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 $44.81 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

	Wingscapes A/C Power Adapter for BirdCam List Price: $33.98 Sale Price: $35.48
	The A/C adapter allows users to power the camera from a regular wall outlet. Six-foot cord. INDOOR USE ONLY.

	Droll Yankees SQBK 15in Black Squirrel Guard List Price: $45.99 Sale Price: $30.40
	15 inch squirrel guard dome with black accent to complement the onyx clever clean feeder line. Protects songbirds and seeds from the weather. Highly effective over any hanging feeder. Uv stabilized polycarbonate is durable and resists the suns rays.

	New Songbird Essentials Two-Way Window Mirror 20X12 Film Clings To Window With Removable Glue Spots List Price: $35.68 Sale Price: $14.99
	Notice:There would be 20% restocking fee for non-defective item if it is in restockable condition (we must be able to put on our shelves as a new product.)

Birdscapes Squirrel-Be-Gone I Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder, 350 $33.99 The anti-squirrel technology of this squirrel proof birdfeeder makes this one of the best on the market. Birds eat from 8 ports. Includes FREE 23? metal hook. The Birdscapes Squirrel-Be-Gone I wild bird feeder features 8 U-shaped perches, 8 feeding ports and a 6 lb. seed capacity. The interior seed tower is surrounded by metalwork. The clear, shatter-proof plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels.

Perky Pet Squirrel Resistant Easy Feeder $23.99 Safeguard your feeder, and eliminate squirrel damage with the Easy Feeder! Includes free 23? metal hook. The Perky Pet Easy Feeder features a wire barrier that protects against squirrel damage and holds 4 lbs. of seed. This squirrel proof feeder is inch-for-inch the best in the business at keeping squirrels out and letting birds in!

Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Home Style Wild Bird Feeder $34.82 This innovative squirrel proof feeder keeps squirrels from raiding the birdseed. The home style appearance of this delightful feeder will attract birds - and birdwatchers, too!! The Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II wild bird feeder features a weight activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply. Adjustable springs can be calibrated to accommodate different birds sizes and keep away nuisance birds as well as squirrels.

Perky Pet Break Away Bird Feeder and Squirrel Repellent $31.99 This squirrel proof birdfeeder plus squirrel repellent spray kit makes this combination one of the best ways to keep the squirrels from raiding the feeder while allowing the birds to eat to their hearts' and stomachs' content! he Perky Pet Fortress Breakaway Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder features 4 feeding ports, a 3.5 lb. seed capacity and an easy-fill wide mouth top. The perches ?break away? under the weight of a squirrel and the seed ports shut simultaneously, as a result. This model is for hang mounting and features a quick release metal top. The clear plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels. These innovations makes this squirrel proof birdfeeder one of the most economical and convenient on the market!

Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder with Free Metal Hook $28.99 A classic among squirrel proof feeders, this one has ports that close under a squirrel?s weight, preventing the squirrel from raiding the seed supply. Includes FREE 23? metal hook. The Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder features six feeding ports, U-shaped perches and a 2 lb. seed capacity. The 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. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork.

Squirrel at Bird Feeder, Lexington, Massachusetts $34.99 Tim Laman Squirrel at Bird Feeder, Lexington, Massachusetts - Photographic Print

Birdscapes 2-in-1 Triple Tube Feeder and Squirrel Repellent Kit $69.99 This economical feeder and squirrel repellent spray will help allow birds to eat from the nine perch/feeding stations without being hampered by pesky squirrels. The nine perch/feeding station set-up makes this feeder one of the most economical and convenient of the tube bird feeders on the market!

Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) at a Bird Feeder $24.99 Steve Maslowski Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) at a Bird Feeder - Photographic Print

Perky Pet Squirrel Be Gone & Total Squirrel Control Kit $49.99 This combination of squirrel proof feeder, squirrel baffler and squirrel repellent is sure to keep the little pesky squirrels from reaching the seed. A classic among squirrel proof feeders, this one has ports that close under a squirrel?s weight, preventing the squirrel from raiding the seed supply. The Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder features six feeding ports, U-shaped perches and a 2 lb. seed capacity. The 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. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork.

A Hungry Gray Squirrel Checks out a Bird Feeder as It Looks for Something to Eat $49.99 A Hungry Gray Squirrel Checks out a Bird Feeder as It Looks for Something to Eat - Framed Photographic Print

WoodLink 16 Bird Feeder Weather Shield Squirrel Baffle - Nature $19.99 Must-have accessory for your bird feederDurableUV-resistant copolyesterCrystal clear clarityMeasures 16"This WoodLink Weather Shield/Squirrel Baffle is a must-have accessory for your bird feeder. Simply hang this Weather Shield above your feeder to protect birds and feeder from rain, ice and snow. It can also be pole-mounted above your bird feeder, allowing birds to feed while denying access to squirrels and other critters. This WoodLink Weather Shield/Squirrel Baffle is made of durable, UV-resistant copolyester and features crystal clear clarity. Mounting and hanging hardware included. Measures 16". Manufacturer model : NACLBAF16. Must-have accessory for your bird feederDurableUV-resistant copolyesterCrystal clear clarityMeasures 16amp;quot;This WoodLink Weather Shield/Squirrel Baffle is a must-have accessory for your bird feeder. Simply hang this Weather Shield above your fee

Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder (3.4 lb capacity) $40.5 Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder unique design has feeding ports that close when squirrels climb on, preventing squirrels from accessing the bird seeds in this feeder. Holds 3.4 lbs of sunflower or mixed seeds 6 feeding ports Squirrel's own weight closes feeding ports, preventing them from raiding seed supply Patented weight-activated seed protection Bird-preferred U-shaped perches

Woodlink Audubon Bird Feeders - Squirrel Proof Feeder - Nature $39.99 Protective gridwork keeps squirrels away Metal seed ports Durable construction Holds one quart of seed Measures 15'' x 10-1/4'' This Bird Feeder keeps those pesky squirrels away from your bird seed! The protective gridwork surrounding this feeder allows birds to feed while keeping squirrels out. Durable construction features metal seed ports that provide birds with a solid perch. Holds one quart of seed. Measures 15'' x 10-1/4''. Made in USA. Makes a great gift for bird watchers and nature lovers! Protective gridwork keeps squirrels away Metal seed ports Durable construction Holds one quart of seed Measures 15'' x 10-1/4'' This Bird Feeder keeps those pesky squirrels away from your bird seed! The protective gridwork surrounding this fee

Perky Pet Copper Sip And Seed Wild Bird Feeder with Seed Scoop $31.87 This classy bird feeder with its beautiful seed and water containers allows you to offer both food and water to wild birds in your yard. The Perky Pet Copper Sip and Seed bird feeder is made of glass and antiqued copper finish. The unique double silo design is sure to compliment any backyard décor. It is exclusive to Perky Pet; none of our competitors have anything like this product! The silos of the Copper Sip and Seed Bird Feeder feature a patent-pending collar that twists to feature a seed opening or a water opening. This innovation allows the consumer to serve seed and water, or when winter approaches and water will freeze, to fill both silos with seed. The feeder hangs from a decorative copper-finish scroll hanger. It holds 1.15 lb of seed and 22 oz of water. Comes with a FREE seed scoop.

Birdscapes 2-in-1 Triple Tube Wild Bird Feeder, 329 $53.07 The Birdscapes 2-in-1 Triple Tube Feeder features an exclusive design allowing for easy switching from a mixed/sunflower setting to a thistle/finch mix position?the variety in food choice allows for variety in wild birds stopping by to feed. The feeder has an 11 lb. of seed capacity and 9 feeding stations. A triple tube system allows for three different types of seed to be dispensed and a tray catches seeds and shells. The clear, shatter-proof plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels.

Birds at Bird Feeder $19.99 Birds at Bird Feeder - Premium Poster