5 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

16.67% of users selected Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel, 50% selected Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof, 8.33% selected Squirrel Buster Classic Squirrel, 8.33% selected YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel and 16.67% selected Woodlink Absolute Squirrel Resistant Bird. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Squirrels are frequently considered pests in our gardens, despite their charming appearance. This is particularly true if you’ve set up a bird feeding station only to have squirrels take all of the food you’ve laid out just for your feathered guests.

Purchasing a squirrel-proof bird feeder is a simple solution to the issue of bothersome squirrels. Though it’s difficult to build a squirrel-proof bird feeder, you may purchase ones that discourage and ultimately persuade them to seek food elsewhere.

Squirrels may seem cuddly and adorable at times, but they are annoyances most of the time. This is particularly true in the case of birders, who are notorious for taking seeds from your yard.

While you may set up some obstacles in your garden, the most efficient method to keep squirrels out of your bird food is to use a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Squirrels are repelled by a number of specifically designed bird feeders.

You’ll need to pick one that fulfills the function perfectly and lasts a long time. This guide will assist you in selecting the finest squirrel-proof bird feeder.

Below you may consider five of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders retailing online. To conclude, also read a helpful guide and comparison table for new buyers. 

Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Feeder – the best for the warranty!

When a squirrel senses an intruder, the weight of the animal closes all seed openings, preventing the animal access to the food within. Perching and feeding will be limited to tiny birds.

Meanwhile, since it is UV-resistant, the bird feeder will always appear fresh, regardless of the weather. The paint job reflects sunlight, avoiding significant color loss. The exterior look of this bird feeder will not fade even after three months of hanging it on a tree.

With 1.3 pounds of seed capacity, this feeder is simple to fill. It also has a cheap price range and many other beneficial characteristics. Also, do not forget about lifetime warranty and care.

This feeder is small, strong, and most importantly, chew-proof. It features ventilation, which ensures that the seeds remain fresh at all times. Furthermore, due to its anti-UV characteristics, this feeder will always appear new, regardless of the weather outside.

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Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder – the best for easy cleaning!

Another feature of this bird feeder that we appreciate is how simple it is to put up. This bird feeder also features an outstanding ventilation system that allows air to flow in and out of the chamber, keeping the seeds fresh. Furthermore, it keeps moisture out of the chamber, ensuring that the seeds are ideal for the birds.

It has 6 feeding ports with a seed capacity of 5.1 pounds. It’s also very simple to clean and refill.

Brome’s Squirrel Buster Plus is a fantastic product. This unit is simple to put together and mount. Lastly, lifelong care is something you can count on if the product develops any issues or becomes broken in the future.

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Brome Squirrel Buster Classic Feeder – the best for easy assembly!

When a squirrel climbs atop the feeder, the shroud is automatically pushed down, blocking access to the ports. In addition, the feeder has a negative grip tube that keeps squirrels from grasping the wire hanger with their rear legs.

You may simply install/assemble this unit with your own hands without any extra tools.

This Brome 1015 Squirrel Buster Classic feeder has patented Squirrel Buster technology and a unique design that draws birds while deterring squirrels. Also, you won’t need any tools to assemble or install this feeder.

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Droll Yankees YF-M Feeder – the best for design!

The 17-inch tube contains 5 lbs of birdseed and features 4 ports to accommodate numerous birds, resulting in fewer refills. The tube feeder is suspended from the ceiling by a stainless steel looped wire that minimizes movement and prevents seed spillage.

The Yankee Flipper feeder is built to last for years. The seed tube is UV-stabilized polycarbonate that won’t discolor over time, and the metal components of the feeder are powder coated in a beautiful forest green that won’t crack or fade.

The whole feeder is strong and light. Birds may safely feed on the seeds supplied by the dispenser since the motorized perch is intended only for squirrels.

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Woodlink Absolute Squirrel Resistant Feeder – the best for large capacity!

This tough, all-metal feeder features a counterbalanced perch that can be adjusted to three settings to accommodate light, medium, or large birds.

This unusually big capacity needs less frequent filling since it can hold up to 15 pounds of birds’ preferred mixed seeds, sunflower seeds, nut halves, or safflower.

It includes a metal hanger and a squirrel-proof bird feeder pole with which to mount your feeder.

Its capacity, which can keep up to 15 lbs of seeds, is its most remarkable feature. As a result, it’s the ideal feeder for attracting a huge number of birds. Its design is also very efficient since it fully seals off whenever birds are present.

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The Buyer’s Guide

Types of squirrel-proof feeders

1) Pole-mount feeders 

These feeders are similar to traditional hanging bird feeders, except that they are mounted on a pole rather than being hung from a tree. It’s important to note that the metal pole must be at least 6-feet tall. It should also be far enough away from easy-to-reach jump-off points for squirrels. Also, any shrubs and branches within 12 feet of your feeder should be pruned, since these animals may leap ten or more feet.

2) Caged feeders

A basic metal tube feeder with a chew-resistant casing is included in this category of feeders. This feeder’s design and construction will keep squirrels at bay. Caged feeders keep bigger and more aggressive birds out of the feeder.

3) Weight active feeders 

These feeders include a weight-sensitive, precisely balanced mechanism that shuts the seed ports as soon as the squirrel stands on them. The port, on the other hand, will unlock as soon as the sly animal departs. It is essential to note that when lighter-weighted birds sit on these ports, they will stay open.

4) Decorative feeders 

These feeders serve 2 main purposes: they keep bird seeds safe from squirrels and they have a nice look. There are many attractive and eye-catching styles available on the market. Consider purchasing such feeders if you wish to add a pleasing flare to your garden.

Durability

Choose a feeder made of high-quality materials that will last a long time. Please ensure the feeder you choose will not fall over if it is knocked over by a squirrel. A feeder constructed of thick polycarbonate, metal, or RoxResin is a good option.

Capacity

When purchasing a squirrel-resistant feeder, be sure you choose one with a high feeding capacity. Purchase a feeder that can carry at least 2 pounds of birdseed mix. If you live in a region with many birds, you should buy a feeder that can hold at least 5 lbs of seeds.

Ease of use

You should select a visually appealing feeder that songbirds can see from afar and reach. Aside from that, ensure the feeder you choose is simple to refill and clean.

Weatherproof and UV-resistant

You should choose a feeder that can endure all of the shifting temperatures since feeders are susceptible to different weather conditions. If you’re purchasing a plastic feeder, for example, be sure it’s UV-treated to avoid cracking and fading.

Customer service and warranty

A warranty is not required, but if the feeder you’re considering has one, take advantage of it. Or, at the very least, purchase from a company that is simple to contact in the event that anything goes wrong or you need help. You may also want to pick something that is non-toxic to all animals and can assist the environment (built with metal or recycled plastic).

Where to hang squirrel-proof feeders?

Consider purchasing a second pole from which to hang feeders. This is to keep the feeder away from other places where squirrels may leap. Here are two sure ways to keep these obnoxious little creatures away from your feeders:

1. Squirrels won’t be able to gain a footing in your bird feeder if you hang it where they won’t be able to access it. Squirrels have incredible resourcefulness and agility. They’ll scale whatever they can get their hands on. If you want to hang a feeder, choose a pole since it has a typically smooth surface. Squirrels and other creatures will only be able to slide down if they try to climb up this way.
2. Purchase a squirrel baffle made of light metal or steel. After the squirrels gnaw on the plastic baffles, they typically develop a hole. These rodents won’t be able to get inside the seed chamber of a feeder since it’s made of steel.

How to clean squirrel-proof bird feeders? 

It’s critical to keep your squirrel baffle clean. Infections like salmonella, histoplasmosis, candidiasis, and E. coli will thrive in filthy feeders that have been flooded with bird excrement. If it is left unclean, it may quickly transmit illnesses to people.

Most of the filth and other hazardous materials that have accumulated up on top of the baffles will be washed away by rinsing them with clean water. Although some feeders may simply be sprayed clean, at least once a month, wash the feeder with diluted bleach to avoid bacteria build-up.

Can squirrel-proof feeders keep chipmunks and raccoons away?

If you think squirrels are cute, you’ll probably think chipmunks are too. You may not be able to resist giggling when you see their mouths full of bird seeds. These little rodents are more likely to attempt climbing into your bird feeder since their diet is almost identical to that of squirrels.

Whether you’re wondering if squirrel-proof feeders would keep chipmunks away, bear in mind that they’re tiny enough to get through squirrel-proof feeders – they weigh about the same as a bird. Chipmunks cannot climb smooth and tall poles, so you may keep them away by mounting a feeder on them.

A squirrel baffle may also be placed underneath your feeder to encourage them to leave. Raccoons are similar in that they can access feeders and take all of the food you put out for the birds. By sprinkling cayenne pepper in a feeder and on the ground, you can keep raccoons at bay.

Useful Video: Top 5 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Reviews In 2020

Final thoughts 

The finest squirrel-proof bird feeder is one that you can just set alone. Although some of the feeders are more difficult to install than standard bird feeders, the work is well worth it once you see how effective they are at keeping pests away.

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