how to feed birds but not squirrels

Ive been thinking of feeding garden birds for a couple of months now, and have bought feeders, seeds, feeding stations etc. but we have a serious problem with squirrels, even when there arent feeders there are regularly 2-4 squirrels in the garden, it dont think it helps that we have an oak tree either. I was wondering if anyone had a budget friendly way of protecting the seed from the squirrels as my older brother used to have a feeder out and attracted many birds, including a great spotted woodpecker.

We some trees on one end of the garden (a small oak, an old plum, and a good sized fir tree) plus a bush which runs all the way along one side of the garden. However there is also a trampoline near the trees, and the garden is often in use in the summer, and is open so would that scare the birds away?

Thanks for the help in advance and hope that someone will be able to give me some ideas

12. Deter squirrels with soap

Supposedly, squirrels detest the small of Irish Spring soap. The musky, masculine scent is said to keep squirrels at bay… so why not give it a shot?

All you have to do is hang a bar of soap near your bird feeder. Make sure the soap bar is inside an old sock to safeguard wildlife. Additionally, you should reevaluate this plan in the summer, when the intense heat can quickly turn a bar of soap into a hot mess.

6. Put a spin on it

Try using a spinning hook to hang bird feeders. One of the many strategies to prevent squirrels from raiding bird feeders is to use motion as a major deterrent. A spinning hook can be purchased online or at your neighborhood hardware store.

Another option is to look for a feeder that spins.

It’s crucial to remember that squirrels shouldn’t be put in danger by this technique. Its objective is to hinder squirrels from getting to your bird feeder. Please choose a different approach if there is any reason to think that the spinner you are thinking about could hurt squirrels.

Go to the very end of this article to find out more about a few cruel, unwise squirrel prevention methods and why you should never try them.

9. Upgrade to a caged bird feeder

Some homeowners find that an enclosed, caged bird feeder works quite well at keeping squirrels away, but changing out your bird feeder should only be done as a last resort.

Caged bird feeders operate as follows: the cage’s apertures are precisely the right size. They are both sufficiently narrow to keep squirrels out and sufficiently wide to let small birds in. Although there isn’t a bird feeder that is squirrel-proof, this is the closest you can get.

If you can, look for a vintage caged feeder. They’re a tonne more amazing and equally successful at keeping squirrels out.

FAQ

What can I feed birds that squirrels won’t eat?

Consider adjusting your birdseed blend by incorporating food that squirrels tend to dislike, such as white millet, thistle and safflower seeds. Birds like cardinals and titmice enjoy safflower seed, and finches like thistle seed, so replacing the seed in one or more of your feeders may help.

How do you squirrel proof bird feed?

Another great squirrel-proofing option is to use a caged feeder, either purchased as a complete unit or created by adding retrofit cages around your tube feeders. Choose products with sufficient distance between the cage and the food so they can’t reach in.

Is there really a squirrel proof bird feeder?

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Standard The new Squirrel Buster Standard raises the standard in everything a wild bird feeder should be. Here’s why: Award-winning Squirrel Buster technology is truly squirrel-proof.

How do you feed doves but not squirrels?

The Right Food – Safflower Safflower is a small, white seed that is high in protein and fat. Many of your favorite birds, including jays, cardinals, chickadees, House Finches, doves, titmice and nuthatches, readily eat safflower, but squirrels typcially do not.