Recommendations To Unearth Terrific Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
December 30th, 2008 by KittyKitty
Most often when we think of animal care, we’re looking for traditional pet supplies, like food or medication. How many of us, then, consider what it takes to care for birds that visit our back yard feeders?
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued just over 100 patents for squirrel proof bird feeders since the first in 1928. Most of these supposedly ingenious inventions have proven inadequate against these mid-sized rodents that can jump seven feet vertically and 11 feet sideways and have better acrobatic abilities than a professional trapeze artist.
Because squirrels are not only drawn to bird feeders but also repel the birds, do damage to the feeders and eat up all the bird seed, they’re often a major nuisance for backyard bird watchers. So, if you’re looking for great squirrel proof bird feeders that actually work, keep reading.
The Squirrel Buster Plus
The Squirrel Buster Plus looks like a simple tubular feeder. However, its small, circular perch is actually weight-sensitive. So, when a squirrel jumps on, the platform will lower and close the feeding doors at the same time. Eventually, the squirrels get frustrated and leave. It’s very effective, doesn’t require batteries and is quite affordable at $49 retail.
Suet Sandwich Woodpecker Feeder
If you love listening to and watching woodpeckers, then the Suet Sandwich is the perfect solution to keep your winged friends well fed and the squirrels out. The feeder works by encasing two slices of suet beef fat between two pieces of fake bark. Because the woodpecker is long-tongued, they’re able to access the tasty treat, but the squirrels are kept out. It retails for around $35.
Bird Feeders by Droll Yankees
The Droll Yankees line of bird feeders first came out in 2000. Basically, the perch is motorized and starts to spin when a squirrel sits on it. The idea is that the squirrel will go flying. The battery requires recharging every eight to twelve weeks. For the past two years, the company’s line of squirrel-tipping feeders has been extended to also include models with weight-activated, collapsible perches or trays. These models start at $79 and go up to $119.
Provide a Distraction
If you can’t beat them, feed them. To keep squirrels off your feeder, try a block of birdseed placed on the ground. These all-in-one feasters come in a hefty size and hold several pounds of seeds and nuts in one compressed block. The squirrels will nibble away and (hopefully) leave your bird feeder alone.
Make Your Own
The amazing Instructables website has a great DIY project that teaches you how to construct your very own squirrel proof bird feeders for less than $10 and a day’s labor. The project uses little more than some PVC piping, a few cable ties and a lot of ingenuity.
Check it out online at instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-Flexi-Perch-Squirrel-proof-birdfe/?ALLSTEPS.
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