Squirrels and Bird Feeders: Who Usually Wins?

The Methods of Squirrel-Proofing a Bird Feeder

People have tried all sorts of methods to drive away squirrels with varying levels of success. Some of the standard methods include the use of baffles, weighted spinning feeders, and pole feeders.

Squirrel Guards or Baffles

These devices are most applicable to pole-mounted feeders. The guard sits beneath the feeder on the pole and prevents the squirrel from climbing the pole. While squirrel proofing pole feeders is a fine idea, remember that squirrels are little acrobats. If your feeder is too close to a nearby tree, the squirrel may simply learn to jump from an overhanging branch on to the feeder, bypassing the baffle altogether.

Weight-based Spin-off Strategy

This approach is most often employed with hanging feeders. Essentially a special feeder is outfitted with a weight sensing mechanism. When the squirrel's weight hits the feeder the sensor activates a spinning motion that throws the animal to the ground. For most situations this is considered to be one of the best methods of squirrel proofing birdfeeders.

Building a Cage Around the Feeder

Cages are placed around birdfeeders with mesh large enough to allow birds to enter but small enough to serve as a squirrel proof screen. In situations where the squirrel cannot knock over both the cage and the feeder, this solution works well. There are several ways to go about installing this system. You can get some wire and take the "do it yourself" approach, actually purchase a pre-made cage designed to fit various feeder types, or buy feeders with cages already incorporated into their design,

Weight Resistant Hinges

Using weight resistant hinges on hopper feeders simply shuts the door to the food supply when a squirrel lands on the feeder. This is a fairly simple idea for a squirrel proof bird feeder but in practical application the squirrels quickly learn to open the hinges with those clever little paws. The fact that squirrels are so clever and have such dexterity makes squirrel proofing a constant challenge.

Mild Electric Shock

Using weight sensors that deliver a mild electric shock is a somewhat controversial method of driving squirrels off a birdfeeder. Squirrel shock bird feeder do not actually hurt the squirrels but many people find the idea distasteful and do not choose to go to such lengths, preferring to simply give in and feed both the birds and the squirrels.

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