subject: How To Build A Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder [print this page] Although bird feeders are of course to fee the birds, for some strange reason squirrels have gotten the idea that they can dine as well. Unfortunately they also do more than just feed, they can be destructive little creatures, spreading birdseeds all over the place, destroying bird feeders, and scaring away hungry birds.
While its not squirrels fault we have developed some much of their habitat, they have become very good at adapting to ours. So searching for food can become challenging for them in our suburbs and urban areas, that's why bird feeders have been come such an easy target for them and they get to a lot of the seeds before the actual birds do.
Squirrel are very smart, so its no guarantee you will be able to keep all squirrels away from bird feeders, there are a myriad of ways to prevent or more so discourage them from eating up, or destroying much of what is intended for birds. There are a few ways of doing this:
1. You can build a bird feeder out of different materials from wood, (which can be made to look like a small house), to plastic bottles. Cut holes in it big enough for birds to enter into, but too small for squirrels. Hang this from a small wire, that is suspended from a tree branch. This makes it harder for squirrels to climb down the tree and grip the wire that is attached to your feeder.
2.You can also place your feeders on a large metal pole, this way you can kill two birds with one stone (no pun intended). A pole large in diameter and metal, makes for a slippery grip for any squirrel.
3. For existing feeders, you can add what's called a baffle. This can be made from materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. What this is, is a circular in diameter, similar to a pie pan that attaches to the top of your feeder by wires. Make sure the surface is smooth, so its slippery enough for squirrels who try to climb on top of it.
These are just a few way to prevent squirrel from stealing your birds meals, with some creativity, and a little ingenuity, you can come up with a suitable Squirrel proof bird feeder that will can keep away any squirrel.
