If you live in the northeastern part of the United States like I do, I’m sure you’ve experienced feeding not only the birds at your bird feeder but also squirrels. I get it, squirrels need to eat.
However, when the squirrels scare away beautiful winter birds and spill most of my seed onto the ground, I get a little perturbed!
Last winter I had quite a variety of winter birds. This year I seem to only have sparrows. Could it be because I now have an extended family of squirrels indulging their palates at my feeder? After becoming totally frustrated, I decided to do some research and came upon a few bird feeders you might consider purchasing to deter even the most persistent squirrel. Below are 5 squirrel resistant bird feeders that have been researched and reviewed.
But before I discuss the selection of bird feeders, consider these things before making a purchase.
(Some of the links within this post are affiliate links on which I receive a small compensation from the sale of certain items.)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Tips – Bird Feeders/Squirrel Resistant
Here are a few tips to look for and questions to ask yourself when purchasing basic and squirrel resistant bird feeders.
the components should be made of metal rather than plastic – squirrels can easily chew through plastic
cages surrounding the feeding tube deter squirrels from ravaging the seed
hanging or pole feeder? – one that accommodates your yard
the number of feeding ports you prefer: the more the merrier
a protective cover over the top of the feeder to deter other critters (squirrels!!) from feeding from your feeder
an enclosed tube to protect your seed from the elements
enough air ventilation to prevent mold from growing and sickening your birds
the amount of seed you’d like the container to hold
an area where squirrels cannot easily access your feeder; follow the 5-7-9 rule (squirrels jump up to 5 feet; can not jump more than 7 feet across; and will not jump down more than 9 feet) take this into consideration when finding a spot for your feeder
bird feeders are messy regardless of what the manufacturer claims; the shells accumulate on the ground, so do not place them where you’ll have to sweep up daily to keep the area clean
For more information on attracting birds to your backyard, read How to Attract Birds in Winter.
Edwardian Bird Feeder
Source: Gardener’s Supply Company
Powder-coated steel, aluminum alloy, polycarbonate​
9-1/2″ in diameter x 14″ H (not including hanger)
Weighs 2 lbs.
Holds 3-1/2 cups of seed
Guarantee: 100% guaranteed. Either an exchange or refund purchase price excluding shipping costs for any product that is not what was expected or does not work as described during its lifetime.
Price: $44.95
My Rating: 4.4
Overview:
This bird feeder is made for smaller birds. The outer cage discourages squirrels and larger birds. The latching lid deters squirrels yet is easy to twist off for refills. It has 6 feeding ports and has a polycarbonate tube which allows you to see when to refill. The feeder has holes in the bottom tray allowing water to drain and comes with a hanger, so is ready to be hung.
Pros and Cons: (Reports from Customers)
The birds need to figure out how to access the seed. As with all bird feeders, it takes weeks, sometimes months for birds to discover the feeder and learn how to access food.
Seeds scatter off the tray onto the ground. Some suggest hanging a tray a few inches underneath the feeder to collect seed. However, this will allows easy access to the seed for squirrels.
Some ingenious squirrels have figured out how to lift the lid. It is suggested to use a twist tie to tighten the chain to the lid.
The feeder can accommodate multiple birds at once.
It is very sturdy and can be hung on a shepherds hook.
Birds Choice NP435 Classic Feeder
Manufacturer: Backyard Nature Products, Inc.
weighs 3 lbs.; holds 1.2 gallons of seed; color green; 8 x 8 x 21 inches
tube feeder 6″ in diameter along with a UV resistant polycarbonate seed reservoir, 4 aluminum ports and perches, baked enamel coatings, and a metering ring
weather guard to keep seed dry and shield birds from rain and snow
dual baffle weather guard piece deters squirrels and larger birds from eating seed
Guarantee: lifetime limited
My Rating: 4.5
Overview:
This feeder features a large seed reservoir made from 6″ diameter UV resistant polycarbonate with baked enamel coating.
It has four aluminum feed ports and perches.
The design makes it easy to clean and refill. Just pop the top and pour in more seed.
You can quickly see whether the feeder needs to be refilled because it has translucent side panels.
Pros and Cons: (Reports from Customers)
The weather guard may slip down and allow squirrels to get into the seed.
Overall opinion from users is that it was well worth the money. The birds enjoy the seed, the seed stays dry, and the squirrels cannot access the seed due to the baffle on top.
As with all feeders, place it away from trees, houses, or any objects the squirrels can climb and hop onto the feeder. If one does reach the feeder it is difficult for the squirrel to access the seed due to the baffle.
Squirrel Buster Standard
Produce Name: Brome 1057 Squirrel Buster Standard Wild Bird Feeder
Manufacturer: Brome Bird Care
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 13.25 inches
Composition: metal and polycarbonate plastic
Holds 3/4 of a quart of bird seed
Guarantee: Lifetime care: company will replace parts under their warrany with free shipping
Price: $50.20
Rating: 4.7
Overview:
The Squirrel Buster Standard is squirrel proof. The openings in the shroud align with the feeding ports, providing birds access to the food. When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the shroud down, closing access to the ports.
The feeder has a weight adjustable spring mechanism which controls how much weight the shroud will support. Any additional weight activates the closing mechanism.
It’s made of chew proof materials so squirrels cannot chew their way into the feeder.
It accommodates both perching and clinging birds.
This feeder has a seed ventilation system which allows heat and humidity to escape the tube through vents at the top and fresh air to penetrate the seed.
You can also purchase a squirrel buster plus for more money from BestNest.com. It has a larger capacity, a metal cardinal ring and 6 feeding ports.
Pros and Cons: (Reports from Customers)
The feeder is designed to be dismantled without any tools.
It is extremely easy to refill and clean.
I own one myself and, having placed it in the proper location, so far it is squirrel proof. We’ll see how it lasts through the winter. The birds have adjusted well to the feeder.
It does not hold much seed. You have to replenish it frequently.
Use smaller seed so the larger, chunkier seed doesn’t get stuck in the ports.
Slightly larger birds may have difficulty balancing on the perches.
Roamwild Pest Off Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder
Manufacturer: Romewild
Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 16.5 inches
Composition: metal and polycarbonate plastic
Holds 3 pounds of bird seed
Guarantee: Roamwild PestOff warranty
Price: $49.99; $49.95 from Roamwild
Rating: 4.4
Overview:
This weatherproof and waterproof feeder keeps seeds dry and fresh which prevents seed clogging.
The feeder has individual spring loaded perches that never need adjusting.
It is easy to clean and refill. Lift off the lid to refill. The parts click apart for easy cleaning.
Roamwild PestOff is cardinal and woodpecker friendly.
Pros and cons: (Reports from Customers)
Squirrels are still able to shake the pole it is attached to and spill the seed.
There are only 2 perches and they are made of plastic.
The cyclinder is very narrow.
Some reviews stated it was not cardinal and woodpecker friendly, that the perches were too small.
Squirrels are ingenious and persistent. If you are hanging the feeder on a pole, attach a slinky to the pole to discourage them from climbing up the pole.
Perky Pet 334-1SR
Product Name: Perky-Pet 334-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Bird Feeder
Manufacturer: Woodstream Corporation
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 17.5 inches
Composition: metal
Holds up to 4 lbs of bird seed
Guarantee: appears to have a 1 year replacement policy but no parts replacement policy
Price: $39.99
Rating: 4.5
Overview:
This bird feeder is constructed with a weight-activated device that closes off ports under a squirrel’s weight.
It has ladder styled perches which can accommodate small and medium sized birds.
The feeder has 4 feeding ports constructed with flexports to prevent spillage of seed.
Provides a sure lock cap which helps prevent squirrels from lifting the top lid.
It’s easy to clean with a wide brim twist off cap.
Recommended to hang with at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides to deter squirrels from eating the seed.
Comes in 2 sizes: 3 pounds and 4 pounds.
Pros and Cons: (Reports from Customers)
Some flexport openings have been broken off causing the seed to pour out.
In the bottom of the feeder where the feeding ports are located, water can enter during a heavy rain. This can cause mold to grow which can sicken the birds if it is not cleaned.
Birds have not found the feeder and cannot figure out how to use it.
Difficult to clean inside due to obstructions inside the seed container.
It is sturdy and large and when placed correctly, the squirrels are unable to access it.
Holds a lot of seed so you don’t need to refill often.
Good customer service.
Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeders – Conclusion
These five bird feeders are just a few of the many that are available for sale. All of the numerous feeders I have researched claim to be squirrel proof.
After feeding birds in my yard for nearly 60 years, I can honestly say that I have not owned one bird feeder that is truly squirrel proof. The jury is still out on the Squirrel Buster Standard which I have owned for only a few weeks.
These little creatures are crafty, smart, ingenious, acrobatic, and persistent. They are also fun to watch! My best advice is to choose one that purports to be squirrel proof and place it in an area where the squirrels will not easily jump, stretch or climb onto it. Use a slinky device for the pole if you choose one that stands on a pole. If you choose one that hangs, make sure it extends approximately four feet from the limb or other support, and use a straight metal rod rather than a chain.
I personally would purchase any of the feeders I reviewed but would also take into consideration the tips that are stated above.
I hope this review was of some help to you. If you know of a bird feeder that has proven to be squirrel proof, drop me a line. Please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Also, please share this review or any other posts on social media.
Happy Gardening,
Nina
bestgardeningforbeginners@gmail.com
www.bestgardeningforbeginners.com