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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 too
They’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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Make Yours A Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
Outwitting squirrels…furiously frustrating to say the least! The age old battle has been going on since the dawn of backyard bird feeding. All kinds of contraptions are available, some with motors, some with springs, some with parts that are bound to break in due time.
The good news is you don’t need any of that to make your existing feeder a squirrel proof bird feeder. With careful attention to placement and one quality squirrel baffle, the problem’s solved. For hanging bird feeders, just remember the horizontal and vertical launching points. These are objects or branches where squirrels could possibly jump from – gaining access to your feeder. Okay, here’s the kicker: the pesky little acrobats can jump eight feet across, and up to six feet high. Do some serious thinking before placing your hanging feeder.
For pole or post-mounted bird feeders, the squirrel baffle would obviously sit below the feeder. Make sure the bottom of the baffle is at least four and half feet from the ground. Again, remember the horizontal launching distance as well.
Attractive and effective squirrel baffles do exist for squirrel proofing your bird feeder, saving seed, money and headaches…happy birding!