How to Set Up a Squirrel Feeder 
To understand how to set up a squirrel feeder, first you should learn more about squirrels. Squirrels are part of the Sciuridae family and come in many different species. While they will eat just about anything, they do have specific nutritional needs. They need at least a few hundred milliliters of water a day, and need more water during warm weather, pregnancy, lactation, and during other important life stages.
Place the feeder away from your home
One tip for keeping the squirrels away from your bird feeder is to place it as far as possible from your home. Since squirrels can leap over ten feet, you must place your feeder away from a tree or wall. Then, prune the tree or wall to a distance of at least 12 feet around the feeder. In other words, if the squirrels can jump over the feeder, they cannot. A squirrel-resistant feeder should be mounted six feet high on a smooth metal pole.
If you’re placing the feeder in your yard, make sure to place it at least four feet away from your home. Squirrels can’t climb thin lines, so use a metal wire, piano wire, or an unbreakable monofilament. Avoid plastic cord or rope because these materials can be chewed through. If you want to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder, consider suspending the feeder between two trees.
Create a cone-shaped baffle
If you have a wooden bird feeder, you can make a cone-shaped baffle to prevent squirrels from getting inside. This baffle can be made from a sheet of metal or malleable plastic. Cut the sheet into a rectangle shape, 1 foot deep, and long enough to wrap around the pole. Cut angled cuts into two of the long sides of the rectangle, and twist the baffle until it forms a cone.
Use galvanized pipe to create a squirrel baffle. It’s easy to make a baffle with these materials. First, cut a piece of pipe to the size of the pole, using a sharpie. Then, clutch the pipe to the pole with your hands. Now, place the baffle on top of the pole, so that it’s at least four inches above the ground. Make sure to place the base exactly below the squirrel feeder.
Hang the feeder high
To attract a squirrel to your bird feeder, it is best to hang it high, preferably four feet above the ground. If you are putting the feeder on a pole, choose a sturdy metal one that is smooth and free of handholds. Avoid using rope or plastic cord, as these materials can be chewed through by squirrels. Alternatively, consider using a shepherd’s hook, which can be placed up to four feet above the ground.
You can use fishing-wire or twisted coat hangers to attach your squirrel feeder. Make sure to leave a little slack between the wires, so that the squirrels can maneuver around them to get to the corn. It is also a good idea to use bungee cord to hang corn cobs, which squirrels love. Moreover, squirrels will engage in acrobatics to reach the corn, which will keep them coming back for more.
Give the squirrels a place to hang out
To attract a flock of squirrels, provide them with a feeder. These are typically made out of a plastic bottle. Soda water or Gatorade are great options. You can fill the bottle with nuts or seeds, but make sure to mount it high enough to prevent the squirrels from climbing up and reaching it. Make sure to avoid using fishing line around the feeder to avoid hurting the squirrels’ paws.
A good feeder will attract both birds and the squirrels. A wooden base attached to a tree provides an attractive place for squirrels to gather and enjoy the food. The feeder’s glass jar will be a source of great entertainment for the family as the squirrels display their skill at reaching it. The squirrels will come to the feeder looking for more, and you’ll be able to watch them scampering as they eat.
Place the feeder away from rats
A squirrel feeder can be tempting, but it’s not a good idea for your property if you have rats. Rats are omnivores, and squirrels and rats share many food preferences. You may have thought it would be safer to hang a feeder from a tree or a pole, but it won’t work with rats. If you are determined to keep your squirrels, you should hang it higher and clean the food frequently.
To protect your home and yard from rats, you must place the feeder away from buildings. Place it in open land far from your home, and make sure it’s not too close to small structures like sheds, garages, and other buildings. This will discourage rats from entering the building and stealing your food. Rats will also avoid open spaces if you place a feeder in such a place. You can also secure your squirrel food in tightly sealed containers.
What do you need to set up a squirrel feeder?
You will need a squirrel feeder bird seed and a place to hang or mount the feeder.
Where is the best location to set up a squirrel feeder?
The best location to set up a squirrel feeder is away from areas where predators may lurk such as near a thicket or bushes.
You should also place the feeder at least 5 feet off the ground.
How do you fill a squirrel feeder?
To fill a squirrel feeder simply pour bird seed into the feeder until it is full.
How often should you fill a squirrel feeder?
You should fill a squirrel feeder as often as needed to keep the bird seed fresh and dry.
A good rule of thumb is to check the feeder at least once a week and refill it as necessary.
What type of bird seed works best in a squirrel feeder?
The best type of bird seed to use in a squirrel feeder is black oil sunflower seed.
Do squirrels eat other types of food?
In addition to bird seed squirrels will also eat nuts fruits and vegetables.
What is the best type of squirrel feeder to use?
The best type of squirrel feeder to use is one that has a large hopper and a wide perch.
This will allow multiple squirrels to feed at the same time and will prevent them from fighting over food.
Should you clean a squirrel feeder?
Yes you should clean a squirrel feeder on a regular basis to prevent the spread of disease.
How do you clean a squirrel feeder?
To clean a squirrel feeder simply remove the bird seed and discard it.
Then wash the feeder with warm soapy water.
Rinse the feeder well and allow it to air dry.
How often should you clean a squirrel feeder?
You should clean a squirrel feeder at least once a month or more often if necessary.
Do squirrels need water?
Yes squirrels need water to stay hydrated.
Where can I put a water source for squirrels?
You can put a water source for squirrels near the squirrel feeder or in any other area where they frequent.
What is the best type of water source for squirrels?
The best type of water source for squirrels is a shallow dish filled with fresh clean water.
How often should I change the water in the dish?
You should change the water in the dish daily or more often if necessary.
What else can I do to attract squirrels?
You can also attract squirrels by providing a safe place for them to nest such as a squirrel house or nesting box.
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.
