The Squirrel Problem

So many of use enjoy feeding birds. With the different variations of color, size, and song, we're always entertained. But we all seem to share a common problem: our feeders are constantly being invaded by squirrels.

I've done a lot of watching, trying different things, and researching the problem. I've found that many people purchase squirrel-proof bird feeders that don't work for them.

Here are some of my observations and suggestions.

There are three ways that squirrels get onto feeders:

• from the ground (climbing up a pole)
• from above (climbing down or jumping)
• from the side (jumping sidesways).

The biggest reason squirrel-proof bird feeders don't work is because people don't know which method the squirrel is using.

From the ground
These squirrels need to be blocked with a baffle between the ground and the feeder. It seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people buy a feeder with a baffle on the top of it, and they're surprised when the squirrel still gets on it.

From above
For squirrels that climb down, they need to be blocked from above the feeder. Again, obvious, but often overlooked. This can be accomplished in two ways: using a baffle that sits on top of the feeder, or using a motorized feeder such as the Droll Yankee Flipper. Personally, I think the lampshade baffles tend to fail; very acrobatic squirrels can find ways around them. However, the motorized feeders that work on batteries often fail in cold weather, and the batteries need to be recharged. The best solution for these squirrels, I think, is something like the Roller Feeder because it doesn't rely on batteries to work.

From the side
These squirrels are often the biggest culprits because people don't realize how far they can jump. A gray squirrel can jump 8 - 10 feet sideways. I've seen one jump 7.5 feet in my yard from a standstill. I think for these, the best solution is also a roller feeder or similar.