Where to Put a Squirrel Feeder
There are several considerations to consider when deciding where to put a squirrel feeder. First, squirrels require a safe place to eat and drink. They should have a tree or shrub nearby for cover and safety. If you decide to use a squirrel feeder, you will need to clean the bowl regularly and change the water every day. You should also wash the bowl often to avoid the growth of mold. If you can, leave the feeder up all year round.
Place it 20 feet away from bird feeder
Keeping squirrels out of your bird feed can be a challenge. But by keeping your feeder a safe distance away from trees and natural vegetation, you can reduce their chances of encountering predators and attract more birds. While the distance between bird feeders and squirrel feeders isn’t exact, it seems to be a good compromise. In Cornell’s All About Birds, a squirrel feeder can be considered a “fight club,” so keep it at least 20 feet away from your bird feeder.
The distance between bird feeders and squirrel feeders should be at least 20 feet, or more, away from launch points. Typically, a squirrel will only visit your bird feeder if it’s 20 feet away from a tree or power line. Place the feeder at least 20 feet away from the nearest tree or power line. It’s best to place the feeder about 20 feet away from the bird feeder itself, or a few feet away from the tree.
Fill it with safflower seeds
To deter squirrels from eating your bird seed, fill your squirrel feeder with safflower seeds. This seed is not only a deterrent to squirrels, but also starlings, grackles, and other birds. These birds don’t like to eat safflower, so you’ll want to keep this bird seed out of their reach. If you’re not sure how to use safflower seeds, here are a few suggestions for using them.
Safflower seeds are a little bit hard to identify at first. They are a different seed type, which can take a week to acclimate to. Once the birds start eating it, they will soon start to ignore your feeder. Safflower seeds are perfect for bird feeding stations, but you may want to consider using a different bird seed altogether. Safflower seeds are a great choice for bird feeders, as they attract a variety of bird species.
Avoid rats
To avoid attracting rats, place your squirrel feeder in an open field far away from your home. Store squirrel food in containers that will keep rats out. Rats also love nuts, so you should keep your squirrel feeders far away from your home. Keep the food in tight containers, and avoid placing the feeder near your home or fence. You should also clean the ground beneath your feeder frequently. Keeping the ground clear of debris is another way to avoid rats.
If you can’t remove the rat problem immediately, try placing the feeder in a garden. You can also try putting mulch around the feeders. Two inches of mulch around the feeders can deter rats. If you’ve already spotted rats, try sprinkling peppermint oil around the area. Don’t forget to check your house and garden for possible nesting places. If you’re unsure, buy a pellet feeder.
Build a squirrel feeder
If you have ever wanted to feed the squirrels in your yard, you may be wondering how to do it. Luckily, there are several simple and inexpensive ways to build a squirrel feeder. The first step is to get a wooden birdhouse. Use a wood saw to cut a hole in the bottom. The hole will be large enough for the mouth of a jar. If you have a small jar, you can trace the shape of the jar on the birdhouse with a pencil. Next, line the jar with glue to hold it in place. Finally, wedge the jar into the hole.
Squirrels aren’t picky eaters and will happily eat nuts, such as peanuts and sunflower seeds. Peanuts are a particular favorite of squirrels, but you need to remember that they can be toxic. Use unsalted peanuts if possible. Peanuts containing too much salt will harm the squirrels, so don’t over-salt them. Sunflower seeds are also a great choice.
What is the best place to put a squirrel feeder?
Away from areas where squirrels are likely to nest or rest such as trees bushes or ledges.
What is the best time of day to put out a squirrel feeder?
In the morning so the squirrels have time to find the food before nightfall.
How often should I fill my squirrel feeder?
Every few days or as needed.
Squirrels can be messy eaters so you may need to clean the feeder more often than you refill it.
What kind of food should I put in my squirrel feeder?
Squirrels are omnivorous so they’ll eat most kinds of nuts and seeds.
Avoid foods that are high in fat salt or sugar.
How can I keep other animals from eating from my squirrel feeder?
You can buy a squirrel-proof feeder or make your own by hanging the feeder from a wire or rod that is too small for other animals to grip.
Should I put water in my squirrel feeder?
Yes squirrels need to drink water as well as eat food.
You can buy a squirrel-proof water bottle or make your own by drilling a hole in the top of a water bottle and screwing it onto a wire or rod.
What if I live in an apartment and can’t put a feeder outside?
You can put a squirrel feeder on your balcony or porch as long as it’s not too close to the edge.
What if I don’t have a yard?
You can put a squirrel feeder in a park or other public space.
Just be sure to check with the authorities first to make sure it’s allowed.
What if I don’t want to attract squirrels to my property?
You can buy a squirrel-proof feeder or make your own by hanging the feeder from a wire or rod that is too small for squirrels to grip.
What if I live in an area with a lot of predators?
You can buy a squirrel-proof feeder or make your own by hanging the feeder from a wire or rod that is too small for predators to grip.
You can also put the feeder in a predator-proof enclosure such as a wire cage.
My squirrels seem to be fighting over the food in the feeder.
What can I do?
You can try putting out multiple squirrel feeders in different locations so the squirrels don’t have to compete for food.
I put out a squirrel feeder but I’m not seeing any squirrels.
What am I doing wrong?
Make sure the feeder is in a place where squirrels are likely to see it such as near a window or in a tree.
Also be sure to fill the feeder with food that squirrels like to eat.
I put out a squirrel feeder and now I have too many squirrels! What can I do?
You can try putting out multiple squirrel feeders in different locations so the squirrels are spread out.
You can also remove the feeder for a while to see if the squirrels will move on.
What if I put out a squirrel feeder and then move?
You can take the squirrel feeder with you or give it to a friend or neighbor.
What are some other ways to help squirrels?
You can plant trees and shrubs that provide food and shelter for squirrels.
You can also build or buy a nest box for squirrels to live in.
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.
