As a longtime bird watching aficionado, it took me some time to actually grasp the do’s and don’ts of bird-watching. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in doing so is the underrated use of squirrel feeders. Most of the new blood in this particular hobby scene might be taken aback by the thought of investing time and energy in top squirrel feeders, but what most of them do not realize is that in the long run, it yields better results for you and the birds.
Related Articles
When you use bird feeders, you are basically placing food on a container that is free to take for any animal that chances by it. However, even if you intended the food for birds only, you cannot stop all the other animals that are attracted by it from partaking. It is free food, after all.
Squirrels are by far the most notorious feeder raiders out there. Quick to pounce, eat, and even take some food home for a rainy day. Granted, you might have been able to catch or shoo away a few, but they would not stop as long as there is free food just waiting there in the open. This is why you should invest in squirrel feeders so that you could get their attention and lead them away from the wild birds and their food.
6 Best Squirrel Feeders Comparison
Top 10 Best Squirrel Feeder Reviews
Seabird Sanctuary is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
1. Accoutrements Horse Head Squirrel Feeder
Sometimes, we’re only feeding squirrels so they won’t disturb the birds on the bird feeder. While these pesky rodents can be a little annoying most of the time, we also can’t deny their flair for hilarity. If you want to laugh until you burst, you need to give these furry rodents some food. What better way to watch their performance than getting unique squirrel feeders from Accoutrements?
What I love about this cool horse head squirrel feeder is its unique design. The horse head design triggers laughter whenever squirrels try to fit their upper body inside. Young children in my area, especially my own kids have fun watching multiple squirrels wriggling around this feeder.
The feeder is durable because it is made from vinyl. It can withstand the squirrels’ wild and rough handling. In addition, this one is completely weatherproof. The material does not suffer from becoming brittle even if it is placed under the sun or exposed to rain for a very long time.
What I find disappointing about this product is how it can be easily brought down by two or more squirrels. This happened when I used a regular nylon string. The other squirrels that didn’t get a chance to put their heads inside the feeder climbed on top of it and started chewing on the string. The feeder fell to the ground and they carried it outside my property. I was able to remedy the situation by using a G.I. wire so the little buggers won’t be able to run away with it (what a sight though!)
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Weatherproof
- It has a creative design
- Can be hung
Cons:
- Nylon string won’t hold the feeder properly if two or more squirrels started climbing on top of it
- Hanging squirrel feeder
- Squirrel stands on hind legs to eat, looks like it's wearing horse mask
- Causes much hilarity
2. Birds Choice Squirrel Jar Feeder
Keeping squirrels happy and satisfied is a challenging task. If you have primary bird feeders around, these annoying hungry squirrels will definitely come to steal away some bird food every time. What if you have a good separate feeder that will keep them busy? This is what the Birds Choice Squirrel Jar Feeder aims to achieve.
There are many things to love about this particular squirrel feeder. First is the material. I love how this one is made of 100% recycled plastic. Since it is made of plastic, I am sure that it will be durable and will last a very long time.
Another feature that really piqued my interest is the size of the whole feeder. Squirrels can easily go in and out of the box to get what they want. Even the fat ones do not have a hard time getting food inside the feeder. The glass jar can hold enough food for two days. Furthermore, it is absolutely perfect for stashing sunflower seeds, corn cobs, and peanuts.
This squirrel feeder can be mounted on a pole or attached to a tree. I attached mine to a tree where squirrels often climb. All I have to do is to enjoy watching them get rowdy while getting inside the box to munch the seeds.
While I really enjoy all the positive features of this squirrel feeder, one thing that really got me disappointed is how loose the jar is. When I was trying to refill the seeds, it slipped out of my hands and it nearly crashed to the ground. Good thing I was able to catch it.
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Weatherproof
- Birds love it
- Can be mounted on a pole
- Can be mounted on a tree
- 100% made from recycled plastic
Cons:
- The glass jar is not secured properly
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Includes 1 Squirrel Jar Feeders | Material: Recycled Poly-Lumber, Glass | Color: Taupe w/ Green Roof | Measurement &...
- SQUIRREL JAR FEEDER: Watch the squirrels eat from their very own Squirrel Jar! This features a 1 gallon jar design and measures at 7/1/4"...
- RECYCLED MATERIALS: Poly lumber proudly made from recycled plastic jugs and bottles in the United States and is designed to prevent...
- MADE IN THE USA: This product is proudly made in America and manufactured in our Wisconsin facility
- BIRDS CHOICE: We currently operate out of a 50,000 square feet manufacturing facility in Chilton, WI, employs 45 awesome team members, and...
3. Picnic Table Squirrel Table
If you want to not only keep squirrels away from your bird feeder, but also provide them something cute and comfortable to use when eating, then the Picnic Table by The Squirrel Shop is a great choice. This miniature version of our picnic tables would surely provide “natural” entertainment for you and your family.
The concept for this flying picnic table squirrel feeder is simple: just attach the small picnic table to any tree, wooden posts or stump, place a piece of corn on the table, and wait for the squirrels to come to it. Best place it far away from your bird feeders so that the little critters won’t get distracted and try to get food from the feeder once they eat up all the corn.
The table and benches are made of freshly cut, thick cedar that is decay resistant. The back board holds everything together so that when you attach it to a tree, it looks like an elevated sitting area. Our hungry squirrels just love dining here as they can eat and relax at the same time.
If there is one thing that I don’t like about this feeder, is that the screw located at the table is not long enough or thick enough to hold bigger corn cobs properly. It can hold small to medium sized corn and even apples, but that’s about it. I had to replace it with a bigger one to hold bigger sized corn.
Pros:
- Made of decay resistant cedar
- Looks really nice
- Designed as a miniature picnic table
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Screw that holds corn cob is a bit small
- Start Your Day With a Smile by Watching the Squirrels Play on This Cute Picnic Table Feeder. Proudly made in the USA!
- A Wonderful Gift For Nature Lovers and Backyard Enthusiasts. You Will Love This Feeder From the Moment You Open it Up and Smell the Freshly...
- Great For Deterring Squirrels From Bird Feeders! (Corn is NOT Included). Nice Additional Product to Go Along with Your Squirrel Proof Bird...
- Feeding Squirrels is a Great Way to Have More Fun With the Wildlife in Your Yard. Watch the Squirrels Chase Each Other in Circles While They...
- Our Feeders Are Made by Hand in Our Small Shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We Are Certain That You Will Love This Feeder and Offer an...
4. Erva Tool & Die Durable Bird Proof Squirrel Feeder
If one of your biggest problems with feeding squirrels is that they gnaw on the feeder itself, know that you are not alone. And this is why this squirrel feeder by Erva Tool and Die has been designed — to outlast any squirrel!
Made of 18 gauge steel, squirrels and raccoons in your area will be hard-pressed to find something to chew on this feeder, and they’ll eventually give up and settle on eating the actual squirrel food. The feeder is powder coated and has a nice texture to it.
What I love most about this feeder is that it keeps birds out! Yes, birds will try to get food here too, but since the lid has to be lifted first before they are able to get anything, it prevents them from getting seeds or nuts and eventually fly back to the bird feeders (which were meant for them in the first place!).
As mentioned, squirrels have to lift the lid get food. Sometimes when the food is less than half of the feeder, they would climb in and eat inside, which is actually pretty funny. Opening and closing the lid is also the way to refill the container.
As you may have guessed, the part that would wear out first in this set-up is the hinge. With all the opening and closing, the rivet that holds the hinge to the wall of the feeder eventually wore out and loosened the hinge. What I did was hammer it down with a new rivet to keep the hinge in place.
Pros:
- Made of durable steel
- Weatherproof
- Rust resistant
- Will last a lifetime
- Easy to refill
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Hinge loosens up
- A Feeder That Is Guaranteed To Be Bird Proof
- Stop Those Pesky Squirrels From Taking Over Your Bird Feeder
- If You Can't Beat Them, Feed Them!
- Made Of Solid Steel - Guaranteed Indestructible
- The Simple Design Will Hold A Variety Of Food - Perfect To Load Up With Peanuts
5. Stokes Select Lunch Box Squirrel Feeder with Metal Roof
If one must try squirrel feeders to get the little creatures away from bird feeders, then he should use one from a well-known brand. A brand that has been using part of its profits to protect birds and bird habitat — and that is none other than Stokes Select.
What I appreciate most about this metal squirrel feeder is that one look and you know it’s made of quality material. It’s made entirely of metal, which is powder coated to withstand changing weather. The top is an easy-lift cover that you can use to refill the squirrel lunchbox with nuts or seeds.
My concern about this top-opening cover is that it fits the box perfectly. There is not even a slight gap or opening to give the squirrels a hint that they can lift it up to get the squirrel food. As a result, squirrels would chew or paw on the clear plastic, thinking that there’s no other way to get to the food. You can place the clear cover upside-down so that squirrels can get the food out from the bottom gap. Nuts are too big for this gap though. Or you can place a clip at the top part so a gap is created between the clear plastic and the cover, which gives squirrels a hint on what to do. At least that’s what I did, and squirrel feeding has been easier since then.
Nevertheless, I love that this feeder is so easy to install, refill and even clean. I just spray clean it to remove the mess. It’s been up for over two years and nary a rust can be seen.
Pros:
- Made of high quality metal
- Powder coated to avoid rust
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Easy to install
- Easy to refill
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Squirrels are having trouble understanding how to get food
- Gap between clear cover and bottom is too small for nuts
- GREAT DISTRACTION: Place 15 ft away from birdfeeders to create a distraction - happy squirrels, happy birds!
- GREAT DESIGN: This lunch box like design is made for great function - watch squirrels lift the the lid for food - and looks fun without...
- HIGH QUALITY: Powder coated durable weather resistant finish creates a product that will last a lifetime!
- PROTECT THE BIRDS: A portion of ALL Stokes Select proceeds is donated to bird habitat and conservation, so you can create a better bird...
- HIGHLY RATED: Stokes Select is a common household name for a reason - our birdfeeders, birdhouses, bird accessories, squirrel and ant...
6. Gifts & Decor Woodland Brown Squirrel Outdoor Birdfeeder
This is one of the cutest squirrel feeders I tried (including the horse head feeder). Squirrels are quickly fascinated upon seeing something that looks just like them but doesn’t move (and smell) like them. It looks really lifelike; aside from being a feeder, it also acts as a garden ornament, which is cool.
This feeder is made of polyresin so it won’t break even after one fall. Multiple falls may cause breakage though. You can easily place the food on its tail, which has a bowl-like indention that can hold a cup of mixed seeds and nuts. Since squirrels and even birds can go through the food quickly, you won’t have to worry about the seeds or nuts getting bad or mouldy.
One thing I don’t like about this feeder is that there is no instant way to mount it anywhere. Sure, you can put it atop the fence, but there is a chance that bigger squirrels will be able to knock it off. If you want it more stable, you would have to drill a hole underneath it, screw it to a plywood, and then attach that plywood to a fence or a tree branch. You can also just place it on the ground, but for its design, it would be a waste not to use it as an ornament.
Pros:
- Beautifully designed
- Made of polyresin
- Can hold a cup of squirrel food
- Easy to clean
- Easy to refill
Cons:
- Not easy to install
7. Unicorn Head Squirrel Feeder
Entertainment doesn’t have to be so limited, especially when you have one of these funny squirrel feeders. You certainly have to bring it to the next level, especially if it involves squirrels. If you are looking for a good time with your friends, family, and loved ones, the best way to do so is to have this Unicorn Head squirrel feeder in your property.
There are so many things to love about this squirrel feeder. I love how the design really captures the curiosity of not only the children, but also the squirrels. Even if the unicorn’s head is so colorful, the furry little animals are not afraid to approach it.
The opening is wide enough for a grown squirrel to enter. When their upper body is inside the unicorn head, hilarity surely breaks. The snout can be filled with nuts, bird seeds, and corn cobs. It can also be filled with peanut butter.
The material used in manufacturing this product is also something that I’d like to commend. It is made of vinyl so I don’t have to worry about it breaking any time soon. It can withstand intense heat as well as rain and snow. The children and squirrels really have fun with this fantastic feeder any time of the year.
What I don’t approve about this feeder is its vulnerability to chews. Since it can only accommodate one squirrel at a time, the others find a way to taste the yummy treats inside. One day, they were going wild as to which one goes first. The rest who didn’t get a chance to be funny chewed off the ears of the unicorn.
Pros:
- It has a unique design
- The opening is wide enough for a full grown squirrel to enter
- Made of vinyl
- Colorful
- Can be hanged or left on the ground
Cons:
- Squirrels are able to chew off some of its parts
- 100% brand new and authentic merchandise
- Includes all original tags/packaging straight from the manufacturer/distributor
- Officially Licensed from Accoutrements
8. Classic Squirrel Feeder with Peanuts
Feeding squirrels on a regular basis require a sturdy and reliable feeder. If you are searching for a good feeder which will become a perfect spot for squirrels around your property, you need to try this Classic Squirrel Feeder.
What I love most about this product is its simplicity. This squirrel feeder has a simple design even my own kids can recreate it. In addition, it is made of wood so I don’t have to worry about it being chewed on. Because this feeder is made of wood, it has become durable and can tolerate squirrels’ weight.
Another positive factor for me is the inclusion of a bag of peanuts in the package. When I bought this, I only had bird seeds in my stash. I was afraid that I would deplete my mixed bird seeds supply ahead of schedule just to give the squirrels something. The bag of peanuts saved me from going to the pet shop to buy something for the squirrels.
I observed that this feeder is very popular not only with squirrels but also with birds. I’ve seen a couple of woodpeckers perched on the platform. But because this is a squirrels feeder, they were chased away.
I noticed that this squirrel feeder is quite difficult to clean. I had to dismount it on the tree where I nailed it just to clean it up. My wife suggested that I should bring a bucket of water just to clean it up but boy, the thought alone made my lower back ache all night long.
Pros:
- Made of wood
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Insect resistant
- Can be mounted on a tree
- Squirrels can easily fit inside
- The package comes with a bag of peanuts
Cons:
- A little difficult to clean
- Proudly Made In The USA! Start Your Day With A Smile Watching the Squirrels Play On This Feeder. You Will Love This Feeder From The Moment...
- The Landing Pad and Open Box Design Make This A Great Multi-Use Feeder for Squirrels, Chipmunks, Cardinals, Bluejays and Woodpeckers. The...
- Get the Squirrels Where You Want Them! The Feeder Can be Tree Mounted If You Want to Keep Them In The Yard Or Can Be a Freestanding Feeder...
- A Wonderful Gift For Nature Lovers and Backyard Enthusiasts. Comes With a 10 oz Bag of Unsalted Peanuts So You Can Use The Feeder As Soon As...
- Our Feeders Are Made by Hand in Our Small Shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We Are Certain That You Will Love This Feeder and Offer an...
9. Woodlink Going Green Squirrel Munch Box
When it comes to top squirrel feeders, the quality of materials used in manufacturing it definitely counts a lot. If you are looking for not only a durable and weatherproof but also an environment-friendly squirrel feeder, this product might be the one for you.
I love how this feeder is made from recycled plastic material. I am quite a bit of an environmentalist, so this really brings a positive vibe to my property. In addition, I am confident that this feeder will last a long time because it will not easily rot or break. I noticed that this product is very lightweight and durable.
Another feature that I truly enjoy about this feeder is how it can hold up to 17 lbs. of seeds! This is a huge advantage for me because it means that I won’t have to refill the squirrel feed regularly. In addition, the feeder can hold one cob of corn which the squirrels can happily munch away.
This great squirrel feeder is very easy to assemble. I didn’t use any special tools in order to put the pieces together. Once I was able to assemble it, I mounted it on a tree so that the squirrels can easily reach it.
My only concern about this product is that it is not chew-proof. Some squirrels who are so eager to get their share of the loot chew on the cover portion of the feeder.
Pros:
- Made from up to 90% recycled plastic
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Can hold up to 17 lbs. of seeds and one corn cob
- 100% made in USA
Cons:
- Not chew-proof
- Going Green Squirrel Munch Box made of recycled plastic with sturdy, screwed together construction, will last for years to come
- Screws included for mounting
- Feeder is made of up to 90-percent post-consumer recycled plastic
- Holds up to 17 lb bag of mixed seed and one ear of corn
- Made in the USA
10. Stokes Select Corn Cob Squirrel Feeder
Who says that squirrel feeders have only one boring design? If you haven’t encountered the Stokes Select Corn Cob Feeder, then you are definitely wrong!
What I like about this feeder is its unique design. The whole feeder is a twisted metal where you can place a whole cob of corn in the middle. Since this is made of metal, squirrels won’t be able to chew it off.
This feeder can be hung on a tree where squirrels frequent. I hung mine where there are plenty of squirrels. Once I placed the cob on the feeder, the furry rodents got rowdy and fought. I don’t mind if the whole feeder sways because it means that the squirrels will spend more time chasing it.
If there’s one thing I don’t appreciate about this feeder, it’s how the cob can be easily removed from it. One squirrel removed the cob and took it far away. Once the cob is gone, the other squirrels have no choice but to loot the nearby bird feeder for food.
Pros:
- Unique spiral design
- Rust-proof
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Lightweight
- Can be hung
- Can hold one large corn cob
Cons:
- Once the cob is removed, the other squirrels will go to the nearest bird feeder
- GREAT DISTRACTION: Place 15 ft away from birdfeeders to create a distraction - happy squirrels, happy birds!
- SLEEK DESIGN: This spring like design is made for great function - so you can unload and reload corn with ease - and looks fun without being...
- HIGH QUALITY: Powder coated durable weather resistant finish creates a product that will last a lifetime!
- PROTECT THE BIRDS: A portion of ALL Stokes Select proceeds is donated to bird habitat and conservation, so you can create a better bird...
- HIGHLY RATED: Stokes Select is a common household name for a reason - our birdfeeders, birdhouses, bird accessories, squirrel and ant...
What To Look For When Buying A Squirrel Feeder
Whether you are just a budding birdwatcher or seasoned veteran in the game, you must have heard already of ‘squirrel feeders’. You might think of them lightly, but squirrel feeders can be a necessary part of bird watching. One way or another, you must have been faced with a similar dilemma, “Why are my feeds disappearing even before the birds come?”.
Well, when you place food in an open container, chances are they will not only attract birds but other animals as well. Particularly, our furry little friends, the squirrels! Now they might be cute, but they are notorious in the bird watching community as feeder raiders, leaving not much for the intended birds to peck on. So what do you do when squirrels take away the food for your feather friends? You give them their own feeder!
I have learned through years of bird watching, there are a handful of things to consider when purchasing a squirrel feeder. I have made this guide in order to help you buy the best squirrel feeder for you!
The Right Size
First, let us consider the size of your feeder. Once you place a squirrel feeder in your lawn, you are sure to attract squirrels every morning like you are in an enchanted forest of your own. This sounds exciting! However, is your feeder big enough for the food you are putting out? Or are you only able to place a small amount of food in it, creating more refilling work for you? Consider the size of the feeder in relation to the food you place on it.
When considering the factor of size, you must also consider the usual size of the squirrels that you attract. Do you have big squirrels that require more food and bigger feeders? After the initial feeding, your visitors will grow in number in a matter of days, can the feeder handle that? Take into consideration the size of the feeder in relation to the squirrel size.
The Right Materials
Mainly, there are three materials by which most squirrel feeders are made of, each with their own pros and cons. When purchasing a squirrel feeder, I also take into consideration the materials used in making it in order to know its right placement and use.
For example, many squirrel feeders are made of wood. Cedar is the best wood material of all, as it has a natural ability to endure moisture. On sunny days, it stays cool and squirrels do not find problems using it. However, wooden feeders get water damage during rainy days. And also, because of the squirrel’s natural affinity to gnaw at things in order to sharpen their ever-growing teeth, wood feeders are easily taken apart by squirrels once the food runs out.
Plastic feeders can be colorful, made into quirky shapes, and lightweight. It is fairly easy to hang them on tree branches, beams, and walls. It can also endure the rain and the wind, but once you get to the sunny days they become quite uncomfortable for the squirrels. They are also easier to break.
Metal feeders are the best out there in terms of quality. It lasts through sunny and rainy days, summers and winters. They are also basically invulnerable to the gnawing and chewing that destroys the feeders.
When purchasing a squirrel feeder, consider your area’s weather and environment.
The Right Design
Most bird watchers place their feeders on their beautiful gardens and lawns. One thing to consider in buying is the design of the feeder, and how it will affect your landscape overall. Does it attract too much attention on itself? It can be amazing to watch squirrels eat in groups on your feeder, but sometimes when the design attracts attention towards them, they become quite hesitant.
Does the design attract the squirrels enough to distract them from your precious bird feeders? Sometimes, feeder designs can be overly complicated that they hinder themselves from attracting the usually pesky furries. The key is to always go simple, because it is often the most effective when it comes to feeders. Sure, there are quirky designs that give out a laugh or two, but at the end of the day you would want consistent feeding results.
It should also be considered if the feeder is easy to clean, fill, and use every day. This will dictate how much effort you are going to put in day after day, and should be one of the deciding factors for you. Great squirrel designs incorporate simple lids and a drainage for easy feeding and cleaning for both rainy and sunny days.
The Warranty
After considering the factors above, you now have to think about the warranty. This talks more of the durability of the product, and how much faith the company has behind it. There are a number of durable feeders with longstanding warranties, but that may reflect to a higher market price.
There are cheap ones that are not as sturdy but can be easily replaced. Then there are durable products that do not have warranty but are a sure-fire great investment for the long run.
Consider the quality of the product and how long you will be using it.
The Price
Now that everything has been said and done, the last thing to consider is the price. Taking the size, the make, and the model, does the price reflect something that you are in a position to acquire? Do you think it would be a feeder you will use for a long time, or do you only need it for a quick moment until you finally decide what to actually buy? The price reflects the quality of the entire product, which is why it is better to know which qualities you are looking for before buying.
These are just some of the factors you should consider when buying a squirrel feeder. By thoroughly understanding this list made by a fellow bird watcher, you are now immune to the charming shop talk salespeople use in order to lure buyers into buying something they do not really want.
Other Important Factors To Consider
What is a squirrel feeder?
Quite simply, a squirrel feeder is a food container that bird watchers use in order to feed squirrels. Bird watchers are the primary users of this feeder as they want to stop squirrels from eating everything they left out for wild birds.
How does it work?
Squirrel feeders trick our fury little friends into taking the food placed on it rather than stealing away the seeds from your bird feeders. It is mostly used as a squirrel distraction in order for your bird friends to partake peacefully in their food.
The thing with squirrel feeders is that they are made of different materials for different uses. Wood makes great material for a squirrel feeder, it keeps cool during sunny days and is always sturdy. Plastic feeders are lightweight, best for hanging feeders and is cheaper than your average feeders. Metal feeders are among the high-end kind, and is mainly bought for its extreme durability. Whether it is merely for fun or a tactic to distract them from stealing away the bird seeds, it proves to be of great help to enthusiasts.
What are the different types of squirrel feeders?
There are numerous factors to consider in buying squirrel feeders. You have to take into consideration the environment, the placing, the animals in the area, and the food that you will provide. Because squirrel feeding takes up your time, it is just right to study it closely so no minute would be wasted for you.
Type of Squirrel Feeder Based on Installation
One of the biggest factors to consider when buying a squirrel feeder is the placing. What kind of area do you have? Do you have a small garden, or one with tall trees? Do you have grassy soil? How about stone walls? Here are the different types of squirrels feeders based on how they will be installed:
- Hanging Feeder
If you have some sort of tree branches or walls where you can place the feeders, then you can utilize the use of hanging squirrel feeders. Hanging squirrel feeders are mostly placed dangling from high points in order to entice squirrels with their apparent visibility. I have hanging squirrel feeders, which I use from time to time, and they are a delight to watch!
Squirrels tend to enjoy themselves when playing, especially with food. The thrill of seeing squirrels figure out how to eat from the hanging feeders is unparalleled, and makes you think that they are smarter than they look. Hanging feeders mimic nature in a sense that the squirrels have to work for the food instead of just giving it out, making quite the distraction for your birds to eat their seeds at peace.
- Mounted feeder
Another type of feeder you could use is the mounted feeder. Usually, this type of feeder is one you see attached on a high wall, a tree trunk, and sometimes even just atop simple poles. Mounted feeders are sturdier when compared to the hanging ones, the screws and attachments making sure that the feeder is secured from falling and breaking. It is with this kind of feeder that we see multiple variations and versions, it provides versatility with its placement and usage.
- Ground feeder
The last type of feeder (in accordance to placing) is the ground feeder. This one is a traditional feeder, easy to make, use, and clean. All you have to do with this feeder is fill it up with food, place it on the earth, and wait for the furry friends to feast upon the food you have given them. Because it is placed on the ground, there is no fear of having it fall from a high point, making it a safe choice for beginners.
Type of Squirrel Feeder Based on Usage
There are also different types of squirrel feeders when it comes to usage. This is where the food, the environment, and the type of animals come into play. What kind of food will you usually give the squirrels? What kind of weather do you have? Do you have a large number of squirrel friends, or just a few?
- Hopper Feeder
For example, hopper feeders are great when it comes to storing and preserving food. Like the hopper feeder for birds, hopper squirrel feeders are quite famous in the community because of its V-shape mechanism that allows for the downward-action of the seeds and nuts as the squirrels eat them. The roofing and walls provide that food protection from the elements such as heavy rains, strong winds, and others.
As most of them are walled with fiberglass, you can better see if the food is running low or is still quite stacked. Squirrels enjoy eating from the hopper, however, they could not all eat at the same time because of the limited openings.
- Tube feeder
Another type of feeder is the tube feeder, aptly named for its simplicity in design and usage. Typically in a design much like a nut dispenser, a tube feeder provides great visuals for a squirrel in case you are in need of a distraction. They also store food quite nicely and protects them from the sun, the rain, the winds, and the soil dirt. However, since they are more attractive to squirrels, they need to be durable enough to take in the gnawing and the chewing brought about by our little friends.
- Platform feeder
Lastly, and probably the most famous out there, is the platform feeder. It cannot be any simpler than having a platform feeder for your friends. Basically, when using it, you are placing the food on an open container (similar to a tray) that is available for any squirrel out there. It is easy to fill, clean, and most of all, there are no walls or ceilings that will block your line of sight, whether you are staring lovingly at your newfound friends or just plain checking if there is still food. However, the only downside to this is that the food could be affected by the elements and could also be eaten by other animals.
When choosing a squirrel feeder, take note of the placement and the usage that you are in dire need of. You could also utilize the combinations and variations of the feeders as well. If you need a sturdy feeder that you could place up in a tree, you can opt for mounted hopper feeders. If you want to see your squirrel friends line up on the ground, then the grounded tube feeder is for you. There are many options available for you when it comes to feeders, so the smart thing to do is observe your spot and check out the feeder you need in accordance to the placing and the use.
Why do you need a squirrel feeder?
As we have thoroughly discussed, a squirrel feeder can serve two purposes: distract the squirrels from the bird seed, and create a more scenic environment in your garden. Whether you just want your birdies to peck in peace or you want every morning to be like a scene straight out of a book, then buying a squirrel feeder is the right decision for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular squirrel feeder brands?
There are many brands of squirrel feeders to choose from. However, the challenge is to determine the quality ones. If you are having difficulty spotting which brands to trust, I can certainly help you with that.
Here are the brands of squirrel feeders that are worth your money and time:
- Birds Choice
- Woodlink
- Stokes Select
- The Squirrel Shop
What is the best food for squirrels?
Squirrels eat almost anything. They eat insects, seeds, fruits, flowers, vegetables, fungi, among other interesting things that can be found within their surroundings. However, due to the rapid destruction of their natural habitat, their food source (and choice) is also affected. This is why the squirrel feeder was invented – to help these little animals get nutritious food to ensure their continued survival.
If you have a squirrel feeder, the best food to keep them interested is Kaytee Products Squirrel and Critter Blend. This product is full of delicious treats such as corn, peanut mix, and sunflower seeds. The contents will surely keep them busy munching all day.
How to make a squirrel feeder with a gallon jar?
If you are the type of person who enjoys do-it-yourself projects, it would make sense for you to create your own squirrel feeder. If you have a spare gallon jar lying around, all the better!
Here’s what you need to build this project:
- 1-gallon glass jar
- One battered cedar fence board
- Wood glue
- ½’’ and 5/8’’ galvanized deck screws
- Compass
- Saber saw
- Rough sandpaper
Here’s what you should do:
- Create a simple layout design for the squirrel feeder. If you don’t know how you can search for one online.
- After you have decided the layout design, cut the cedar wood to pieces in accordance to your chosen design.
- Using wood glue and screws, assemble the pieces together. Remember to place to gallon jar where it is easy to refill.
- Fill the gallon jar with treats.
- Hang or mount the newly assembled squirrel feeder in a place where squirrels could easily spot them.
If you don’t know how to deal with tools, or if you don’t have time to make a squirrel feeder, you can always purchase a ready-made one on the market. Top pet stores such as Petco, PetSmart, Walmart, and other shops sell this kind of product.
How to make a squirrel feeder?
Squirrel feeders need not be complicated. A simple box design with a platform would do since it will only serve as food storage and dispenser. If you’re sorting through squirrel feeder plans and can’t find a simple one, here’s what I recommend.
Here’s what you need to make a simple squirrel feeder:
- A good size of cedar board
- Nails, screws, or wood glue
Cut two pieces of 12’’ x 6’’ of wood. This will serve as the backboard that supports the whole feeder and the platform where the squirrels will stand when they are feeding. Attach them together to form an L shape.
Next, cut three pieces of 6’’ x 4’’ wood. Attach them together using screws, nail or wood glue to form a box. Set them on the L-shaped wood using screws, nails, or wood glue.
At the end of the platform or the base of the feeder, attach a long nail or screw. This will serve as the corn cob’s holder.
Mount the feeder on a tree or fence. Fill the box with seeds.
How to attach squirrel feeder to tree?
Many squirrel feeders actually come with a plain side that serves as a wall to attach to any tree. It has already been pre-drilled to allow the feeder to be screwed in.
How to clean?
Most squirrel feeders can simply be spray washed for cleaning. You won’t have to remove it from the tree, post or fence it is attached to.
Where to buy?
You can find one in your local pet store, as well as in Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. For easier purchase, I would recommend buying at Amazon.com, where I purchased mine as well. All of my recommended feeders above are available there.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble feeding wild birds as squirrels keep on taking over the bird feeders but at the same time you don’t want to hurt these little critters, there is only one remaining solution — and that is to offer them food for themselves. They will bother your bird feeders less or even none at all if you get the best squirrel feeder for them.
The top squirrel feeder is not that easy to find though. Some have created too simple of a feeder that squirrels tend to ignore them. If you are looking for a feeder that will tame wily squirrels in your area, have a look at these ones I’ve tested and narrowed down on this top list.
To sum it all up, squirrel feeders are all different in terms of use and placing, so study your area like a devoted student. Soon enough, all your time and effort will bear fruit and make your garden a haven, a tranquil paradise where you can be with your own little, newfound friends. So what are you waiting for? Go take a look at your garden and decide which squirrel feeder is perfect for you!
You might also like: Best Small Bird Feeder On The Market
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have up to a dozen squirrels feeding every day. I use 10 different size open type pans on deck and spread seed on the carport. Don’t dare leaving garage open. Feed about 80 lbs of sunflower seed and 80 pounds of Pennington Best bird seed a month. Also feed all the other critters with out of date pastries from local grocery stores. ( My problem is when we travel over the holidays to see family, we no longer have anyone to feed while I am gone. (I am 87 and most of original family have died) ( No close neighbors)
Any suggestions on building a bulk auto feeder that will allow the birds and squirrels access to food for all up to 10 days or more?
It sounds like you have quite the setup for feeding wildlife! As for a solution for feeding them while you’re away, building a bulk auto feeder that can last up to 10 days or more is a great idea. There are several DIY designs available online that you can try, using materials such as PVC pipes, buckets, or even a modified trash can. You can also look into commercial automatic feeders designed for large quantities of seed. Just be sure to consider the types of birds and wildlife you want to feed and their feeding habits to ensure the feeder is appropriate for them. Additionally, it’s important to note that feeding wildlife should not replace their natural diet and behavior, and overfeeding can lead to health issues and dependence on human-provided food.
I also have counted up to 50 birds eating together at one time.
qx8yqq
t3vgg9