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What if anything can discourage squirrels from this feeder?

rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)

4 years ago

I realize that this is far from an optimal support for a bird feeder but right now I can't see of any other option. Simple Q is there something I can apply, 'mechanical' or otherwise to the vertical section of the support to discourage squirrels from climbing?

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Comments (6)

Old Forester ( Zones 8a-6a ) Ga/NC
4 years ago
A taller pole and a baffle to keep the squirrels from climbing.
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a) thanked Old Forester ( Zones 8a-6a ) Ga/NC
Old Forester ( Zones 8a-6a ) Ga/NC
4 years ago
It took me 20 yrs of careful observation to get my feeders finally squirrel proof. Squirrels can jump close to 6' vertically and 8' horizontally. Every few years I get a genetically superior individual that will even test those limits ! Good luck
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In my experience, squirrels can defeat most feeders. The tube feeders you mention work sometimes until the squirrel finds a place where his teeth can reach some small portion of the plastic. Even the metal pole mounted box feeders guaranteed squirrel proof are not. I've seen my squirrels sit on the top and hang over the edge to pick seeds from the tray without tripping the weighted perch. The baffles that mount above the hanging feeders are only temporarily effective. Post mounted feeders set away (11-feet) from anything are the most effective. The post baffle needs to be 5.5-feet high and the feeder cannot hang lower than 5.5-feet. My dad uses safflower seed and hangs his feeders high on a post with a big baffle. This works most of the time for him. He gets doves and cardinals mostly with the safflower. The big birds can sit on his seed savers. I use a metal post with a baffle and (fingers crossed) so far it works fine. I even have a platform feeder hanging on mine. BUT, I have a crazy border collie running amuck thru the yard keeping the squirrels treed. Good luck, those little devils really take a lot of fun out of bird feeding.
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One thing I've tried but sadly, it only works for a short time is this: Spray the pole and every place the squirrels may touch with oily cooking spray. Then sprinkle it HEAVILY with red pepper. They really hate red pepper. The rain will wash it all away and red pepper is NOT cheap in the bigger containers, but it works. I mostly use it when I'm at my wit's end just to get the satisfaction of watching them try to get to the seed but can't. If someone could come up with a good reliable and affordable solution to this, they could make a lot of money! We've tried all the squirrel baffles, supposedly squirrel proof feeders, etc. but they always find a way around it.
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I've had a slinky around my shepherd's hook for two summers now. It has Not stopped the squirrels. At first it did, but they figured out how to leap on putting their little paws in between the slinky rings and scale that shepherd's hook anyway and hang on it, stretch it out, and eat away. This year I found them laying across the rooftop of the bird feeder reaching down eating the cakes. So, I have found that sprinkling a little cayenne pepper on the cakes definitely works! So I put it across the roof too. But it goes away soon because the birds eats it off the surfaces. So I turned to putting olive oil on the post. That works beautifully! Of course, when it rains you have to reapply (we've had a lot lately) & that can be daunting. But Worth It because it is SO Satisfying & Funny to see them sliding down the pole and looking SHOCKED!
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Where do you live? That's important to know. During summer the birds are molting and growing new feathers and may stay in hiding till they can easily fly. Some are staying with their babies fledging. And some have migrated. You also could have some raptors. Squirrels are rare this year by me. They come around when the tree nuts are ripe (acorns and hickory nuts.) You may be lucky enough to have some predators nearby that like to eat rodents (hawks, owls, coyotes, foxes, snakes, etc.) Wait till winter and see what returns to your feeders. There are a lot of seeds and insects out there now for them to eat. Around here we don't put out feeders till freeze because of bears who destroy them.
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rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Ya I did think the pole wasn't tall enough but I had it on hand and so thought I would try it rather than buy something else...yet.

(Actually it isn't so much that the pole isn't tall enough but rather the feeder hangs too close to the main upright. I say this as it is a Squirrel Buster feeder from Brome. It works very well except squirrels can simultaneously have their back feet on the pole and front feet on the bottom of the feeder and so not activate the "shield" that would depress if the squirrel were completely on the feeder)
Olychick
4 years ago
Here's how to squirrel proof your feeder(s). If you haven't seen this, it's totally worth the time to watch it:
catherinet (5IN)
4 years ago
I love squirrels! I hope you put some stuff out for them too. As far as your bird feeder, keep it well away from tree branches and get a new system.....a thick round pole with a raccoon baffle on it.
HU-264096980
4 years ago
In addition to a baffle, securing an-old fashion ”Slinky” spring toy around the pole does wonders. Attach one end on top of baffle, wind around pole untill you get to the bottom, and secure with twist or cable ties.

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