There are some people who love squirrels and do not mind that they visit their bird feeders. There are other people who would prefer that the squirrels would leave their bird feeders alone, not scaring off the birds. Here are a few suggestions to help you to squirrel-proof your bird feeder or to at least reduce the squirrels’ visits.
The first suggestion is to use a squirrel-resistant or a caged bird feeder. A squirrel-resistant bird feeder will make it more difficult for a squirrel to reach the birdseed. If you use a caged bird feeder, just keep in mind that if the squirrel is small enough, it may still get through the cage. Also, caged bird feeders will allow small birds in, but will keep the larger ones out.
Another suggestion is that if you use a pole to hang your bird feeder, try making the pole difficult for the squirrel to climb. You could try attaching a squirrel baffle to the pole. Some use a slinky that they wrap around the pole, which makes it also difficult for the squirrel to climb.
The last suggestion is that you may want to offer the squirrels their own food with a dry corn cob feeder, which you could make yourself. If you offer the squirrels their own food, they may leave your bird feeder alone or at least reduce their visits.
These are just a few suggestions to help you squirrel-proof your bird feeder, allowing you to be better able to enjoy those birds.
