re placing your wood squirrel-proof bird feeder on a tree, it is important to use the right squirrel baffles. The best way to secure your feeder is to install them between three and four feet above ground level. They should also be installed with your bird feeder, so that the squirrels will be deterred from climbing it. Depending on the type of squirrel baffles you choose, they may be insufficient to deter the squirrels completely.
Size of squirrel baffle
To prevent a squirrel from chewing or tearing through the wooden baffle of a squirrel-proof bird feeder, make sure that you have the right size of the wood baffle. The right baffle size should be between half-inch and one-and-a-half inches in diameter. A good size is important since a squirrel can reach over the edge of the baffle and pull out the feeder.
The size of the squirrel baffle on a wooden bird feeder should be large enough to prevent the critter from gaining access to the food. It should be thick and sturdy enough to resist the chewing attempts of a squirrel. Squirrels can chew through any material that is not metal or plastic. This is one of the main reasons why you should choose the largest size squirrel baffle possible.
Keeping squirrels away from bird feeders
You might wonder how to keep squirrels away from bird feeders. There are a few things that you can do to discourage these furry creatures, but not all of them are safe for the birds. You could use traps, which are cruel and don’t work. Here are some simple tips to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder. Keeping your bird feeder at least 10 feet from walls or trees will help deter them.
First, you can use Irish Spring soap. Irish Spring soap is made for the outdoors. Simply cut a small piece of soap and put it in a drawstring bag. Use the drawstring bag to secure the pouch, and then staple it to the feeder. Make sure to drive the wooden stakes at least 6 inches into the ground. You can also use thin wires to block the access to the bird feeders.
Using an old rainboot as a squirrel baffle
You can use an old rainboot as a squirrel barricade. All you need are a few materials and a few simple tools. First, you need a round duct cap or metal pipe. You can also use clamps, depending on the size of your pole. Once you have the materials, you can start building. After determining the location and size of your pole, you will need to drill holes in the boot and a few screws to attach it to the pole.
The squirrels love to feast on nuts, so they may be tempted to eat the seed that is on your wooden bird feeder. Fortunately, this isn’t the only way to keep the squirrels away. You can also use a $1 bowl from the dollar store as a squirrel baffle. Make sure to use a transparent bowl.
What are the supplies needed to build a wooden squirrel-proof bird feeder?
Answer: 1) a bird feeder 2) a piece of wire or string 3) a drill 4) a saw 5) a hammer 6) screws 7) nails 8) drill bits.
How do you make the roof of the bird feeder squirrel proof?
Answer: Wire or string can be used to make a hinged roof.
How do you keep the squirrels from accessing the food?
Answer: By making the roof hinged the squirrels will not be able to reach the food.
What is the best type of wood to use for the bird feeder?
Answer: Cedar is a good option because it is light and rot-resistant.
How do you squirrel proof the bird feeder without a hinged roof?
Answer: By adding a baffle it will make it difficult for the squirrels to reach the food.
What is a baffle?
Answer: A baffle is a circular or cone-shaped piece of metal or plastic that is placed over the top of the feeder and extends outwards making it difficult for animals to reach the food.
How do you attach the baffle to the bird feeder?
Answer: The baffle can be attached with screws or nails.
How do you make sure the bird feeder is stable?
Answer: By adding a weight to the bottom of the feeder such as a sandbag or a brick it will help to keep the feeder stable.
What is the best type of food to put in a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: Peanut butter or sunflower seeds are good options.
How often should you clean the bird feeder?
Answer: The bird feeder should be cleaned every two weeks.
How do you clean the bird feeder?
Answer: The bird feeder can be cleaned with a vinegar and water solution.
How do you squirrel proof the bird feeder if you don’t have a hinged roof or a baffle?
Answer: By adding a weight to the bottom of the feeder such as a sandbag or a brick it will help to keep the feeder stable.
Is there anything else you can do to squirrel proof the bird feeder?
Answer: Yes by adding a wire mesh around the feeder it will make it difficult for the squirrels to reach the food.
How do you attach the wire mesh to the bird feeder?
Answer: The wire mesh can be attached with screws or nails.
What is the best time of year to build a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: Spring or summer.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
