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Squirrel Proofing Bird Feeders

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Squirrel Proofing Bird Feeders

Squirrels are crafty, cunning animals capable of figuring out complex situations to reach their goal of increased food. More food means a better chance at survival and most bird feeders are highly susceptible to being ravaged by local squirrels. Not only do they eat the seed faster than the birds, but they also discourage birds from approaching the feeder causing them to find another feeding place. Too much squirrel activity will prevent birds from enjoying the area. This makes squirrel proofing bird feeders very important in many areas.

Most squirrel proof bird feeders involve one or more methods of preventing a squirrel from obtaining bird seed. The most obvious method is to place the feeder in an area where a squirrel cannot get to, but this can be almost impossible in most natural environments. A smooth round guard on top of the feeder can prevent these rodents from accessing the feeder from the top, which is the most common entry point. Unfortunately most squirrels desire for seed is strong enough for them to devise a way to get around the plastic or metal guard. These only work about 50% of the time.

Another method for squirrel proofing bird feeders involves a little bit of engineering and gravity. Birds are light, squirrels are heavy when compared with them. This simple observation has led to bird feeders with levers that open and close the access to seed. Multiple lightweight birds won't even come close to triggering the mechanism, but as soon as a squirrel puts their weight onto the perch the mechanism quickly closes access to the seed. They may be able to get onto the feeder, but as soon as they do the seed is unobtainable. These are some of the most effective squirrel proof bird feeders and they come in many styles and configurations to attract many different types of birds.

Another popular method that requires no complex moving parts which may break over time prevents squirrels from even finding the food in the first place. These feeders are only accessible from the very bottom with a small perch that a squirrel cannot grip. They are smooth on top and long enough that a squirrel cannot reach from the attachment point on the tree, post or deck. These passive resistance feeders are effective, though not nearly as much as the mechanical versions which rely on the weight of the squirrel to close off access to the food source. Often a squirrel will discover a way to access these passive feeders. 

Another effective way to prevent squirrels from accessing bird seed is by installing a small wire cage around the feeder. The gaps in the cage should be big enough for a small bird to easily fly through, but tight enough where a squirrel could not fit inside, and far enough away from the seed where they cannot reach with their paws. If they can knock the seed to the ground and then collect it, the feeder is not squirrel proof. Shop around and try a few different styles and designs if you are still having trouble preventing squirrels from ravaging your birds food. Prices can range from a very affordable $20 up to $100 and up.