Some laws of nature always hold true…cattle dogs and the like are meant to herd, cats are a very curious kind, and well, squirrels are just meant to chew! They’ll try and chew anything where food may be involved, and are especially successful when it comes to wooden bird, or even squirrel feeders.

Now the classic Table & Chair Feeder, where the squirrel sits on the chair and eats from the table, has been around for years. But recently it’s been re-invented from sturdy recycled plastics. This material possesses  more than good looks, it’s guaranteed never to warp, split, crack, or fade… ever! That guarantee comes from most manufacturers who use the recycled plastics.

Aside from the durability, the squirrel feeders, and other products made from it, really do help keep plastics out of landfills. One manufacturer does a traditional bluebird feeder, their recycled products come with a sticker telling you how many plastic milk jugs were used to create the product. That bluebird feeder is made of 33 plastic milk jugs! And part of the beauty is that it still looks new three or four years later. We know because one of those feeders has been in use in our yard for at least four years.

A few tips for better squirrel feeding: First and foremost, baffle you bird feeders and deny access by squirrels-it makes life much easier for you and your birds. Corn cobs are used in many of the staked-type squirrel feeders, and although they’re relatively inexpensive (if purchased in bulk), Squirrel Logs will last much longer. These are compressed corn, and each one is equal to about 12 ears of the regular stuff. But be sure they are securely attached as our crafty critters have managed to steal them once in a while!

Peanut Butter: is a wonderful treat for squirrels during really cold weather. The high fat and protein content provide the extra calories for energy needed to stay warm. We smear peanut butter right on corn cobs, and on the squirrel logs too. You can even make any old tree in your yard a super-feeder by spreading peanut butter right on the bark. Nuthatches, Chickadees and Jays love it too!

So if you happen to like feeding the squirrels, as many folks do, try some of long lasting Squirrel Logs, buy your corn cobs in bulk from feed & stores, and definitely add some peanut butter for a special treat this winter.

… and thanks for feeding the squirrels!