How to Make an Anti-Squirrel Bird Feeder Cone
If your bird feeder is frequently visited by squirrels, you might want to consider creating a cone or baffle above the bird feed. The cone or baffle must be wide enough to prevent the squirrel from jumping up to it and high enough off the ground. Slinky birds and mesh fences are another option. These methods may help you keep squirrels from coming close to the bird feeder, but they won’t completely prevent them from doing so.
Slide-on baffle
If you’re looking for an anti-squirrel bird feeder to protect your plants from the destructive habits of squirrels, a slide-on baffle is the answer. Squirrels are known to chew through most materials, including plastic, plexiglass, and hard plastic. This will ultimately ruin your bird feeder. The good news is that these baffles are easy to install, and the pros and cons are the same as those of the top pick.
Squirrel repellents are widely available. The cost of these devices can range from $15 for a simple no-frills baffle to over $50 for a large product. For a single feeding station, you can expect to pay about $20-$25 for a squirrel-repelling device. However, you need to be careful when shopping for these products, as unscrupulous sellers may try to get your money by any means necessary.
Mesh fence
You can build your own squirrel baffle by using a galvanized pipe. The process is quite simple and is sure to keep the squirrels from enjoying your bird feed. You should mark and cut the pipe with a sharpie and then clutch it to the pole. Once completed, install the rodent guard, which will prevent squirrels from climbing on top of the baffle and eating the bird feed.
Squirrels can jump up to five feet straight up, and can leap even higher if they catch an edge of a bird feeder and pull themselves up. Make sure that the ground around the feeder is level. Moreover, the cone should be tall enough so that squirrels cannot jump from a high position to a low one. So, the anti-squirrel bird feeder cone must be high enough so that the squirrel cannot jump from a low to a high position.
Oil-based repellent
When you want to keep birds away from your yard, you can make your own cone-shaped oil-based bird repellent. You can use it to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder. The mixture should contain three tablespoons of cayenne per five lbs of birdseed. Once the mixture has had time to sit, transfer it to a spray bottle. This repellent works best on harder surfaces, as it will kill most plants.
Alternatively, you can spray pepper on your bird feeder. This repellent will keep squirrels from climbing over it. The scent will prevent squirrels from stepping onto the cone and eating the food. The pepper works because squirrels can jump as far as five, seven, or nine feet. You can also use shredded Irish Spring soap to frighten away birds. Alternatively, you can use thin wires to block the squirrels from hopping onto your bird feeder.
Slinky
If you want to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, you should try to install a baffle. These are made of cones that are 18 inches in diameter and installed over feeders near trees, tall structures, or on poles. These cones will keep out squirrels because they are heavy and cannot easily move them. Here’s a simple tutorial for making your own squirrel baffle.
First, you should cut the galvanized pipe to the diameter of your feeder’s pole. You can use a sharpie to make a mark. Cut the pipe at this mark. Then, clutch the pipe tightly to the post. Once it is attached, you can hang the bird feeder. It is very easy to make and will discourage the squirrel from accessing your bird feed.
What are some of the supplies you will need to make an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone?
Answer 1: Some supplies you will need to make an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone include a 2-liter soda bottle a utility knife wire cutters heavy-duty duct tape and bird seed.
How do you cut the soda bottle to make the feeder cone?
Answer 2: To make the feeder cone cut the 2-liter soda bottle in half with a utility knife.
Cut the top half of the bottle into a cone shape and then cut the bottom half of the bottle into a smaller cone shape.
How do you attach the two cone shapes together?
Answer 3: To attach the two cone shapes together use heavy-duty duct tape to secure the smaller cone inside the larger cone.
How do you make the hole for the bird seed?
Answer 4: To make the hole for the bird seed use a utility knife to make a small hole in the center of the larger cone.
How do you make the perch for the birds?
Answer 5: To make the perch for the birds use wire cutters to cut a length of wire.
Make a small loop at one end of the wire and then tape the wire to the outside of the large cone.
What is the best type of bird seed to use in an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone?
Answer 6: The best type of bird seed to use in an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone is black oil sunflower seed.
How do you fill the feeder cone with bird seed?
Answer 7: To fill the feeder cone with bird seed pour the seed into the small hole in the center of the large cone.
How do you hang the feeder cone?
Answer 8: To hang the feeder cone use wire to create a hanger.
Tape the hanger to the outside of the large cone.
What is the best type of bird feeder to use if you have squirrels in your yard?
Answer 9: The best type of bird feeder to use if you have squirrels in your yard is an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone.
How do squirrels usually get to bird feeders?
Answer 10: Squirrels usually get to bird feeders by climbing the pole or tree the feeder is hung from.
What do squirrels eat from bird feeders?
Answer 11: Squirrels eat bird seed from bird feeders.
How can you stop squirrels from eating from bird feeders?
Answer 12: You can stop squirrels from eating from bird feeders by using an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone.
What are the benefits of using an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone?
Answer 13: The benefits of using an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone include keeping squirrels away from bird feeders and keeping bird seed dry.
How often should you clean an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone?
Answer 14: You should clean an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone every two weeks.
What is the best type of bird feeder to use if you have squirrels in your yard?
Answer 15: The best type of bird feeder to use if you have squirrels in your yard is an anti-squirrel bird feeder cone.
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.
