Pesky squirrels in the birdfeeder - solutions?

[BlueWillowPlate]

I've had mixed success with safflower seeds, but continue to use them.
I also send out my dog periodically whenever I see a squirrel at the feeder.
I share with the bushy-tailed rodents, but do not want to give it *all* to them.
Squirrels here in north Florida are far less persistent than they were in Denver, perhaps they have an easier life here.

[Coldjensens]

My father has become an expert at this. One thing he does is to use 4" PVC as a post. It is too slick for the squirrels to climb. Another thing that is funny is he built a big windmill with each arm ending in an ear of hard corn. Suirrels love hard corn. They climb onto the windmill thing and their weight makes it spin dumping them onto the ground. they keep trying endlessly and entertain you while they are busy staying away from the feeders. Eventually the smarter ones figure out how to get soem corn.

[southdown]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

My father has become an expert at this. One thing he does is to use 4" PVC as a post. It is too slick for the squirrels to climb. Another thing that is funny is he built a big windmill with each arm ending in an ear of hard corn. Suirrels love hard corn. They climb onto the windmill thing and their weight makes it spin dumping them onto the ground. they keep trying endlessly and entertain you while they are busy staying away from the feeders. Eventually the smarter ones figure out how to get soem corn.

Sounds hilarious! They'll try anything to get some food, it's quite admirable really! I may have to get a squirrel bungee - a length of really stretchy bouncy elastic covered in cloth of some kind, you attach hard corn on the end, hang it up and watch the squirrels bounce around like crazy while nibbling on the corn!!!! The trick is to hang it where they have to leap onto it - it has a bell attached so you can hear when the action starts!!!


YouTube - Bungee Squirrel

Buy a Bird Feeder Details of SqungeeBouncing Squirrel Bungee Feeder

[andthentherewere3]

I love the idea of the squirrel bungee!

[gardenbirdfeeders]

Keeping squirrels at bay
As most bird watchers with feeders know the squirrel can become quite a nuisance. There are a few things you can do to keep them out of your bird feeder.

One thing that can work is to put your feeder on a metal or PVC pole and grease the bottom 2 feet so they cannot climb the pole. Placing a baffle directly under the feeder will make it difficult for them to get to the food.

Also keep the feeder a good distance away from trees or other items that they can leap from. This also works to keep cats from getting to birds during feeding.

The best way to keep squirrels out of your feeder is to provide a separate food source just for them. Spread some peanuts or corn on the ground or on a platform feeder and they will feed from there instead of trying to retrieve food from your bird feeder.

Hope this helps