Bird Feeders
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders: Best Ways To Make Bird Feeders Squirrel Proof
Author: Dave McLeod
Does this sound familiar? You've just filled your bird feeders and you're successfully attracting a variety of songbirds to your backyard. But that's not all you're attracting: hordes of marauding squirrels are threatening to eat you, or at least the birds, out of house and home. With the price of birdseed these days, you can't afford to feed those ravenous rodents, so what can you do to squirrel proof bird feeders?
The best way to discourage squirrels is to make it difficult for them to access your bird feeders. A very effective method is to protect the feeders with a baffle. Squirrels can climb smooth poles and run along narrow clotheslines, but they cannot get by a strategically placed baffle. A conical or tube-shaped baffle, which is positioned approximately four feet off the ground, can protect a feeder that is mounted on a pole. A feeder that hangs from a line or tree will benefit from a top-mount baffle. When using baffles, you should ensure that the feeder is positioned at least 12 feet away from walls, fences, and tree trunks to prevent the squirrels from jumping to the feeder.
Another effective strategy is to buy a bird feeder that has been designed to be squirrel-proof or, at least, squirrel-resistant. There are a couple of variations on this theme. One style has a feeder surrounded by a cage that allows small birds in, but keeps squirrels and large birds out. This style is great for small song birds such as chickadees, finches, siskins and red polls, but could prevent some desirable species, such as cardinals, from feeding.
A second style of squirrel-proof feeder is weight-sensitive. When something heavy, such as a squirrel or a large bird, lands on the feeder, its weight causes the feeding stations to close, thereby preventing the critter from feeding. There are a number of models on the market, some of which are more effective than others. One of the best is the Squirrel Buster Plus, a bird feeder with features too numerous to mention. It comes with a lifetime factory warranty and is guaranteed squirrel-proof.
If you don't want to upgrade your bird feeding equipment, you can try thwarting squirrels by using blends of birdseed that they find distasteful. This an area where you need to exercise some caution. Some brands contain products, such as cayenne pepper, which can harm the birds. However, there are brands that simply have seeds which squirrels will avoid, but which birds will still enjoy.
Finally, you can try keeping squirrels away from your bird feeders by distracting them. For example, you can install a box feeder filled with corn kernels or hang a corncob "trapper" for the squirrels to feed from. If your squirrels have their very own feeder, situated well away from any bird feeders, they may stick to their own turf and leave the birdseed alone.
There is no question that squirrels can be a nuisance around bird feeders and a costly one at that. However, keep in mind that squirrels are just being themselves. You shouldn't let your desire to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders result in any harm to them. Don't use poison or traps that will kill. Don't use sticky material that can soil squirrel fur and bird feathers. Never add cayenne pepper to your birdseed (if a squirrel gets it in the eyes, the resulting misery and scratching may result in blindness).
Whatever you do, don't give up on feeding the birds. It is possible to squirrel proof bird feeders. Squirrels may be intelligent but, with careful thought, it's not hard to foil them. After all, we're smarter, right?
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/squirrel-proof-bird-feeders-best-ways-to-make-bird-feeders-squirrel-proof-812669.html
About the Author
Dave McLeod has been successfully feeding birds and foiling the squirrels, for years. To check out Dave's favorite bird feeder visit www.best-squirrel-proof-bird-feeder.com.
Almost everything you need to know is here: http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/bird_feeding/index.html
Do not buy a mix….most birds prefer black oil sunflower seeds. A mix will cost you more money because birds will pick through and just eat what they want.
they really like good old bread and we also have a coconut bird feeder hanging up that they love. If you hang the feeders somewhere with a bit of shelter (like near a tree or bush) they’re more likely to come as they’ll feel a bit safer. good luck
First of all why are you feeding birds anyway? Let alone the black ones…wait, is this about humans or animals. It’s hard to tell the difference most of the time.
Gold finches eat thistle seeds, as well as black sunflower seeds, so including them in your feeder is a great idea. Gold finch predators may be present in the neighborhood, which would drive them away.
Goldfinches feed primarily on weed seeds, and sometimes insects when they are available. For this reason, goldfinches love weedy fields, orchards, open woodlands, thickets and roadsides, especially if they contain patches of thistle and sunflowers. In other words, they may prefer eating these seeds right off the plant, instead of in a feeder, so you could plant some of these plants near the bird feeder.
Here’s a map of the presence of the American Goldfinch:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/American_Goldfinch-rangemap.gif
Yellow = Summer only
Blue = Winter only
Green = Year round
So, it really depends on where you live and what time of the year it is. Hope this helps.
How do I keep large black birds away from my bird feeders?
I have bird feeders in my yard to feed the tiny little birds that fly about, especially this time of year when it’s really cold. The problem I am having is that there are alot of crow / black birds in our area and they are absolutely relentless when it comes to the bird feeders. I really don’t care for these black birds at all. They eat or destroy all the food for the little birds in a short amount of time. Does any one have a sensible solution to this bird problem, besides shooting the black birds. We have plenty of woods and fields for these black birds to hang out in….Not my bird feeders!
bird feeders?
I want to know the right bird feeders and bird food to put out to attract all the pretty birds. And when do you put out hummingbird feeders? Are there better places than others for bird houses/feeders? I have a bird bath nearby for them…anything I need to know about that?
We have a big picture window out front and the kids love watching the birds eat and play so I would like to have a “bird area” out front with my flowers. Cats aren’t really a problem here and the kids don’t bother the birds….just watch from the window.
What are good types of foods and for what seasons? I noticed the dough suet stuff I put out was never a favorite but they all liked the berries and other kinds. Well, not the orange stuff.
I just don’t want to be feeding our neighborhood birds the equivalent of McDonalds food!
Also, I live in Missouri if that helps!
Bird Feeders?
I love in Durham Region, ON. And I want to get a bird feeder for my backyard. Does anyone know a good link to show me what kind of seed mixes will attract certain types of birds?
Thanks for the help.
Bird feeders?
I love in Durham Region, ON. And I want to get a bird feeder for my backyard. Does anyone know a good link to show me what kind of seed mixes will attract certain types of birds?
Thanks for the help.
How can I attract gold finches to my bird feeders?
I have several bird feeders in my backyard. Some contain sunflower seed, some contain wild bird mix, and two of them contain thistle (they’re the long, skinny, cylinder type).
Lots of birds come to my feeders, but very seldom do I see gold finches.
What can I do to attract them?
Thanks!