Squirrel proof bird feeder
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The construction of this particular Roamwild model means the whole thing is kept waterproof, and as it holds a decent 3lb of seed you won’t be refilling it too often - depending on how hungry your garden birds are, of course. This can be annoying if you enjoy feeding species such as grackles or woodpeckers, but perfect if finches or cardinals are more your thing. A certain weight is needed to push the door closed, and if larger birds are above this weight, they will be unable to feed too. When a heavy weight is placed on it, such as a squirrel, rat or curious cat, the spring is stretched and a metal door is closed, blocking off access to the seeds. When there’s only a light weight on it, such as a bird with its light build and hollow bones evolved for flight, the spring remains contracted and the food available.
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These nifty pieces of engineering contain, as you’d expect, a spring. You may find cheaper ones, especially if you’ve got a few screws around the place you can use to put it up, but make sure the baffle isn’t going to give in easily to jaws and the weather.Ī clever solution to the problem of squirrels – and other mammals – getting to bird food is the spring-loaded bird feeder. We’ve chosen a North States model as it’s made from tough, chew-resistant plastic, and comes with the mounting hardware you’ll need. Get this right, and they’re very effective, and also nice and cheap, being just a dome (or cylinder) of plastic. Careful placement – on top of a pole with a large clear area around - is therefore essential for successful use of a baffle. Likewise, if you use the dangling technique, squirrels can jump from whatever you have anchored your rope on. They can either jump from the ground to land on the pole above the baffle if it’s too low, or can leap from a nearby tree, building, or anything it can use to get the necessary height. Another method is to hang your feeders from a chain or rope, with the baffle positioned to stop squirrels climbing down.īoth methods require planning and careful positioning, however, as squirrels can jump. The domed shape and slippery nature makes it impossible for the curious critter to climb any higher, protecting your nuts.
SQUIRREL PROOF BIRD FEEDER INSTALL
You then install the baffle around the pole, more than halfway up. Some squirrels and larger birds eventually learn not to bother with feeders such as these, redirecting their energies elsewhere.Ī baffle requires you to first mount your feeder – or multiple feeders – on a pole. The long hanging hook, running from side to side rather than being attached to the lid, allows it to swing in the wind with less danger of it falling off to the ground or pulling the lid off under its own weight.
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The lid’s other purpose is to keep out the rain, so the food within doesn’t get wet and go moldy, and for this it does work, the overall construction being as weather-resistant as it’s possible to get while still allowing birds access to the seed. Rodents smaller than squirrels may, however, be able to slip between the bars. The feeder also protects against the theft of food by deer, as they are unable to get their noses through the bars. Experimenting with clips or wire will hold it down more securely, but be sure to use metal as squirrels will easily chew through plastic. This does, however, open it up to a few flaws: the plastic construction of the inner parts could be sturdier, and squirrels can learn to lift up the metal lid and retrieve some food that way. We’ve chosen this FORUP model as it’s readily available, holds a good amount of food, can be viewed from any angle, and is reasonably priced.
![Gotham by gaslight](https://loka.nahovitsyn.com/221.jpg)