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| The Backyard Corner |
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| SQUIRREL PROOF FEEDERS |
| This group of feeders are all based on "standard" feeders, but with "extras" to try and prevent squirrels from getting seed. One very popular type is a hopper, made out of metal, that uses a weight activated spring mechanism to shut off the seed bin when a squirrel lands on it. Most of these can be adjusted to eliminate bigger birds too, but this is not always effective if the spring mechanism isn't sensitive enough. Another type has taken a tube feeder and put a "cage" around it. I have not squirrel tested this type, but I have had luck with it in eliminating larger birds from getting at the seed. If this is what you're interested in, be sure you get one with a cage that has a large enough circumferance. There are many out there that claim they are "squirrel and large bird" proof, but only a few brands have a large enough cage to eliminate large birds. I have found that you need at least 3 3/4 " (or more) between the tube and cage to be effective. |
| Still other squirrel proof feeders have a device that gives a squirrel a shock when he sits on the perches, but the birds aren't affected by it. I'm just not into "shock therapy" for the squirrels in my yard, even if it doesn't harm them. But if that doesn't bother you, this type might be a good choice. In case you have suet loving squirrels, there's also a caged suet feeder. Similar to the caged tube feeder idea, they've taken a standard suet basket, and put a cage around it. If the circumferance is big enough, it will even keep out Starlings. Unfortunately it will also keep out the bigger woodpeckers too. There are many other types of squirrel proof feeders, but rather than list them all in this article, I'd suggest you do a search on the internet. Just put "squirrel proof bird feeder" in your favorite search engine, and I'm sure you'll find something to fit your needs. |
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