Why A Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder?
If you have experience with wild birds, you know that providing a bird feeder is one of the best ways to ensure the survival of your avian friends during difficult times. In times of drought, or in cold, winter weather, food is not as plentiful, and birds need to fly further and work harder to find it. In harsh weather, or if you live in a colder climate, the food you provide to wild birds may mean the difference between life and death. That is why you should always make sure the birds have access to the best food and in the largest quantities possible. That’s why getting a squirrel-proof bird feeder is so important.
Why Squirrels Are A Nuisance
The most important reason why squirrels are a nuisance is because they raid bird feeders and steal food from birds. This makes survival more difficult for your avian visitors. It also costs you more money because you have to replenish the food in your feeder more frequently. Squirrels also make a mess when they raid bird feeders, often scattering the food on the ground. This can attract more unwanted pests, who will come and eat the bird food. It will also mean a tougher clean up for you!
How To Stop Squirrels From Eating From Your Bird Feeder
There are several ways you may deter squirrels from raiding your bird feeder. These methods range from simple and inexpensive to more elaborate. And while no solution is 100% squirrel proof, some of these methods do some close.
- Buy a squirrel baffle: A squirrel baffle is a circular piece of metal that wraps around your bird feeder pole and prevents squirrels from climbing up and getting the food. For such a simple device, it is amazingly effective. Most of them simply snap into place without even needing to take down the bird feeder. The most popular types also deter squirrels. Mount the baffle 4-5 feet off the ground and with adequate clearance on either side to prevent squirrels from climbing another structure and jumping on to the feeder.
- Get a battery-operated squirrel proof bird feeder: Battery-operated squirrel resistant bird feeders contain a motor that turns on when squirrel jumps on the perch to raid the feeder. The perch then begins spinning, which makes the squirrel jump off the feeder, leaving the seed for the birds. The disadvantage of this feeder is that you need to periodically replace the batteries. Owners of these types of feeders also report that squirrels sometimes figure out how to drain the batteries and get to the food.
- Get a weight-activated squirrel-proof bird feeder: These are some of the most popular squirrel resistant bird feeders. They don’t need batteries, and are weight activated, so as soon as a squirrel jumps on to the feeder, the weight of the squirrel causes the feeding ports to close. This means that it is impossible for the squirrels to get to the food. These feeders are very popular because no batteries are required and because they are made of UV resistant material, which will keep bird seed fresher for a longer time. The weight-activated mechanism can also be effective for deterring larger, undesired birds.
By adding one more squirrels resistant bird feeders to your backyard, you will help more birds and save more money. It is definitely worth the small investment. To learn more about squirrel resistant bird feeders, check out https://birdbathsforsale.com/squirrel-proof-bird-feeder/.
