how to fill a squirrel proof bird feeder

Agh! Squirrels! While these cute little creatures arent exactly evil, you probably didnt spend hundreds of dollars on bird houses, bird feeders and bird baths to create a squirrel sanctuary. (But if you did, we love that! Send us pics!)

When you bought your first bird feeder, you probably filled it to the brim with sunflower seeds, hung it from your favorite tree and got on with your day. How long until your bird feeder turned into a neighborhood bistro for every squirrel in town? A day? A week? A month?

Whether squirrels broke into your bird feeders the day you installed them or months down the line, youre probably looking for a safe, ethical way to keep them at bay. You also may be interested who to keep sparrows out of your birdhouse.

If youve been looking for actionable, tested tips and tricks to help keep squirrels away, youre in luck. Weve rounded up thirteen tried-and-true methods to prevent squirrels from eating out of your bird feeders.

Squirrel Proof Seed Shield™

This feeder has several fantastic features that provide protection from squirrels. Initially, there is the Seed ShieldTM weight-activated feeder, which is designed to accommodate birds’ weight but not squirrels’. The cage shuts off the ports when squirrels attempt to climb onto the perches because of their weight. Birds can sit on every perch without activating it. Furthermore, the metal frame deters squirrels from chewing around the ports, and the twist-lock cap keeps them from lifting the lid.

Positioning is crucial to ensuring a squirrel-proof feeder, so hang it with at least 2018 inches of clearance on all sides to allow squirrels to easily reach the ports without having to activate the Seed Shield.

Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone® Max Pinecone Bird Feeder with Flexports®

This is the feeder you’ve been looking for: the Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone® Max Pinecone Bird Feeder with Flexports® offers maximum comfort for your favorite birds and maximum protection against squirrels. This feeder has a twist-lock lid and a weight-activated Seed ShieldTM to provide protection from squirrels and prevent them from accessing the seed supply. Birds adore the Squirrel-Be-Gone® Max in addition to its squirrel-resistant features. Additionally, it has six feeding stations with our unique Flexports®, which provide five advantages for both you and the birds. This feeder will look great in any backyard setting thanks to its decorative pinecone-themed design and rustic powder coating.

8. Try a slinky… really!

Okay, this strategy seems a little bananas, too. But some gardeners swear by attaching a Slinky to the end of a bird feeder so it wraps around the post. When a squirrel tries to jump on the Slinky to get to the bird feeder, gravity simply sends him back down to the ground. Its like a very cute elevator.

By creating a kind of homemade obstacle, the slinky deters squirrels from stealing your birds’ food supply. Slinkies are available online and in most toy stores.

FAQ

Do squirrel proof bird feeders really work?

Fortunately, there are Squirrel-Proof Feeders that can make this problem simple to solve! Yes, there are accessories you can add, like baffles (see our Squirrel and Raccoon Baffles here), but investing in a well-designed squirrel-busting feeder is the easiest way to stop squirrels from taking over.

What keeps squirrels away from bird feeders?

Guess what can? Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or a similar spice onto your birdseed before you put it out. Birds will eat the seed just fine, but squirrels will smell the heat and stay well clear. You’ll have to re-apply the spice frequently, however, or it’ll wash off or blow away.

What is the number one squirrel proof bird feeder?

Our best feeder with baffle, the Droll Yankee Big Top Feeder, has a unique domed design, which keeps squirrels off of the feeder. It also helps deter larger birds like crows from trying to take the seeds.