Squirrel Proof Feeders - For Those Determined Squirrels!
One of the easiest ways to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders is to create their very own feeding station away from the birds.
From my own experience, once they found their own feeders they didn't like all the work involved in stealing seed from the birds! But you always have that one squirrel who insists, so it doesn't hurt to purchase a squirrel proof bird feeder. They usually have either cages around them or a weight issue.
From my own experience, any feeder that works by the weight, has been a great success in my yard. The openings are there for the birds, but if the squirrels try to sit on the perches the openings close. It is best to have these types of feeders hanging away from fences where a crafty squirrel could simply hang on with his back feet on the fence or tree and then reach out for the food. Remember, they are smart.
You can use window bird feeders as squirrels have a difficult time scaling a window, or the traditional cage style.
Using a Baffle for Your Existing Bird Feeder Pole - If you Don't Want To Replace your Present Setup. This is another great option. Check out the picture below. You simply add it to your existing bird feeding station to stop them from climbing.
If you use a few little tweaks such as this and add their own squirrel station (away from the birds) then everyone will get along. You may even find the larger birds will on occasion raid the squirrel food!
A few simple tweaks to your present bird stations will go a long way to keeping the squirrels away. You will be surprised just how long your seed lasts and the types of birds you attract.
I have my squirrel food feeders in another corner of the yard, and now everyone gets along. But just like with the birds, you have to keep them filled or they will go looking elsewhere. Make it fun for them to eat and you will get endless hours of entertainment.
I have all my feeders set up in such a way that I can see them all while I work in my kitchen. It is relaxing to bring some nature into the burbs..
Squirrel Proof Feeder - This is a pretty good standby if you are trying to keep squirrels out as this door shuts if anything heavier than a bird sits on it. If you hang this from a pole or tree the squirrels will have a hard time gaining access, and if you give them their very own feeders they will work more towards that.
Squirrel Buster Feeder - This one is weight adjusted as well, making it difficult for squirrels to gain access. Easy to fill and ready to hang from a tree or a hook. Your birds will enjoy this.
Caged Bird Feeder - The smaller birds can fly in but the other critters cannot! As you can see in the picture the smaller birds have no trouble navigating. This is definitely the feeder for the smaller birds and keeps the squirrels out.
Give your squirrels their own feeders and they will stop annoying your feathered friends!
If you don't have a bird feeding station setup or you are just starting out, you can purchase kits that have the squirrel proof baffle built right into the pole and lots of arms to feed your many different birds. If you place these poles away from trees, squirrels simply cannot climb them.
Use any of the above setups to keep the squirrels away from your expensive bird seed and then set up a squirrel feeding area with feeders they have to work at and are designed just for them. These 2 steps saved me a lot of aggravation and added lots of entertainment.