How to Fix a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
If you want to fix squirrels’ love for birdseed, the best way is to put a pole baffle or dome over the bird feeder. You can also use a Slinky or glue trap to discourage them. These methods will keep squirrels from stealing birdseed as much as a pole baffle would. Listed below are some ways to fix squirrel-proof bird feeders. We hope this article has been helpful!
Pole baffle
A squirrel baffle is a simple and effective way to keep out those pesky critters that prefer to feed in a bird feeder. These devices feature a wide diameter and a slippery surface that keeps them from climbing over the poles. They can be easily installed and will blend in nicely with your landscape. Despite their simple design, they are well-made and durable, making them an excellent choice for squirrel-proof bird feeders.
Squirrels can be persistent and can easily climb to the feeders, so you should be prepared to install a squirrel baffle on top of your bird feeding station. It is easy to install a squirrel baffle, but make sure you’re at least five feet tall so you don’t have to worry about being too short for it to reach the hooks. If you are concerned about the height of the feeder, consider adding an extra chain or hook to it. A squirrel baffle will help keep the bird feeder at a height that is low enough for the squirrels to avoid.
Dome baffle
A squirrel baffle is a device used on hanging or pole-mounted bird feeders to keep squirrels from getting in. The cone shape of a squirrel baffle makes it difficult for squirrels to climb up the feeder pole. This type of baffle is usually clear. It is a popular choice for squirrel-proofing bird feeders. However, if you have a squirrel-prone area, you should use a different type of baffle.
This baffle has a wide diameter and can cover a large area. It is often wrapped around a pole feeder, or attached to a guard. It is up to you how you choose to install the baffle, but it’s worth considering the size of the cage. Some baffles can be too large, while others are too small. Regardless of how you choose to protect your feeder, you should be able to use one of these devices for squirrel-proofing your bird feed.
Slinky
One way to deter squirrels is to hang your feeder high and offer only the highest quality seed. If squirrels aren’t deterred by bouncy strings or can’t jump high enough to reach the feeder, consider using an alternative type of bird seed. Although Nyjer seeds aren’t suitable for squirrels, they are highly appreciated by Goldfinches and other species. By using a feeder pole covered with lubricant, you will make it more difficult for squirrels to climb.
Another method to keep squirrels away from your feeder is to use a slinky. A slinky is an oblong helical metal spring that stretches under gravity. These are often used as squirrel deterrents by homeowners with pole-mounted bird feeders. While a slinky isn’t a guaranteed repellent, it can keep the squirrels away. In addition to slinky deterrents, a slinky makes your pole and feeder slippery.
Grease and glue traps
Glue and grease traps on bird feeder poles may work but they are not completely effective. The grease or glue gets stuck in the fur and feathers of the squirrels and is toxic. You can also add baffles to your feeder to keep the squirrels from climbing it. However, baffles are not effective if the squirrels are too smart to climb a pole. This is a very cruel method and can cause severe harm to your bird and your feeder.
Grease and glue traps are the most cruel type of rodent traps. The frantic animals tear off their skin in a futile attempt to escape the glue traps. They suffocate when their mouths and noses are stuck and they will even chew their legs off to free themselves. In addition to killing the birds, nontarget animals can also get stuck in glue traps and die of blood loss. In the U.S., glue traps are illegal for most species.
Slinky keeps squirrels from tumbling back
One method of keeping squirrels away from bird feeders is to hang a Slinky bird feeder. Slinky bird feeders are very effective because they prevent squirrels from falling back down the pole. However, the squirrel repellents tend to lose their effectiveness over time, so it is important to use them quickly if you want to keep your feeders free from unwanted visitors. One of the best repellents for squirrels is petroleum jelly.
For this method, you can purchase a Slinky for $2.99. Place it on the bird feeder pole so that the Slinky spring will push the squirrel back down. Alternatively, you can use a PVC pipe to act as a stand for the bird feeder. Unlike a wooden stand, this material is hard, so the squirrels won’t be able to get a firm grip and will be sent back to the ground.
What is a squirrel proof bird feeder?
A squirrel proof bird feeder is a feeder that has been specifically designed to keep squirrels from being able to access the bird food.
There are a variety of different types of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market but they all share the common goal of keeping squirrels away from the bird food.
Why do I need a squirrel proof bird feeder?
While squirrels are certainly cute they can be a real nuisance when it comes to your bird feeder.
Not only will they eat all of the bird food but they can also damage the feeder in their attempt to get to the food.
A squirrel proof bird feeder will protect your bird feeder from squirrel damage and keep the bird food available for the birds.
How does a squirrel proof bird feeder work?
There are a variety of different types of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market but they all work to accomplish the same goal – keeping squirrels away from the bird food.
Some squirrel proof bird feeders are designed to keep squirrels from being able to reach the bird food while others are designed to keep squirrels from being able to grip the feeder.
What is the best squirrel proof bird feeder?
There are a variety of different types of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market so there is no one “best” squirrel proof bird feeder.
Some squirrel proof bird feeders are designed to keep squirrels from being able to reach the bird food while others are designed to keep squirrels from being able to grip the feeder.
The best squirrel proof bird feeder for you will depend on your specific needs.
Do squirrel proof bird feeders really work?
Yes squirrel proof bird feeders really do work.
While there are a variety of different types of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market they all share the common goal of keeping squirrels away from the bird food.
If you are having trouble with squirrels getting into your bird feeder a squirrel proof bird feeder is a great option.
How do I choose a squirrel proof bird feeder?
When choosing a squirrel proof bird feeder you will want to consider the specific needs of your bird feeder.
Some squirrel proof bird feeders are designed to keep squirrels from being able to reach the bird food while others are designed to keep squirrels from being able to grip the feeder.
The best squirrel proof bird feeder for you will depend on your specific needs.
How do I install a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Installing a squirrel proof bird feeder is typically a fairly simple process.
Most squirrel proof bird feeders come with simple instructions that will walk you through the process step-by-step.
In general you will want to install the squirrel proof bird feeder in a place where squirrels cannot easily access it such as on a window ledge or in a tree.
How often do I need to clean my squirrel proof bird feeder?
You will need to clean your squirrel proof bird feeder on a regular basis just as you would any other type of bird feeder.
The frequency with which you need to clean your feeder will depend on the type of feeder you have as well as the number of birds using the feeder.
In general you should aim to clean your feeder at least once a week.
Can I make my own squirrel proof bird feeder?
While you can certainly try to make your own squirrel proof bird feeder it is generally not recommended.
There are a variety of different types of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market and they are specifically designed to keep squirrels away from the bird food.
If you are having trouble with squirrels getting into your bird feeder a squirrel proof bird feeder is a great option.
Do I need to squirrel proof my bird feeder?
While squirrel proof bird feeders are not required they can be a great option if you are having trouble with squirrels getting into your bird feeder.
Squirrel proof bird feeders are specifically designed to keep squirrels away from the bird food and they can be a great way to protect your bird feeder from squirrel damage.
How can I squirrel proof my bird feeder?
There are a variety of different ways to squirrel proof your bird feeder.
Some squirrel proof bird feeders are designed to keep squirrels from being able to reach the bird food while others are designed to keep squirrels from being able to grip the feeder.
The best way to squirrel proof your bird feeder will depend on your specific needs.
What are some of the best squirrel proof bird feeders?
Some of the best squirrel proof bird feeders on the market include the Brome 1057 Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder the Droll Yankees New Generation Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder and the Aspects 402 Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder.
These squirrel proof bird feeders are all designed to keep squirrels away from the bird food and they are all highly rated by customers.
Where can I buy a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Squirrel proof bird feeders are available for purchase at a variety of different retailers both in store and online.
Some of the best places to buy squirrel proof bird feeders include Amazon Walmart and Target.
How much does a squirrel proof bird feeder cost?
The cost of a squirrel proof bird feeder will vary depending on the specific feeder you choose.
In general you can expect to pay between $25 and $100 for a squirrel proof bird feeder.
Do squirrel proof bird feeders come in different sizes?
Yes squirrel proof bird feeders do come in different sizes.
The specific size that you will need will depend on the number of birds that you are trying to feed.
Some squirrel proof bird feeders are designed to accommodate a single bird while others are designed to accommodate multiple birds.
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.
