Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

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There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a beautiful array of birds flocking around your backyard feeder. The only thing that can ruin the picture is a feisty squirrel stealing your seed. Squirrels are clever and very determined, so it takes a special kind of feeder to keep them out.

In this article, we’ll talk about tips for feeding backyard birds and provide some insight into choosing the best squirrel-proof bird feeder. We’ll also show you our top 5 picks for the best squirrel-proof bird feeders.

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Overall Best 1. Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/4 Metal Perches View on Amazon Read Review	Runner Up 2. Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Motorized Bird Feeder View on Chewy Read Review	Budget Pick 3. Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder View on Chewy Read Review	Best For Wild Birds 4. Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House Bird Feeder View on Amazon Read Review	Best Large Bird Feeder 5. Audubon Squirrel Proof Caged Tube Type Bird Feeder Model NATUBE3 View on Amazon Read Review
Type Tube	Type Tube	Type Tube	Type Post-mounted	Type Tube, cage
Capacity ¾ quart	Capacity 5 pounds	Capacity 2 pounds	Capacity 8 pounds	Capacity 1.25 pounds
Materials Metal mesh	Materials Powder-coated metal	Materials Powder-coated metal	Materials Galvanized metal	Materials Powder-coated steel, ABS plastic

What To Look For In Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders?

Many bird watchers will say that there is no such thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeders. The most determined squirrels will find a way. If you’re serious, however, you can find bird feeders that will at least slow down the cleverest of squirrels and make sure that more of your seed goes to the birds.

Here are some important things to look for in a squirrel-proof feeder:

• Look for a baffle. A baffle is something that prevents a squirrel from climbing the pole the feeder is hanging on. Feeders utilize everything from springs to cones that make the squirrel slide off or prevent it from climbing.
• Hang the feeder up high. If you’re purchasing a feeder that comes with a pole, make sure it is at least 5 feet off the ground – most squirrels can’t jump any higher than that.
• Consider a cage design. Look for a feeder that features a wire cage around the feeder that has gaps large enough for birds to enter but keeps out squirrels.
• Look for a spinning hook. Many squirrel-proof feeders hang from a spinning hook that will disorient the squirrel or spin it off entirely.

Our Top Picks For The Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in squirrel-proof bird feeders, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best squirrel-proof bird feeders.

Overall Best

1.

Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/4 Metal Perches

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Tube
• Capacity: ¾ quart
• Materials: Metal mesh

Pros

• Weight of a squirrel automatically closes shroud
• Chew-proof materials for durability
• Seed ventilation system keeps seed fresh

Cons

• May not work as well for larger birds
• Works best with black oil sunflower seed and shelled nuts

This squirrel-busting feeder is equipped with Brome’s patented Squirrel Buster technology that attracts birds but keeps squirrels out. The feeder holds up to ¾ quarts of bird seed of any kind and it is equipped with seed saver technology.

The ports remain open when birds are feeding, but the metal mesh shroud closes when anything heavier climbs on. The openings in the bottom align with the seed tray so birds can feed comfortably and the materials are designed for durability.

Runner Up

2.

Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Motorized Bird Feeder

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Tube
• Capacity: 5 pounds
• Materials: Powder-coated metal

Pros

• Motorized perch ring spins when triggered
• Internal baffle evenly disperses seed
• Powder-coated metal for durability

Cons

• Significantly more expensive than many models
• Requires a battery (rechargeable)

Once a squirrel learns how to get around a bird feeder’s defenses, there’s not much you can do.

The Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder is different. It features a battery-powered motor that spins the perch ring when activated by the weight of a squirrel, spinning the squirrel right off the feeder before it can steal the seed.

This feeder holds a full 5 pounds of seed and is made from highly durable powder-coated metal with a UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube.

Budget Pick

3.

Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Tube
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Materials: Powder-coated metal

Pros

• Weight-activated cage closes when squirrels climb on
• Holds up to 2 pounds of seed
• Rustic leaf design is functional and attractive

Cons

• Size may only appeal to smaller birds
• Squirrels might chew through plastic materials

Even the best bird feeder won’t deter the most determined squirrels.

What makes the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder unique is that it doesn’t rely on preventing squirrels from reaching the feeder – it prevents them from accessing the seed once they do.

This feeder features a weight-activated cage that closes off the seed ports if anything heavier than a bird pulls on it. It has a powder-coated finish for durability and a rustic design.

Best For Wild Birds

4.

Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House Bird Feeder

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Post-mounted
• Capacity: 8 pounds
• Materials: Galvanized metal

Pros

• Adjustable spring for custom settings
• Weight-activated spring closes when squirrel climbs on
• Holds up to 8 pounds of any type of seed

Cons

• May not deter squirrels if not pole-mounted
• Drainage in the tray could be better

Tube-style bird feeders are often too small for larger birds like cardinals but the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House Bird Feeder is just right. This feeder holds a full 8 pounds of seed and features sturdy perches large enough for cardinals and jays.

Plus, with an adjustable spring, you can not only block out squirrels, but you can set the weight adjustment to block out larger birds if you want to appeal to smaller birds.

This feeder features two-tone color accents with a galvanized roof to keep the seed fresh and dry and a removable roof peak with a lock for easy filling and cleaning.

Best Large Bird Feeder

5.

Audubon Squirrel Proof Caged Tube Type Bird Feeder Model NATUBE3

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Tube, cage
• Capacity: 1.25 pounds
• Materials: Powder-coated steel, ABS plastic

Pros

• Powder-coated steel cage keeps out squirrels
• Four seed ports with sturdy perches
• Durable plastic seed tube holds 1.25 pounds

Cons

• May not work for larger birds
• Small squirrels may get through the cage

Even the most innovative squirrel-proof feeders won’t keep out a squirrel if it can climb onto the feeder. This Audubon Squirrel Proof Caged Tube Bird Feeder is protected by a powder-coated metal cage that physically prevents squirrels from accessing the seed.

Small birds can enter the cage and feed as they like, but squirrels can’t. Simply hand the feeder and fill it with whatever seed you like.

Tips For Feeding Backyard Birds

Different types of birds enjoy different types of food, so you can’t expect to attract the birds you want if you don’t know what they like. If you’re just looking for a way to bring some color and activity to your yard, however, there are some simple things you can do.

Here are some simple tips for feeding backyard birds:

• Install your bird feeders at different levels to appeal to different birds – this will also help to prevent overcrowding in your yard.
• Fill each feeder with a different type of seed – the greatest variety of seed will attract the greatest variety of birds.
• Offer suet cakes during the fall and winter – it is high in fat so it helps birds survive the winter and won’t go rancid in hot weather.
• Keep your bird feeders full and clean them often – you don’t want to offer birds spoiled seed and if you don’t keep the feeders full, your birds might go elsewhere.
• Pay attention to your feeders and make adjustments – if you notice a certain type of bird that you want to keep attracting, offer more of the seed that bird is eating.

In addition to following these tips, you should consider investing in a squirrel-proof bird feeder. This is the best way to ensure that the feed you buy is reserved only for the birds you want to attract and won’t be wasted on squirrels.

Also Read:

• The 5 Best Bird Feeder For Cardinals
• The 5 Best Bird Feeders For Orioles
• The 5 Best Bird Feeder For Hummingbirds

Final Remarks

If you’re trying to prevent squirrels from stealing your seed, you need a special feeder designed to keep them out. If you’re not sure where to start in looking for squirrel-proof birdfeeders, try out one of the top 5 best squirrel-proof bird feeders we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!