Squirrel Proofing My Bird Feeder

[acruce]

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun.

[G G]

get a bunch of two liter drink bottles and cut the small end out so that it's very snug around the pole. Then cut out the bottom, and then just slide the bottoms into the bottom of the next one. Worked for me. If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I will take pics of mine so you can see how it looks.:ss

That is the only thing that has ever worked for me.

[St. Lou Stu]

Dude, just save the PVC.... those lil fukers are GENIUSES!
Go with a good, high powered pellet gun or a .22.

I tried grease on my pole.... OK that sounds bad.....
Anyway, it didn't work. I had to fabricate a hood that hangs down under the feeder so they can't reach it. I'm waiting for one of em to show up with an Acetylene torch!


I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun.

[chippewastud79]

A spinning Squirrel Stop (http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Contech/Item/SQRSTP-001/) or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around.

http://207.106.112.198/107175934_lg.jpg

[St. Lou Stu]

A spinning Squirrel Stop (http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Contech/Item/SQRSTP-001/) or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around.

http://207.106.112.198/107175934_lg.jpg


That's kinda what I made... only mine's uglier.


Ya need this (http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=516438).

[madurofan]

Maine Coons do a number on squirrels. Might not help with the birds, though. :D

[FriskyDingo]

This may be a bit elaborate but it works. It's called a Squirrel Stop. It uses batteries and when there is a sudden weight added to the feeder it spins, throwing the squirrel to the ground. :r

Here's a pic:
http://www.safehomeproducts.com/shp2/sc/imageresize.aspx?Image=/shp2/data/pictures/squirrelstop.jpg&Width=293&Height=400&Compression=75&text=Y

There are also several products that aren't nearly as funny that you add to the feeder pole that look like large drum cymbols that prevent squirrels from climbing up... hope this helps!

-Evan

[FriskyDingo]

A spinning Squirrel Stop (http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Contech/Item/SQRSTP-001/) or a cone over the metal pole that they can't get around.

http://207.106.112.198/107175934_lg.jpg

:tpd: I must type slow... that is exactly what I was talking about!

[BlackDog]

I've got one of each of these. They work prefectly, ahd them for over 5 years with perfect operation. The perches have springs which are strong enough to keep the feed tray open when there is a bird sitting on it, but not strong enough for the weight of a squirrel. If a squirrel gets on the perch, the tray closes. I paid less than they are listed for here at a local farm supply store.

http://www.duncraft.com/Heritage-Farms-Absolute-II-Squirrel-Proof-Feeder-P383C34.aspx

http://www.duncraft.com/images/810-250.jpg

http://www.duncraft.com/images/7536_250.jpg

[CoventryCat86]

I use the Droll Yankee Flipper (http://www.yankeeflipper.com/droll/index.cfm) and Yankee Dipper feeders. The Yankee Flipper has a motorized base so when the squirrels jump on it, it starts spinning and they go sailing, LMAO! One of their factories is in Dayville, CT and I have a friend who works there.

Check out the video on the hyperlink, it's hilarious!
EDIT: For some reason, when I just tried to click the "See Video" link, I got an error message. Hopefully they'll get it fixed sometime soon because like I said, the video had me laughing for quite a while when I saw it.

I have to admit, the darn red squirrels figured out a way to jump on it and grab the holes to stop the base from spinning.

Check out THIS FEEDER (http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=WB-WB-12) on the BestNest.com site. It's electronic and gives squirrels a "jolt." I haven't bought one yet but I plan on it in the very near future.

[Ace$nyper]

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/411441/2/istockphoto_411441-22-caliber-hollow-point-bullets.jpg

Only way I've stopped the buggers.

[Swampper]

Why don't ya just put up a Squirrel feeder? :2

[CoventryCat86]

Why don't ya just put up a Squirrel feeder? :2

I did that but they get bored with it very quickly and just can't resist the challenge to make trouble and go right back to the bird feeders, I can relate to that, LOL!

[Don Fernando]

whats wrong with feeding some squirrels? I like the little buggers

[Smokin Gator]

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/411441/2/istockphoto_411441-22-caliber-hollow-point-bullets.jpg

Only way I've stopped the buggers.

^^^^^ Me too. I think they are just plain smarter than I am, but I can pull a trigger!!

[tsolomon]

Squirrel baffles work if the feeder is high enough off the ground and not close to any trees or over hanging branches. They are masters of getting into feeders and will invite their buddies to join them. I tried squirrel feeders, but they want the good stuff, so baffles or a more permanent solution is needed.

[68TriShield]

I use what Blackdog posted. They work quite well.

Why do you think they're called "Tree Rats" ;)

[macpappy]

.22 and a cast iron pot works for me.

Shoot the squirrel. Skin, clean and quarter. Season and dredge in flour and brown in hot grease in a cast iron dutch oven. Add onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes. Cover and place in 375 degree oven for about 2 hours.

Serve with french bread.

[theycallmedan'lboone]

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/411441/2/istockphoto_411441-22-caliber-hollow-point-bullets.jpg

Only way I've stopped the buggers.

+1 that way you get to eat 'em too!

[Spect]

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/411441/2/istockphoto_411441-22-caliber-hollow-point-bullets.jpg

Only way I've stopped the buggers.

QFT Those little buggers have all the time in the world they can figure out how to get around any of those other products.

[chippewastud79]

Why don't ya just put up a Squirrel feeder? :2

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high. I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard.


:hm Sounds like he tried that :tu

[acruce]

whats wrong with feeding some squirrels? I like the little buggers
I like the squirrels to ,but I filled up to bird feeders and a squirrel feeder night before last. when I got home from work all feeders were empty. Thats about
10# of bird food in one day.Hell I can't afford to bird watch at that rate.:(

[theonlybear4CORT]

hire a bouncer?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2537831369_21c332aff9.jpg

them cute little things need to eat too you know,so I dont trip about it but good luck.

[Neuromancer]

I have a bird feeder that hangs hangs from a metal plant holder about 4 or 5 feet high.I also have a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard. Here lately the squirrels has figured out how to climb up the metal pole and get to the bird feeder. I was wondering if any of you had any idea's how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. I am thinking of buy a big peace of PVC pipe to cover the the metal pole where the feeder hangs. I am hoping that will keep the squirrel from being able to climb up to the feeder. If that doesn't work I'm thinking of buy a pellet gun.

I have several bird feeders up...believe me, those squirrels are smart little suckers...if there's a way to get to the food don't be surprised if they figure it out...next thing ya know they'll be standing on each other's shoulders to get to it...:D

[RGD.]

The key is 8ft. 8ft off the ground and 8ft away from anything they can jump from.
I have been feeding birds for over 30 years now and have a long standing feud with the squirrels. Droll Yankee feeders are the best if you can't keep them away.

Also - change the food. Safflower seed is one they don't like but most song birds do. Blue Jays don't like it either - which is good. I give Niger seed in one feeder - sunflower hearts in a Droll Yankee and safflower and/or sunflower hearts in the third which is suspended from a 25 foot wire and 8ft away from anything. A fourth feeder has nuts - but it's a heavy gauge wire squirrel proof feeder that they can't fit into but nut-hatchers and wood peckers can.

Anyway - good luck with it.


Ron

[Swampper]

:hm Sounds like he tried that :tu

Yeah, I missed that. :hn

I have a bird feeder and a suiet thing on the north fence, and a squirrel feeder on the back fence. Load the squirrel feeder up with pumpkin seeds. Seems to work well. I don't notice the tree rats messing with the bird food. I guess the birds are just too mean here in Oklahoma.

[RGD.]

Now bears on the other hand . . . .

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cigarasylum/bear1.jpg

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cigarasylum/bear2.jpg

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cigarasylum/bear3.jpg

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cigarasylum/bear4.jpg


:ss


Ron

[CoventryCat86]

whats wrong with feeding some squirrels? I like the little buggers

Sunflower seeds went WAAAAAY up in price over the last year or so here and if I didn't use at least some squirrel proof feeders, I couldn't afford to feed the birds.

My late mother started a tradition of feeding the birds at the homestead so in her honor, I'm keeping the feeders stocked up for them and the occasional squirrel who can outsmart the squirrel proof ones.