Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrel proof bird feeders history dates as far back the actual act of humans feeding birds. Squirrels are intelligent enough and strong enough to take advantage of any unguarded food supply, especially one that contains seeds that they love. So much effort has been put into bird feeders with squirrel proof mechanisms that squirrel proof birdfeeders have increased in sophistication and even in entertainment value.
The most popular squirrel proof birdfeeder models on the market right now are models like the Yankee Flipper Squirrel Proof bird feeder. These feeders have a battery powered motor that actually causes the perch to flip when something the weight of a squirrel lands on it; the squirrel is then catapulted through the air, much to the amusement of all those watching. Other battery powered models have top domes that spin to send squirrels flying when they land on the feeder from above. Other feeders that are triggered by a squirrel’s weight, such as a Heritage Farms squirrel proof bird feeder or a Havahart bird feeder of squirrel proof quality, instead, have springs that cause the ports of the feeder to be closed; once the squirrel leaves, the spring is released and the ports open again.
Older squirrel proof bird feeder models include feeder and baffle combinations; baffles are essentially large domes placed above or below the feeder, or squirrel proof birdfeeder poles, that try to block a squirrel’s access to the feeder by creating an obstacle that the squirrel can’t climb around or jump over. Some squirrels have been known to thwart the baffle system, launching themselves at just the right angle onto the baffle to cause the seed to spill to the ground. There are also caged feeders, where the classic tubular feeder has been encased with a wire mesh or cage whose holes are only big enough to allow birds to feed.
Since squirrels are such a problem, you’ll find online forums with squirrel proof bird feeder review comments and squirrel proof bird feeder plans. One type of bird feeder is squirrel proof thanks to the fact that it’s hung from a wire that is equipped with baffles of its own to create obstacles to the squirrel’s path along the wire. You can actually create one of these bird feeders by using empty soda bottles (of at least one liter) and stringing the horizontal wire through them; suspend three or four in this way on each side of your bird feeder and when squirrels walk on them, they’ll be flipped to the ground.
By no means have bird feeder manufacturers, or bird feeder enthusiasts, reached the end of the line when it comes to squirrel proof bird feeders; solar powered squirrel proof birdfeeder models have even appeared on the market. No feeder can guarantee impenetrability by all squirrels; everyone has heard stories of the seemingly supernatural athletic abilities and determination of some squirrels. Visit your local pet supply or bird specialty store or hop online to get some more ideas.
