How to Squirrel and Chipmunk Proof a Bird Feeder Pole
Squirrels and chipmunks are known to easily gain access to bird feeders that are mounted on trees and staked in the ground. To discourage these creatures from gnawing at your feeder, use coconut oil or lubricant to coat the pole and stake. If you can’t afford the expensive installation of a specialized cage, consider using a baffle and Sky Cafe bird feeder instead.
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Avoiding squirrels
One way to avoid squirrels and chipmunks on eagle and starling feeder poles is to cover the food with a sticky substance. Although this may be a temporary solution, it can actually end up killing the birds by ripping their fur off. Alternatively, you could also put a few drops of petroleum jelly or grease on the feeder pole, but be sure to wipe it off after every rainfall.
Another way to discourage chipmunks from attempting to climb the pole is to place a slinky on the top of the feeder. This simple contraption will make the squirrel jump back down, and you won’t have to worry about the chipmunks stealing the birds’ seed. A squirrel baffle can also help. This is a simple solution that won’t cost you a lot.
It is important to protect your bird seed from squirrels and chipmunks by using baffles and coverings. These little rodents love to chew on bird seed and nuts, but can’t climb high enough to get to it. Therefore, it’s best to keep the feeder at a safe distance away from trees and shrubberies that chipmunks can easily climb.
Using a baffle
To squirrel-proof a bird feeder, install a screened baffle at the top of the pole. To make a screened baffle, you can use a piece of plastic drainage pipe with a diameter of 4 inches, a 1/2” PVC coupler, and PVC glue. Next, cut the piece of plastic to fit over the pole. Hammer the holes in the baffle to prevent squirrels from getting in.
If you don’t want to use a screened baffle, you can also install a duct tape-attached slinky or Frisbee. Another option is installing specially-designed baffles that hang above and below the feeder pole. Make sure the baffle is tight-fitting, because chipmunks can squeeze through tiny gaps and get into the feeder.
The location of a baffle will vary depending on the type of bird feeder you use. Pole feeders usually feature a baffle that sits half-way up the pole. Similarly, tubular feeders may be fitted with a dome-shaped baffle. Other types of feeders hang from things, like fences or trees. When using a baffle, it’s important to make sure that the pole is not too far away from the area where squirrels are likely to access the feeder.
Using a baffle to squirrel and-chipmunk-proof a bird feeder pole can prevent rodents from climbing the pole. These rodents can climb wooden posts and trees, but can’t climb smooth metal. Make sure that the baffle fits tightly so that the squirrels and chipmunks can’t get through. Otherwise, chipmunks will find it difficult to get through the barrier and eat your bird food.
Using a Sky Cafe feeder
A Sky Cafe bird feeder is one of the easiest ways to prevent squirrels from eating your seed. Its dome is 17 inches in diameter and features a chain that hangs down from the top of the feeder. This feeder also comes with a 24 inch pole mounting socket. You can also buy a special cover that keeps squirrels out. Once your feeder is installed, you can start feeding the birds.
A simple way to keep squirrels and chipmunks from eating your birdseed is to attach a slinky to the pole. A squirrel will climb up the pole and the slinky will unwind and fall back down. Be sure to place the feeder pole through the middle of the slinky. If a squirrel tries to climb the pole and find the slinky, simply wriggle it back up.
Squirrels are fast climbers and can jump ten feet horizontally, so you should move your feeder to a place where the feeder cannot be climbed. It will take a bit of time to climb the pole, but it’s worth it if your birds enjoy a tasty snack. If the squirrels are able to make it up the pole and eat your food, you can remove the feeder altogether.
What are some ways to squirrel and chipmunk proof a bird feeder pole?
One way is to use a metal pole with a smooth surface.
Another way is to use a plastic or glass pole.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to climb the pole?
One way is to make the pole slippery.
Another way is to put something sticky on the pole.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to reach the bird feeder?
One way is to put the bird feeder on a platform.
Another way is to put the bird feeder out of reach.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting to the bird seed?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder bottom.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to chew through the bird feeder?
One way is to use a metal bird feeder.
Another way is to use a plastic bird feeder.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to dig up the bird seed?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird seed feeder.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird seed feeder bottom.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting into the bird house?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird house.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird house bottom.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting into the bird nest?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird nest.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird nest bottom.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to reach the bird feeder?
One way is to put the bird feeder on a platform.
Another way is to put the bird feeder out of reach.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting to the bird seed?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder bottom.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to chew through the bird feeder?
One way is to use a metal bird feeder.
Another way is to use a plastic bird feeder.
What are some things that you can do to make it harder for squirrels and chipmunks to dig up the bird seed?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird seed feeder.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird seed feeder bottom.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting into the bird house?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird house.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird house bottom.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting into the bird nest?
One way is to use a squirrel proof bird nest.
Another way is to use a squirrel proof bird nest bottom.
What are some things that you can do to keep squirrels and chipmunks from getting to the bird feeder?
One way is to put the bird feeder on a platform.
Another way is to put the bird feeder out of reach.
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.
