Squirrels and bird feeders

[TennNole17]

Aside from plinking them off, and suggestions to keep them away? I’m filling up once a week because they just make a meal of it.

They have those fun looking ones that spin squirrels off when they land- but read they are 1) expensive and 2) battery powered ((have to be recharged?)

https://tinypic.host/image/IMG-9349.DbYau5

 

[HROT]

Try moving the feeder down the branch some more (and a bit higher)?

Or feed the squirrels with their own squirrel feeder/mix

 

[Whiskeydeltadeltatango]

6v battery
4 alligator clips
Desired length of wire

Hot/hot
Neg/negative

Squirrel steps on both wires problem solved.


For long term use: add solar panel.

 

[millah_22]

I once bought an expensive bird feeder. Then watched a squirrel tarzan off it on the first or second day and break it.

I fixed it, and it worked for a while, but eventually got rid of it and don't do bird feeders anymore. Just bird houses.

 

[HawkMachine]

How are they getting on it?

Jumping from the trunk or the birdbath? Or coming down from the top?

 

[Uniformed_ReRe]

This one I bought years ago worked well and didn't require batteries.

Unfortunately, while it fixed the squirrel problem, I was forced to remove it after it was later discovered by gang of ravenous goldfinches who would treated it like their private Waffle House, devouring $5-10 of sunflower seeds per day before I had enough.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007LQ3RQ

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

I once bought an expensive bird feeder. Then watched a squirrel tarzan off it on the first or second day and break it.

I fixed it, and it worked for a while, but eventually got rid of it and don't do bird feeders anymore. Just bird houses.

Squirrels will inherit the earth. Ninja assassins of the rodent world.

 

[Whiskeydeltadeltatango]

Squirrels will inherit the earth. Ninja assassins of the rodent world.

Are you a deer hunter? Ever spoke to a deer hunter about squirrels?



Light fuse and run my friend.

 

[TennNole17]

How are they getting on it?

Jumping from the trunk or the birdbath? Or coming down from the top?

Down the chain, or from the tree/birdbath

 

[yescyam]

Had the same problem, so I got this "squirrel proof" feeder 7-8 years ago. First of all, there is no such thing as a truly "squirrel proof" feeder. The little effers are way too smart. But this one has done a great job keeping them out for the most part. Also does great at keeping birds like grackles off of it. The feeding bars are weight regulated. Can't remember where I got it. Did a quick search on Amazon and couldn't find it, so not sure. Have another feeder on a shepherd's hook with a kid's slinky on it. That works pretty well, too and kind of fun to watch the squirrels attempt it. Yeah, I need to mow. Fook that !

 

[Nole-4-Life]

We use Safflower seed in our feeders. Squirrels won't eat it. Took me several bird feeders to learn this.

We scatter some wild bird food on the ground for the squirrels.

 

[HawkMachine]

Down the chain, or from the tree/birdbath

Move the birdbath on the other side of the tree.

Move the feeder out away from the tree more.

Get some kind of a cone to put above the feeder.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Squirrels are as cute as birds, and have more personality. Just enjoy watching the squirrels being funny and climbing around "Mission Impossible"-ing down to the birdfeeder. They're earning what they get!

 

[TennNole17]

Squirrels are as cute as birds, and have more personality. Just enjoy watching the squirrels being funny and climbing around "Mission Impossible"-ing down to the birdfeeder. They're earning what they get!

The other morning- one had gotten the lid off and was face down in the tube. While impressive, it was also annoying!

 

[HawkMachine]

You could also get some type of a pole type feeder and put a squirrel baffle below the feeder.

Once again, just needs to be at a distance where they can leap on it.

I have a 4x4 post in the ground with the below. They 100% can't get on it.

 

[TennNole17]

You could also get some type of a pole type feeder and put a squirrel baffle below the feeder.

Once again, just needs to be at a distance where they can leap on it.

I have a 4x4 post in the ground with the below. They 100% can't get on it.

I was thinking if I move it further out on the limb, I could use finagle a slinky down the chain to prevent them there

 

[QChawks]

speaking of bird feeders, why did no one tell me that as soon as I'd hit 40 I'd be so damn investing in buying and maintaining bird feeders??

 

[Uniformed_ReRe]

Squirrels are as cute as birds, and have more personality. Just enjoy watching the squirrels being funny and climbing around "Mission Impossible"-ing down to the birdfeeder. They're earning what they get!

I had the same attitude at first. But some squirrels will literally sit there all day and empty the entire feeder. I can't afford $100 per week for sunflower seeds.

It's like when someone goes to an "all-you-can-eat" buffet and forces the place to close down because the restaurant can't afford it.

 

[HawkMachine]

I was thinking if I move it further out on the limb, I could use finagle a slinky down the chain to prevent them there

Move the bird bath on the other side and give it a try.

Tall ladder and a cheap slinky and your problem might be solved.

 

[TennNole17]

speaking of bird feeders, why did no one tell me that as soon as I'd hit 40 I'd be so damn investing in buying and maintaining bird feeders??

Right?!

My neighbors keep bees, and the bees came to my bird bath to hangout. You’d have thought I won a prize of some sort based on my excitement. Wtf happened to me?

 

[beanerhawk]

I don't understand people putting out bird feeders, I hate those damn things. We have bird blinders all over the back yard to keep those damn birds away. I see no reason to want birds shitting on my patio.

 

[TennNole17]

I don't understand people putting out bird feeders, I hate those damn things. We have bird blinders all over the back yard to keep those damn birds away. I see no reason to want birds shitting on my patio.

Your posts confuses me. You hate bird feeders, but have them all over the yard?

Mine is not on my patio?

 

[Nole-4-Life]

I don't understand people putting out bird feeders, I hate those damn things. We have bird blinders all over the back yard to keep those damn birds away. I see no reason to want birds shitting on my patio.

My patio is screened in so problem solved.

Love watching the birds.

 

[torbee]

This is our set up and we have no squirrel
Issues (and in a neighborhood with a massive squirrel population)

 

[beanerhawk]

Your posts confuses me. You hate bird feeders, but have them all over the yard?

Mine is not on my patio?

Not sure where you got feeder from blinder. They are two separate things.

 

[beanerhawk]

My patio is screened in so problem solved.

Love watching the birds.

One patio is screened, but the pool patio is wide open.

 

[TennNole17]

Not sure where you got feeder from blinder. They are two separate things.

Never heard of a bird blinder- my bad. I misread

 

[QChawks]

My patio is screened in so problem solved.

Love watching the birds.

same

I have two feeders in the front & back yard

my wife thinks I'm crazy LOL

 

[torbee]

Not sure where you got feeder from blinder. They are two separate things.

Never heard of it either. Sounds kind of mean to blind birds though! Do they all fly around with canes and wearing sunglasses now? 🤔

 

[HawkMachine]

Remind me to never hang out with a guy that has bird blinders in his yard.

 

[QChawks]

since we are already this invested in bird talk...

what type/brand of feed are ya'll using?

 

[HawkMachine]

since we are already this invested in bird talk...

what type/brand of feed are ya'll using?

Just go 100% sunflower.

Don't get the mixed crap.

Get some suet as well.

And a water source.

 

[Nole-4-Life]

since we are already this invested in bird talk...

what type/brand of feed are ya'll using?

Pure Safflower seed unless you want to battle the squirrels. They won't mess with your feeders with safflower seed.

 

[TennNole17]

Pure Safflower seed unless you want to battle the squirrels. They won't mess with your feeders with safflower seed.

My mom told me to put pepper flakes in my mix to keep squirrels away. They didn’t seem to mind it

 

[Finance85]

Slinky or axel grease

 

[NDallasRuss]

I had the same attitude at first. But some squirrels will literally sit there all day and empty the entire feeder. I can't afford $100 per week for sunflower seeds.

It's like when someone goes to an "all-you-can-eat" buffet and forces the place to close down because the restaurant can't afford it.

I did go to "cheaper" bird food that wasn't just bags of sunflower seeds because, you're right, the squirrels will get greedy and start hoarding the seeds for the winter. The "wild bird mix" seems to strike a good balance, where the squirrels will drop by for a snack, but most of the time it's just the birds out there eating.

Something like this:

 

[NDallasRuss]

Just go 100% sunflower.

Don't get the mixed crap.

Get some suet as well.

And a water source.

I think the wild bird mix has been pretty successful There are different size/types of birds that seem to enjoy the different things in the mix. It's more of a smorgasbord now, than a single offering.

 

[NDallasRuss]

I think the wild bird mix has been pretty successful There are different size/types of birds that seem to enjoy the different things in the mix. It's more of a smorgasbord now, than a single offering.

One kinda cool thing (to me, at least) thing that's happened is that sometimes the seeds they drop sprout and start growing new plants. I've got maybe 6 millet plants growing, which I've let go. A couple have gotten to the point where the smaller birds will perch on the millet plants and eat the seeds from there: so, free (kinda) seeds!

 

[HawkMachine]

I think the wild bird mix has been pretty successful There are different size/types of birds that seem to enjoy the different things in the mix. It's more of a smorgasbord now, than a single offering.

Stupid House Sparrows like the mix. Millet is a junk filler if you ask me.

 

[franklinman]

Simple, i feed both.