{"id":2977,"date":"2022-05-18T08:24:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T08:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glenlivet-wildlife.co.uk\/?p=2977"},"modified":"2023-10-27T10:36:11","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T10:36:11","slug":"how-to-squirrel-proof-a-bird-feeder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glenlivet-wildlife.co.uk\/gear\/how-to-squirrel-proof-a-bird-feeder\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Squirrel-Proof a Bird Feeder: 7 Easy Tips You Should Try"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Anyone who has bird feeders will understand the annoyance of squirrels. Squirrels love food. They also love food presented to access – easily like a bird feeder! Therefore, it is essential to know how to squirrel-proof a bird feeder if you have one in your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We look at this below and provide some valuable tips to help stop squirrels from stealing food from your bird feeders!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Squirrel-Proof your Bird Feeder: Tips and Tricks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is possible to buy squirrel-proof bird feeders<\/a> online or from many shops. However, there is no fun in that! It is far more rewarding and interesting to try and keep squirrels off your feeders using your skill and craft!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see from the seven steps below, there are many different ways to squirrel-proof a bird feeder. It may often require several or even all of these tips to stop these furry animals from their quest for gluttony!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 1: Add a Squirrel Baffle Underneath and Above Your Bird Feeders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When looking at how to stop squirrels from eating bird food, the first thing you can do is add baffles to your feeders. A shop-bought squirrel proof bird feeder typically comes with a squirrel baffle, but you can easily build your own if you don’t have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of baffle – the underneath baffle<\/strong> and the hanging baffle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The underneath baffle is positioned on the feeder pole, underneath the actual feeder. The idea is that it prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole<\/strong> – they essentially reach the underside of the baffle and get stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hanging baffle does the same but stops squirrels from jumping down onto your feeder or bird table<\/a><\/strong>. This is usually a cone shape installed at the top of your bird feeder pole, above the feeder. When a squirrel tries to jump onto the feeder, it hits the hanging baffle instead and falls harmlessly to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 2: Add a Squirrel Proofing Cage around your Bird Feeders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another thing you could potentially do is add a metal cage to your bird feeder. A cage will deter squirrels, and if installed correctly and with the correct size gaps, it should prevent squirrels from stealing your seed completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea here is that the cage has large enough holes for birds to get through and access the seed. However, the holes are too small for squirrels to fit through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can easily create DIY cages using chicken wire or malleable metal mesh<\/strong>. Cut a sheet a little longer than the height of your feeder. It should have enough length to wrap around the feeder fully. You can then secure the cage to a hanging baffle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure that it is secured properly and where the sheet joins is also secure. Squirrels have been known to pry these cages open!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 3: Use Weight-Triggered Shutters Over the Bird Feeder Hatches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t want to buy a squirrel proof feeder, you could then invest in weight-triggered shutters for the one you already have. These are simple contraptions that are weight-sensitive. When a bird lands on the feeder, its weight doesn’t trigger anything. The bird can access the feeding ports and eat undisturbed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a squirrel’s weight is far greater. As a result, when they land on the feeder, they trigger a mechanism that automatically shuts the feeding ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be tricky to make these systems yourself. However, plenty of manufacturers create bird feeders complete with weight-triggered shutters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 4: Consider Placing Cayenne Pepper Onto the Bird Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Add cayenne pepper to bird food. Birds can't taste it but squirrels hate it.
Sadly it doesn't bother chipmonks, they just think it's Mexican.
https:\/\/t.co\/mnVkjS90CA<\/a><\/p>— Upschittscreek (@Upschittscreek1) April 3, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>