How To Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders 
Squirrel proof bird feeders are great for people who love nature. They can prevent squirrels from destroying your feeders and other garden items by installing a baffle to keep them from climbing. If you’re worried about poisoning your bird feeders, you can buy pre-mixed bird food that discourages them. And don’t worry if you do have regular visits from birds. Your feeder will still be a great place to watch your favorite bird species.
Pre-mixed bird food discourages squirrels
If you want to attract birds and deter squirrels, you can provide your backyard with various types of bird feeders. Some types of food will attract the squirrels, while others will not. For instance, nayer and millet seeds are not very appealing to the squirrels. But you can offer them pepper seeds instead, as they don’t like these foods. In addition, you can also add chili peppers to their food.
Alternatively, you can offer a special type of pre-mixed bird food to discourage squirrels from dining in your garden. This type of food will contain cayenne pepper, a compound found in hot peppers. These peppers are particularly appealing to squirrels, and you can find capsaicin-coated bird food online. Another way to discourage the squirrels is to mix cayenne pepper into the bird seed you are giving out. Lastly, squirrels tend to eat seed that falls from the feeders. So, if possible, keep your feeder area clean, and keep the seeds from falling.
Squirrel baffles discourage squirrels from climbing
Squirrels can easily climb a pole and access a bird feeder. To discourage them, you need to install a squirrel baffle on the feeder pole. These baffles are available in different sizes and will effectively keep squirrels away from the feeder. You can find a squirrel baffle at a hardware store or home improvement store. Alternatively, you can purchase one online.
Squirrel baffles are generally dome-shaped and made of transparent material. They are designed to prevent the average squirrel from jumping and sliding around. Some are made of powder coated steel, and they fit on poles ranging from 1/2 to 1 3/8 inches. Some are even adjustable so you can use them for multiple feeders. You can buy a squirrel baffle that suits your needs and budget.
A squirrel baffle is the best choice for protecting your bird feeders from squirrels. These devices are ideal for hanging bird feeders. To make one, you need a double hook. Thread the baffle through a tree branch or bracket, and then hang your bird feeder on the double hook at the center. If the squirrels do get through the baffle, you can shorten it and use it as a baffle.
Pre-mixed bird food
While it is possible to create a squirrel-proof bird feeder, this method may not be ideal in all situations. For instance, the squirrel may still return to eat from your feeder even after you have stopped feeding it for a few days or weeks. If this occurs, you may want to consider a compromise. You can set up a separate feeding station far away from your bird feeder, where the squirrels can get their fill of bird seed.
A good quality mix will be free of filler seeds that few birds eat. Some cheaper mixes contain large amounts of dust, twigs, and other inedible debris. You can also purchase individual types of seeds and adjust their proportions. In such cases, you may be tempted to mix your own seed mix, but the added cost is not worth it in the long run.
Poisoning squirrels in bird feeders is cruel
Poisoning squirrels with bait or seed is not the best solution to rid your bird feeder of this problem. Not only will the squirrels die but the poison can also affect other wildlife. Poisoning squirrels will lead to them being a prime target for raptors and cats, which will not discriminate between their prey and their meal. It is therefore cruel to kill the animals using any method.
While some states and jurisdictions allow homeowners to kill squirrels with poison, it is illegal in many states. In addition, poisoning squirrels is harmful for birds and other wildlife and can contaminate water supplies. Glue can also hurt the squirrels, and this method is cruel and unnecessary. Although this method may seem fun and tempting, poisoning your bird feeders is cruel and inhumane.
What is the best way to squirrel proof a bird feeder?
There are a few ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder.
One way is to wrap the bird feeder pole with a metal cylinder or to place a metal baffle above and below the feeder.
Another way is to buy a squirrel proof bird feeder.
What will happen if I don’t squirrel proof my bird feeder?
The squirrels will likely eat all of the bird food leaving the birds hungry.
How do squirrels get to bird feeders?
Squirrels are good climbers and can jump long distances.
They can also figure out how to open many types of bird feeders.
What kind of squirrel proof bird feeders are there?
There are many types of squirrel proof bird feeders.
Some have weight activated perches that close the feeder port when a squirrel tries to perch on it.
Others have a spring loaded perch that shuts when a squirrel sits on it.
Some feeders also have a baffle that prevents squirrels from reaching the feeder.
How do weight activated perches work?
When a squirrel tries to perch on the feeder the weight of the squirrel causes the perch to close preventing the squirrel from accessing the bird food.
How do spring loaded perches work?
The perch is connected to a spring.
When a squirrel sits on the perch the perch shuts preventing the squirrel from accessing the bird food.
What is a baffle?
A baffle is a device that is placed above or below a bird feeder that prevents squirrels from reaching the feeder.
Where can I buy a squirrel proof bird feeder?
You can buy squirrel proof bird feeders at many stores that sell bird feeders and bird supplies.
How much do squirrel proof bird feeders cost?
The cost of a squirrel proof bird feeder varies depending on the type of feeder.
Some basic squirrel proof feeders can start around $20 while more complex feeders can cost over $100.
Do squirrel proof bird feeders work?
Yes squirrel proof bird feeders do work.
However they may not work 100% of the time.
Some squirrels are very determined and may still be able to figure out how to access the bird food.
How often do I need to fill a squirrel proof bird feeder?
How often you need to fill a squirrel proof bird feeder depends on how many birds are using the feeder and how often the squirrels are able to access the bird food.
If the feeder is being emptied quickly you may need to fill it more often.
What type of bird food should I use in a squirrel proof bird feeder?
The type of bird food you use in a squirrel proof bird feeder is up to you.
Some people prefer to use seed while others use pellets or other types of bird food.
Will a squirrel proof bird feeder keep other animals away?
A squirrel proof bird feeder may also deter other animals such as raccoons opossums and chipmunks.
However it is important to remember that no feeder is 100% squirrel proof or animal proof.
I already have a bird feeder how can I make it squirrel proof?
There are a few ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder.
One way is to wrap the bird feeder pole with a metal cylinder or to place a metal baffle above and below the feeder.
Another way is to buy a squirrel proof bird feeder.
Do I need to do anything special to clean a squirrel proof bird feeder?
No you do not need to do anything special to clean a squirrel proof bird feeder.
You can clean it the same way you would any other type of bird feeder.
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.
