How Successful are Squirrel Proofing Birdfeeders?

In essence, the effectiveness of the method you use to squirrel proof your bird feeder is dependent upon the type of bird feeder you

have installed. For tube feeders start with a guard or baffle. While this method is usually enough, squirrels may learn to throw themselves at the feeder from an adjacent branch in an attempt to get past the guard. If this is the case, they usually wind up causing an even bigger mess with scattered seed because they set the feeder to swinging wildly with the force of their impact.

Cages around feeders are effective, but some people don't like the solution because it is unattractive and the cages make it difficult to fill and clean the feeder. While this may be true of "do it yourself" cages, there are commercial feeders available that already incorporate the cage into their design. While these are more expensive, they are the easiest way to implement an anti-squirrel cage system.

Weight resistance hinges work, but squirrels quickly learn to defeat them unless they are part of one of the "spin off" systems. To employ this method you'll have to buy a whole new feeder but if you are absolutely determined to come out the winner in the on-going war with the squirrels, this may be your best bet.

Anyone who has tried to feed birds in the backyard have soon found themselves searching for a squirrel proof suet feeder or other configuration to defeat the determined and clever bird seed thieves. The contest can assume the proportions of a game - homeowner pitted against squirrel. Certainly there are proven methods to deter squirrels but they may significantly add to the cost of your simple plan to feed birds in your backyard. In the end you may need to ask yourself which is more important, finding the ultimate squirrel proof bird feeder or simply putting out enough chow for everyone.

Learn to Care for Rescued Baby Birds
Learn the Basics of Feeding Wild Birds
Top Tips on Using a Bird Feeder
Basic Tips on Feeding Hummingbirds

Bookmark this page

Email this to your friend

Add this page to del.icio.us

White Papers
-   Bad Behavior in Birds
-   Bird Safety Tips
-   Food for Birds
-   Security for Pet Birds
-   Hygiene Tips for Birds

Suggest an Article
Haven´t found the article you are looking for, please suggest your article. We value all your suggestions and comments.

Home |

| Privacy Policy |

How Successful are Squirrel Proofing Birdfeeders?

Related Articles