How to Make a Squirrel Safe Metal Feeder
It is possible for a squirrel to jump onto a metal feeder. While it is a good idea to keep the feeder hung at least four feet off the ground, it is also important to suspend the feeder line several feet above the ground, as squirrels can’t climb thin feeder lines. Use wire such as metal wire or piano wire, or unbreakable monofilament. Plastic cords and ropes can be chewed through by squirrels.
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Birds love safflower seeds
A good way to attract more backyard birds is to add safflower seeds to a metal feeder. This type of seed is a good choice for squirrels and birds alike because it’s a versatile and nutritious food source for birds. Safflower is safe for birds and can be placed in a squirrel-safe metal feeder. It is also a good choice for new birders, as it works well in both tray and hopper feeders. The birds will love this type of seed, and there is no need to worry about squirrels stealing it, as it’s not at all toxic.
In addition to a metal feeder, you should also consider offering safflower seeds in hopper feeders, tube feeders, platform feeders, and wire mesh-style seed dishes. Safflower is a popular food source for backyard birds, and it dates back to King Tut’s tomb, when evidence of its presence was found. Safflower is also known as Zafran, and its scientific name is Carthamus tinctorius.
Squirrels can jump onto metal feeders
If you want to discourage squirrels from accessing your birdfeeders, you can install a specialized squirrel feeder. These feeders have a squirrel baffle which tilts up when a squirrel tries to access the food. You can also use a shepherd’s hook to mount the feeder, but make sure to keep it about four feet off the ground. A metal wire, piano wire, or unbreakable monofilament pole works best for these feeders. Plastic cord or rope are also easy for squirrels to chew through.
To make squirrel-safe metal feeders, install them at a height that is out of reach of the animals. A squirrel can jump up to ten feet, so you must place them away from any “launching points” such as tree trunks and limbs. Make sure the feeders are at least six feet above ground level. And don’t forget to prune back the surrounding trees to a radius of twelve feet.
Siting is important
Sitting a squirrel safe metal feeder is essential to attracting and retaining wildlife. Squirrels are capable of chewing through a variety of materials, including wood. While metals are less susceptible to damage, hard woods can still attract squirrels. In addition, metal feeders are not accessible to most predators. To ensure that your feeder remains accessible to wildlife, consider placing it in an area where it will not be easily accessed by squirrels.
Squirrels usually prefer feeding on fallen seeds. Make sure that your feeder is at least two feet off the ground. If they are in a tree, you might want to use pole-mounted baffles. Baffles are designed to tilt and remain off-balance to deter squirrels from climbing higher. You can also hang the feeder from a rope or chain to prevent the squirrels from reaching it.
Taking a break from feeding will get squirrels moving on to other yards
Leaving your feeders out overnight is not effective in attracting squirrels. They spend much of their time caching and retrieving nuts. In the morning, take a break from feeding and set them up again in the same place. This way, the squirrels will forget that they have been disturbed earlier. To catch a squirrel, do not chase it. Wait until it moves away before you try to approach it.
It is not effective to use poisons to drive squirrels away from your yard. These repellents can also be harmful to wildlife. You will need to set up a feeding station for them, and put out a few handfuls of food every day. This will help them move on to other yards. When the squirrels have enough food, they will find other yards to congregate.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel safe metal feeder?
The best way to clean a squirrel safe metal feeder is to use a mild soap and water solution.
Rinse the feeder well and allow it to air dry completely before refilling it with bird seed.
How often should I clean my squirrel safe metal feeder?
You should aim to clean your squirrel safe metal feeder at least once every two weeks.
How can I keep squirrels from raiding my feeder?
One way to keep squirrels from raiding your feeder is to make sure that it is properly squirrel proofed.
This means that the feeder should have a weight sensitive perch that will close the feeder opening when a squirrel tries to land on it.
What kind of bird seed should I use in my squirrel safe metal feeder?
The best bird seed to use in a squirrel safe metal feeder is black oil sunflower seed.
This type of seed is high in fat and protein which is what birds need to stay healthy but it is also difficult for squirrels to open.
How much bird seed should I put in my squirrel safe metal feeder?
You should fill your squirrel safe metal feeder to the top of the seed tube.
This will ensure that there is enough seed for the birds to eat and that there is no wasted seed.
How often should I refill my squirrel safe metal feeder?
You should refill your squirrel safe metal feeder as often as necessary to keep the seed tube full.
Can I put other things in my squirrel safe metal feeder besides bird seed?
No you should only put bird seed in your squirrel safe metal feeder.
Other food items such as nuts or fruits can attract rodents or other animals to your feeder.
What should I do if I see a squirrel trying to get into my feeder?
If you see a squirrel trying to get into your feeder you can try to scare it away by clapping your hands or making a loud noise.
You can also try to deter it by spraying it with water from a hose.
What should I do if I see a squirrel eating from my feeder?
If you see a squirrel eating from your feeder you can try to scare it away by clapping your hands or making a loud noise.
You can also try to deter it by spraying it with water from a hose.
What should I do if I see a squirrel raiding my feeder?
If you see a squirrel raiding your feeder you can try to scare it away by clapping your hands or making a loud noise.
You can also try to deter it by spraying it with water from a hose.
How can I tell if my squirrel safe metal feeder is working?
One way to tell if your squirrel safe metal feeder is working is to watch and see if squirrels are able to get into it and eat the bird seed.
If you see squirrels raiding your feeder then it is not working properly and you will need to take steps to squirrel proof it.
What is the best way to store my squirrel safe metal feeder?
The best way to store your squirrel safe metal feeder is to keep it in a cool dry place.
This will help to prevent the bird seed from going bad.
How long will my squirrel safe metal feeder last?
With proper care your squirrel safe metal feeder should last for many years.
Do I need to do anything to my squirrel safe metal feeder in the winter?
No you do not need to do anything to your squirrel safe metal feeder in the winter.
The bird seed will not freeze so the birds will still be able to eat from it.
Is there anything else I should know about using a squirrel safe metal feeder?
No there is nothing else you need to know about using a squirrel safe metal feeder.
Just be sure to clean it regularly and to keep it filled with bird seed.
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.
