How to Make a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
If you have a problem with squirrels in your yard, you might want to know how to make squirrel proof bird feeder. Here are three ways to keep squirrels away from your feeder. Distract them by hanging the feeder on a shepherd’s hook. If they sit on the branch, the feeder automatically closes. You can also put cayenne pepper in your bird food. Once you have your squirrel-proof bird feeder in place, you can enjoy watching your birdies enjoy the food.
Distracting squirrels
While a bird feeder is a great way to encourage your backyard birds to feed, you must keep squirrels away from it. Squirrels are forest-dwelling animals that have benefited greatly from human habitation. Bird feeders are an excellent source of calories for your backyard birds. Here are some tricks that can distract squirrels from feeding in your bird feeder. Distracting squirrels with a better source of food is the best way to keep them away.
If you’d prefer to hang your feeder high off the ground, try suspending it between two poles. Another way to distract squirrels from feeding in your feeder is to use a plastic tube instead of a full PVC tube. It is important to remember that squirrels can be quite agile, so you don’t want them to climb your feeder. Another method to deter squirrels is to clear your yard of trees and other areas where they can hide, nest, or gather nuts.
Using a slinky baffle
Slinky baffles are an excellent way to keep squirrels from climbing the pole of your bird feeder. Place the baffle at the base of the pole, at least five feet up. This is a great deterrent for many species of birds, including robins. It will also save you money on bird seeds! You can even make a squirrel baffle from items around the house, such as an old PVC bottle or a large plastic salad bowl.
First, you can buy a slinky baffle. These are inexpensive, but effective. The slinky can be made of metal, which makes it more durable than plastic, and will be less likely to be chewed by squirrels. Use it to cover the base of your bird feeder with a plastic or metal baffle. Once the squirrels have made it to the bottom of your feeder, they will not be able to climb it again.
Putting cayenne pepper in bird food
Putting cayenne pepper in bird food can make a huge difference when it comes to deterring squirrels. It can keep them away from your feeder completely. This pepper comes from the same family as bell pepper, pimientos, and jalapenos. The hotter the pepper, the more likely a squirrel will flee. Cayenne pepper has the added bonus of being delicious to your birds, so adding a little bit of it will do wonders.
If you want to add a bit of heat to your seed, you can purchase a powdered hot pepper and sprinkle it in the bird food. The powder contains capsaicinoids, which are known to repel squirrels. While you can buy hot pepper seed and an additive at most nurseries, cayenne is a much more convenient option. You will need to wear a mask when handling the hot pepper to avoid any damage to your birds’ feathers.
Installing a copper or PVC pole
While copper and wood are easy for squirrels to climb, PVC and copper are harder for squirrels to scale. By installing a copper or PVC pole at the base of a bird feeder, you can give your bird feeders an aesthetic appeal while deterring the squirrels. The next step is to find an appropriate suet or nut-free suet.
If you cannot find one that meets your specifications, you can purchase a squirrel-proof pole. These usually employ a baffle – a cone-shaped plastic device that discourages squirrels from climbing and feeding from them. They are inexpensive and can be installed in a matter of minutes. But you must make sure that your feeder is at least 10 feet from any possible leaping platforms so that the squirrels can’t reach it.
Greasing the pole
One method to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is to add grease to its pole. Slinky toys are great for this purpose, but any kind of metal or wooden pole will work. Other types of poles, such as PVC and copper piping, can be difficult to climb. Adding grease to the pole will make it slippery for squirrels, and they won’t be able to climb it.
Another option is to use petroleum jelly or grease to coat the pole of the bird feeder. These products are not safe for the birds or the squirrels, and they can damage the feathers. Birds also have the tendency to stick to poles and can rip their feathers out when trying to escape. While petroleum jelly is safe, grease and oil are not. Birds and squirrels can accidentally ingest the oil, and this can be dangerous.
How do you make a squirrel proof bird feeder?
You will need to purchase a squirrel proof bird feeder or build one yourself.
What materials do you need to make a squirrel proof bird feeder?
To make a squirrel proof bird feeder you will need a bird feeder wire mesh and hardware cloth.
How do you attach the wire mesh to the bird feeder?
You will need to use wire to attach the wire mesh to the bird feeder.
What is the purpose of the wire mesh?
The wire mesh is used to keep the squirrels from being able to reach the bird food.
How do you keep the squirrels from climbing the wire mesh?
You can keep the squirrels from climbing the wire mesh by attaching it to the bird feeder with wire or by using hardware cloth.
What is the hardware cloth?
Hardware cloth is a type of wire mesh that is used for many different purposes.
What is the hardware cloth used for?
The hardware cloth can be used to keep the squirrels from being able to reach the bird food or to keep them from climbing the wire mesh.
How do you attach the hardware cloth to the bird feeder?
You will need to use wire to attach the hardware cloth to the bird feeder.
How do you keep the squirrels from chewing through the wire?
You can keep the squirrels from chewing through the wire by using hardware cloth or by placing the bird feeder in a squirrel proof cage.
What is a squirrel proof cage?
A squirrel proof cage is a cage that is designed to keep squirrels out.
How do you make a squirrel proof cage?
You can make a squirrel proof cage by using wire mesh or hardware cloth.
What is the purpose of a squirrel proof cage?
The purpose of a squirrel proof cage is to keep squirrels from being able to reach the bird food.
How do you attach the wire mesh to the cage?
You will need to use wire to attach the wire mesh to the cage.
How do you keep the squirrels from chewing through the wire mesh?
You can keep the squirrels from chewing through the wire mesh by using hardware cloth or by placing the bird feeder in a squirrel proof cage.
How do you keep the squirrels from chewing through the hardware cloth?
You can keep the squirrels from chewing through the hardware cloth by using wire or by placing the bird feeder in a squirrel proof cage.
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.
