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Bird Feeder squirrel dome

Win the Squirrel War With Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders

If you have squirrel problems, a squirrel-proof bird feeder may be your best solution. There are several species of ground squirrels and tree squirrels in North America that can create problems for bird enthusiasts. The Fox Squirrel and the Eastern and Western Gray Squirrels are species of tree squirrels that are most commonly involved with causing problems for home owners and bird watchers.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. They range from the simple baffle-topped feeders, to the weight activated hopper feeders like the Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel. For the serious backyard birder there is the Droll Yankees' Yankee Flipper that uses a battery operated device, activated by the squirrel's weight, to (harmlessly) propel the squirrel off of the feeder.

One of the major problems bird watchers have with squirrels is that the squirrels take over the feeders and scare the birds away. But that's not the only problem. Depending on the season and what's available locally, the squirrel's diet is made up mostly of nuts, fruits, plant buds, seeds and flowers. However, squirrels are not vegetarian. They also eat bird eggs and nestlings that they will snatch right out of birdhouses. They may pounce on unsuspecting birds at feeders also.

There are two clear strategies for solving the problem of keeping squirrels away from your feeders and birdhouses. You can prevent the (cute) pesky rodents from gaining access to your treasures, or you can give them a better, alternate place to dine.

Let's tackle the preventative strategy first. There are some very simple ways to keep your birdhouses and feeders safe from squirrel damage. And let me add here that it is imperative to keep your birdhouses safe from possible predation. You can build your own predator guard from my plans or you can purchase squirrel baffles, which come in a variety of styles, sizes, shapes and colors.

What you want to do is to keep squirrels away from your feeders and birdhouses right from the start. Squirrels are very persistent and once they find an easy source of food, they will try to overcome any obstacle you may put in their way.

Squirrels are extremely agile and can leap eight feet or more and climb almost anything. For this reason alone, if you have squirrel problems in your yard, keep your bird feeders and birdhouses at least eight feet away from any tree limbs or man-made structures and install baffles on the supporting posts.

If you must hang your bird feeders in trees, you will want to keep them away from the main trunk and equip them with a dome baffle or simply use a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is designed with a dome-type top.

Another popular style of squirrel-proof bird feeders is the caged feeder. The caged feeders consist of an inner feeder that contains the seed, surrounded by a wire cage that prevents squirrels from getting to that seed. They simply put the food out of reach for the hungry squirrel.

Even the most persistent squirrels should be thwarted by any of these squirrel-proof bird feeders or baffle feeder combinations. So let's consider the second strategy of giving the squirrels a better alternative than your bird feeders or birdhouses for their banquets.

This strategy involves setting up a squirrel feeding station somewhere away from your bird feeders with the food stuffs that squirrels really like. There are several different squirrel feeders that not only let the squirrels enjoy the nuts, sunflower seeds and fruit they like the most, there are some that let you watch their antics as they feed on one of their favorite foods, corn on the cob.

So whether you love squirrels or hate 'em, these are some solutions to the "squirrel dilemma" that many birders face. You may even have some new thoughts on how you can live with squirrels and keep your bird feeders and birdhouses off limits to these cute, furry critters.

About the Author

Larry Jordan has been bird watching for many years and building birdhouses for over 26 years.For more information on bird watching, bird houses, feeding wild birds, birds in the news, bird conservation, and some great bird photos go to The Birder's Report and sign up for his newsletter or his RSS Feed.If you are looking for quality bird and birding products, please visit his online store at Birds In My Yard for some great deals and great service.

Arundale Sky Cafe Feeder $54.99 Bring the birds to you with an Arundale Sky Cafe feederGarden accessory has a squirrel-proof designWild bird feeder has a large protective 17-inch diameter domed squirrel guard

	Aspects 182 Super Dome List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $32.29 Used From: $22.99 Average Rating:
	18 Inch Polycarbonate Stabilized Dome Bird feeders are made both squirrel proof and more weatherproof with this UV stabilized Aspect Dome. Sturdy polycarbonate plastic plus solid brass or stainless steel hardware ...

	Aspects 278 Vista Dome Feeder List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $28.18 Average Rating:
	Dome can be adjusted up or down to limit access by larger undesirable birds and squirrels. 8 1/2 tray has a capacity of 1.25 quarts and is protected from the elements by an impressive 12 dome. An all purpose feeder...

	Droll Yankees SQG 15-Inch Green Dome Squirrel Guard List Price: $60.00 Sale Price: $31.40 Used From: $32.99
	15 dome acts as a rain guard. Uv stabilized polycarbonate prevents yellowing. Safety lock hook secures feeder. Articulating design - weight of a squirrel displaces feeder hung beneath. Effective over any hanging feeder...

Squirrel Boss Bird Feeder $83.95 Squirrel Boss Bird Feeder Safe & Easy to Use 100% Squirrel proof Solar powered bird feeder. Now you can be THE BOSS. Just press the remote and the squirrel gets a harmless static shock correction and stays away so the birds can feed. Works from 200’. Includes: Solar Roof, Feed Tube, False Roof (for crafty squirrels), AC Adapter, Remote Control, Battery, & Remote Control Holder. Clear feeding tube alerts you to refill. Birds That Use This Feeder: Starlings Woodpeckers Bluebirds & Jays Thrashers Chickadees Cardinals Type of Seed or Feed Options: Any Seed CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 2.75 Pounds Dimensions 7.5”D x 16”H Mounting Hang Weight 6 Pound Material Metal, Plastic Feeding Ports 2 Stations In Stock-Ships Fast

Squirrel Be Gone III Bird Feeder $59.95 Squirrel Be Gone Bird Feeder Sturdy & Easy to Clean At first glance, the Squirrel Be Gone looks like a beautifully designed feeder. But look more closely and you'll soon discover that this very design is what causes the feeder to be completely squirrel-proof. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork. Six feeding ports have sturdy metal perches that allow birds to feed comfortably; but, when the squirrels perch on them, their weight causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports and their access to the seed. In addition, this feeder is easy to clean. Birds That Use This Feeder: Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grosbeaks Juncos Kinglets Siskins Sparrows Titmice Towhees Woodpeckers Wrens Redpolls Nuthatches Type of Seed or Feed Options: Safflower Seed Mixed Seed Sunflower Seed Cracked Corn Peanut Chunks Sunflower Kernel Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 3.5 Qt; 5.25 lbs. Dimensions 5.75" D x 18.5"H; Roof D 9.6" Mounting Hang or Pole Mount Weight 8 Pounds Material Metal, Resin Feeding Ports 9 Ports In Stock-Ships Fast

Hanging Bird Feeder Squirrel Baffle - Green $24.95 Hanging Bird Feeder Squirrel Baffle CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) The Fort Knox of Baffles Attach to any hanging bird feeder to provide the same protection and weather proofing that the comes with the Sky Cafe and Mandarin feeders. Making the world a safer place, one bird feeder at a time. Backyard bird feeders who have become frustrated with the failure of "wide disc" type of squirrel baffle commonly sold in discount hardware stores in stopping squirrels from accessing hanging feeders, this squirrel baffle offers welcome relief. Squirrels get around the "wide disc" by momentarily holding to the hanging chain or wire with their back toes, and somersaulting down to the feeder. The funnel shape of the Baffle puts an end this these antics. And, it is made in the USA. Ships Quickly!

Squirrel Buster Finch Feeder $37.95 Squirrel Buster 100% Squirrel Proof! The Squirrel Buster Classic is a value-priced, high quality bird feeder that is guaranteed 100% squirrel proof. It provides both a perching and clinging environment, disassembles easily for cleaning and features seed tube ventilation to keep seed fresher. Birdwatchers will Enjoy Viewing Unique and Entertaining Behaviors. Choose from the Classic, Finch Feeder, Mini and Plus Models. Classic - 1.4 Qt. - 4 Ports Finch Feeder - 1.4 Qt designed for Nyjer Seed - 8 Ports Mini - 0.75 Qt - 4 Ports Plus - 3 Qt - 6 Ports 2 Year Warranty Ships Quickly!

Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel Bird Feeder $48.49 *Finally, a way to outsmart squirrels at the bird feeder *Super Stop-A-Squirrel feeder creates an overhang which protects food *Hang or mount in your garden or patio for a bird watching treat *Heavy-duty steel hanger included *Pole mount (for up to 1.25 inch in diameter poles) with mounting clip included *Pole not included *Can also be post or tree-mounted with included mounting hardware

Pole Mounted Bird Feeder Squirrel Baffle-Clear $29.95 Pole Mounted Bird Feeder Squirrel Baffle-Clear The Fort Knox of Baffles Attach to any hanging bird feeder to provide the same protection and weather proofing that the comes with the Sky Cafe and Mandarin feeders. Making the world a safer place, one bird feeder at a time. Backyard bird feeders who have become frustrated with the failure of "wide disc" type of squirrel baffle commonly sold in discount hardware stores in stopping squirrels from accessing hanging feeders, the Our Baffle squirrel baffle offers welcome relief. The baffle comes with two washers and a clamp to attach to a pole. Squirrels get around the "wide disc" by momentarily holding to the hanging chain or wire with their back toes, and somersaulting down to the feeder. The funnel shape of the Baffle puts an end to these antics. CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Dimensions: 17" dia. Construction: 100% durable recycled Plexiglass Mounting: may be hung Mfg. Warranty: Lifetime warranty In Stock-Ships Fast

See-Saw Squirrel Feeder $29.95 See-Saw Squirrel Feeder CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Hand Crafted Young squirrels nibble as they play on this unique "see saw" feeder amusing us humans for hours with their child-like antics. Feeder holds one ear of corn and is 16"H x 12"L. You will have great fun watching the squirrels feed with this one while it provides hours of pleasure to the young at heart squirrels in your yard while keeping them away from your bird feeder! Dimensions 16" H x 12"L Long Lasting Made in the USA In Stock-Ships Fast

Squirrel Spinner Feeder $19.95 Squirrel Spinner Feeder CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Hand Crafted Squirrel's weight causes the spinner to rotate, swing, & spin. Just screw it in using the attached screw-mount to a tree, post, or fence away from bird feeders. Attach two ears of corn and mount on any tree fence or post. The squirrels weight causes the 9" arms to spin for hours of entertainment. Dimensions 9" Arms Long Lasting Holds 2 Ears of Corn Moves By the Squirrels Weight In Stock-Ships Fast