Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Now that I am back in country heaven, I have to deal with tons of pesky squirrels at my bird feeders. I have tried safflower seed and they actually love it.
What is the best type of squirrel proof bird feeder and where is the best place to purchase them in the western or southwestern parts of Wake County?
Your best bet is a feeder on a pole with a raccoon-proof baffle. This will keep squirrels and, even more important, raccoons (which can empty an entire feeder full of 10lbs of seed in an evening), from devastating your feeders. Just make sure the feeder is far enough from a tree or limb so that the squirrel can't jump on top of the feeder.
Beyond that, I've never seen a squirrel-proof feeder. Those which "collapse" under the squirrel's weight help reduce the carnage, but they won't stop it completely.
Your best bet is a feeder on a pole with a raccoon-proof baffle. This will keep squirrels and, even more important, raccoons (which can empty an entire feeder full of 10lbs of seed in an evening), from devastating your feeders. Just make sure the feeder is far enough from a tree or limb so that the squirrel can't jump on top of the feeder.
Beyond that, I've never seen a squirrel-proof feeder. Those which "collapse" under the squirrel's weight help reduce the carnage, but they won't stop it completely.
I use the squirrel buster feeders and have had no problems...but they sure have tried! I also have a tray feeder and use a hot sauce from Logan's Nursery and they don't go near it. Doesn't bother the birds at all (I wonder if just any hot sauce would work?)
Now...if I could just do something about those dang Grackles!!!!
My wife heard me laughing uncontrollably. She came out to see what was up. I showed her the clip and her mouth hit the floor. I think I want to set that course up in my backyard. It would be great entertainment.
I also have a tray feeder and use a hot sauce from Logan's Nursery and they don't go near it. Doesn't bother the birds at all (I wonder if just any hot sauce would work?)
Anything with pepper may work. Birds can't taste the pepper, but mammals can. I always get the hot pepper infused suet and have never had any problems with squirrels or raccoons running off with it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by daveraleigh
Now...if I could just do something about those dang Grackles!!!!
They are the reason I don't have any tray feeders any more. I came home one day and had what seemed like 30+ on my deck. It was a complete mess. I replaced my tray feeders with (supposedly squirrel proof) feeders designed for songbirds. The feeders aren't as attractive, but I don't have a problem with grackles anymore.
Anything with pepper may work. Birds can't taste the pepper, but mammals can. I always get the hot pepper infused suet and have never had any problems with squirrels or raccoons running off with it.
They are the reason I don't have any tray feeders any more. I came home one day and had what seemed like 30+ on my deck. It was a complete mess. I replaced my tray feeders with (supposedly squirrel proof) feeders designed for songbirds. The feeders aren't as attractive, but I don't have a problem with grackles anymore.
Also a big fan of the hot suet!
I've yet to find a seed the grackles won't eat. I probably should have gone with the feeders with the collapsable perch vs the ones where their weight makes the outside of the feeder 'drop'...they just hang on to the outside and squeeze their beaks through.
What seed combo do u use? Thought about just a sunflower/safflower mix but don't want to limit the variety of visitors (or will it?) they all love the Wild bird store blend but they were killing 3 tubes a day!?!?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
