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the all-important squirrel baffle
Every single bird feeder (and even some birdhouses) at our place sits with a squirrel baffle attached to it. Don’t get me wrong, I like squirrels and feed them pretty darn good, but it’s just never enough. Squirrels are fine in the yard~just not in the bird feeders! Many folks would agree with this too.One 3-arm feeder pole that’s next to the driveway has been the new target of our crafty critters lately, as they’ve learned to jump from the side view mirror of the car when parked near the feeder. This has caused a new plan in parking management, as the second car in is NOT allowed to pull up to the end of the drive. It’s an inconvenience, but saves a lot of birdseed!
Both hanging and pole mount squirrel baffles are essential to backyard bird feeding if squirrels happen to be present. It’s the only thing that really works. If you have a fancy shepherd’s hook with no straight end to slide the baffle over, these cone shaped ones work like a dream on any size feeder pole. A simple clamp and innovative design will make your feeders squirrel-proof in no time flat!
A customer recently told me she purchased those “hot meats” to deter squirrels. From experience I know these will work effectively… for a little while anyway. Pounds of Cayenne pepper has been added to our seed stash-but to no avail because the crafty critters get used to it. The easiest solution to squirrels is hands-down – squirrel baffles!
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squirrel proof bird feeders… for a while anyway
Even though we feed our squirrels, it’s just never enough food. And let me tell you, our crafty critters have learned how to defy gravity… spinning at the speed of sound on one of our squirrel proof bird feeders. I don’t know how they do it, but hanging on for dear life seems worthy of a few seeds to them?? It never ceases to amaze me that they don’t just fall over flat when the ride’s through. I think the birds really got a kick out of watching them tooThey’re constantly trying to outwit every single one of the bird feeders, but always foiled by the ones set up with baffles. Setting up a new feeder on the back deck so I could catch some close-up views from the kitchen and breakfast room window was a great idea in theory.
A hopper seed feeder hangs from a deck bracket. In between the two, a motorized squirrel baffle that is weight-sensitive. At first the spinning feeder would cause the squirrels to want “off” this ride. But after a while, they got use to it and learned to hang on, and even manage a seed or two during the wild ride.
Eventually I gave up and moved the feeder away from the deck and hung it on a pole with a baffle. This solved the problem and still allowed for close-ups of feathered friends. Squirrel baffles, when properly placed, will turn any feeders into true squirrel proof bird feeders… once and for all!
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squirrel baffle serves as weatherguard too
The most effective way to foil squirrels and protect your feeders from their disruptive antics, is with a squirrel baffle. A quality baffle is a one-time investment that will save your birdseed and ultimately your money in the long run.The best part about using a hanging squirrel baffle is the versatility. Some folks even use them as weather guards alone (like me) to protect feeders from the elements. Most will serve as weather guards throughout the changing seasons. Keeping snow in winter, rain, and direct sun in sweltering summer heat, from ever reaching and spoiling the bird food. This will also save money by keeping food fresher longer. Not to mention, squirrel baffles also protec
t feathered friends at your feeder while dining. Although this feeder hangs from a pole with a baffle in place, one is also used to protect the feeder. Check out that snow sitting on top!Planning and proper placement are two key factors when setting up new baffles. One must always remember squirrels’ uncanny acrobatic and athletic abilities! The little furry critters can jump sideways almost 10 feet. So, the horizontal “launching point” must be taken into consideration. Don’t hang the feeder near anything they might be able to jump from sideways. Vertically speaking, be sure the bottom of the feeder is at least five feet from ground level.
All in all, a great investment for novice to advanced backyard birders. Sparing you much aggravation and headache should squirrels be a problem in the yard.
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