Squirrel barriers and anti-squirrel protectors for bird feeders (video examples)

Squirrel barriers and squirrel protectors are truly effective anti-squirrel devices you'd certainly want use to protect your wild bird feeder from squirrels and/or chipmunks. These devices are usually mechanical or electric in nature, and their role is to act as squirrel obstacles in order to cut off squirrels path to feeders seed tank.
Squirrel barriers and protectors are necessary and effective piece of squirrel proof bird feeding equipment no matter if your bird feeder is squirrel proof by default or not.
 
Before we go into details about the types of these devices, there's one more thing I'd like to point out: choosing right barriers and protectors for your feeder is really no brainer and here you'll find easy advice on how to do it.
Also, remember that the most of the barrier and protector devices are equally effective if commercially made and available for purchase online, or homemade using your own DIY skills.

Mechanical squirrel barriers for bird feeder protection

The most common anti-squirrel devices in this category are:

• Squirrel baffles for bird feeder poles
• Squirrel baffles for hanging feeders, also known as squirrel domes
• Anti-squirrel slinky on bird feeder poles 
• Cages for bird feeders 

Squirrel baffles for bird feeder poles

A baffle for bird feeder pole is a must have piece of anti-squirrel accessory in case your bird feeder is pole mounted or hanging on a pole. It prevents the squirrels from reaching your bird feeder by climbing up the pole. Depending on the shape, the pole baffles can be cone shaped or cylindrical, and depending on the size, the baffles may be squirrels proof only or both squirrels and racoon proof.
   

Cone and cylindrical shape of bird feeder pole baffles

While cone shaped baffles are simple static barriers and usually firmly fixed to a pole, the cylindrical baffles are not. They are loaded with spring mechanism and will start to move up and down the pole under the squirrels weight once the squirrel tries to step on it. Of course, the squirrels will get confused by this game changer and will quickly go back from the uncertainty to the safe ground. Here's a video to show you how cylindrical baffle barrier works:   

 

If you are not sure which specific baffle barrier brand to choose for your feeder pole, please check my recommended squirrel baffles article with the best baffles you can find online. 

Also, here are some basic tips for pole baffles:

• Cone shaped and cylindrical barriers are equally effective against squirrels 
• If you go for cone shaped baffle, make sure it's 18 inches in diameter. The bigger, the better. 
• Cylindrical baffles are good enough against the squirrels if one foot in height. But they are pretty much useless against racoons if not 2 feet in height!  
• If you are thinking about DIY cone baffle, don't make it too large in diameter if there are strong winds in your area. The winds may uproot your feeder pole out of the ground that way. Remember the umbrellas in the wind.
• Avoid using any materials other than metal for your DIY cone baffles. The squirrels are revengeful and persistent animals and will bite the way through any obstacle they can to reach the food.  
• The positioning of baffle barrier on the pole is extremely important! The best position of cone barriers is at the level of your shoulders. Also, the upper side of cylindrical baffle should be at the level of your shoulders. 

Squirrel baffles for hanging feeders a.k.a. squirrel domes

It's easy to guess by name: squirrel domes are type of squirrel barriers very similar to pole baffles, but the domes are always placed on the top side of bird feeders.

Domes are always placed from the above the feeders

The domes are used for hanging bird feeders exclusively. Their primary role is to protect bird feeders from the squirrels coming from direction where the feeders are hanging from. Due to dish-like semi spheroid shape, choice of materials used for construction and narrow fulcrum point, squirrel domes act like bumpy and slippery surfaces that bevel under the squirrel weight throwing the squirrels off.

The secondary role of the domes is to protect bird seed from heavy rains and snow.

Squirrel domes are proper anti-squirrel solution in various situations, no matter your feeder is hanging from: tree branch, porch beam or as squirrel baffle for shepherd's hook.
When choosing the right size of the dome, please remember that the best size is 18" in diameter or more. Proposed size is simply the matter of real life experience.

Check this video to see the squirrels fail when trying to outsmart some backyard domes:
 

Squirrel domes are not much of a challenge for homemade production. For example, you can use an old plastic bowl from your kitchen for the dome. But if you are not DIY kind of person and don't care to spend couple of bucks, check this recommended squirrel dome article.

Anti-squirrel slinky on bird feeder pole

Slinky: squirrel barrier on your bird feeder pole

No matter how funny or unreal it may sound, slinky toy is another mechanical barrier to protect your bird feeder from the squirrels trying to climb up your feeder pole. This method is becoming more and more popular in the States. It all started with the newspaper article about certain grandma from Kentucky who came across the idea to put a slinky toy on bird feeder pole.
The press article went viral and many birders tried this solution with certain success.
If you'd like to give it a try, check my slinky on bird feeder article I've written previously. There you'll find the whole story about the granny and hilarious video about epic battle between a squirrel and slinky!
 

Cage barriers for bird feeders

Placing bird feeders inside steel cages is absolutely fantastic idea for keeping squirrels off from bird food. The whole idea is around the fact that the birds are much smaller than the squirrels, meaning that the birds can get past the cage bars and access the feeder inside, while the squirrels can't.
 

Caged bird feeders: bird seed and suet bird feeders 

Unfortunately, the cages of this type are not made separately from feeders, so you will need to construct your own DIY cage for the feeder you already have. But if you are interested in complete solution (cage with feeder inside) you can check the most reliable models of caged bird feeders available for purchase online. 

Electric squirrel barriers: Squirrel shocking barriers

Electric squirrel barriers are the most advanced and possibly the most successful way to stop the squirrels stealing bird food. There are two reasons why electric barriers are so effective and popular: the first is the squirrels don't get hurt when receiving small, rather unpleasant electric shock. And the other is long-term oriented: after a couple of small electric shocks, the squirrels actually get trained not visit bird feeder any more. Otherwise, squirrels are extremely persistent creatures and will always get back attempting to outsmart your mechanical barriers while scarring off your birds. Bat that is not the case with electric barriers. They will not get back once they leave and that's how you'll lose your enemies one by one.

Commercially made electric squirrel proof bird feeder and DIY electric shocker

If you have seen my tutorial on how to electrify a bird feeder, you have already found out that almost any bird feeder made from non conductive materials can be placed behind electric barrier and become full fledged squirrel shocker. unfortunately, electrifying existing feeder is not exactly easy job as it requires advanced DIY skills especially in electricity and carpentry.
That's why most of the birders go for tic commercially made squirrel shocker. 
   

Squirrel barriers that don't work for bird feeders

Please note that only the best squirrel barriers have been presented in this article. In the above text I did not mention some frequently discussed squirrel barriers for following downsides:

• I do not advise using anti-squirrel spikes for bird feeders as credible mechanical barrier because they are not effective on bird feeders. Spikes may be effective on fences, but please note that some of the spikes may seriously hurt both birds and squirrels. The other day I have seen dead pigeon hanging from the spikes in the neighborhood and that is no way to go for me.
• I do not recommend using chemical barriers or ultrasonic barriers for your bird feeder for the reasons I have explained in squirrel repellents article. They are effective against the squirrels, but will hurt your cat or dog as well. 

And in the end, I have one more suggestion. Please go ahead and read my squirrel proof bird feeding tips. There you'll find tons of great info on squirrel-free bird feeding.

Enjoy! 

Chipmunk proof bird feeders vs. anti-squirrel feeders

If you are into bird feeding and live in the area where both the chipmunks and the squirrels scrutinize your bird feeder, here you'll find some valuable information on how to beat them both with single hit by either constructing your own homemade chipmunk proof feeder or buying one. 

Chipmunks are potentially more dangerous than the squirrels 

That's the thesis I'll try to justify here.
But first I want to address the questions from many bird lovers asking for the same advice:

Is there any difference between chipmunk proof and squirrel proof bird feeders?
Or:
Is anti-squirrel bird feeder effective against chipmunks too?

I think the above questions deserve the answers having in mind that most of the reviewers like myself often totally forget about the chipmunks and place an accent on squirrels exclusively when writing about pest-free bird feeding.
That's why the anti-chipmunk properties of some of the best bird feeders money can buy are rarely mentioned and that's unfortunately the rule of the thumb.

Still, the thieving potential of the chipmunks is not a subject to underestimate especially having in mind their cheek pouches are able to stash great loads of loot, even up to three times the volume of their head!
As you have probably noticed, the motto of this pest-free bird feeding website is "...because Chip & Dale suck". Please note that Chip and Dale are chipmunks, not the squirrels. And there is good reason for that.

Now seriously, before I answer the above questions, let's get to know the advantages of our enemy first: the chipmunks.
Sun Tzu said it very important when preparing for war. :)

Chipmunks vs. Squirrels - the differences in bird feeder proofing 

Squirrels are bigger and heavier than chipmunks...

Don't worry - this is not going to turn into biology class. The idea is: if the chipmunks and the squirrels are relatives and pretty similar kinds of animals, than bird feeder proofing strategy should work for both, right?

Theoretically speaking - yes.
 
Squirrel proof bird feeders should also act as chipmunk proof bird feeders.

But there's more to it. Please read on...

No matter how similar the chipmunks and the squirrels are, it's the differences between them that are of key importance for chipmunk bird feeder proofing.

Except for the approximate visual impression, the chipmunks and the squirrels are very different animals in terms of life cycle, habitats, mating and production of offspring, etc. For example, chipmunks are predominantly underground creatures, spending over 15 hours per day in burrows, while most of the squirrels prefer trees or ground dwellings. Chipmunks are hibernating throughout the winter time, while squirrels don't. Someone said that the squirrels compared to chipmunks are the same as the rats compared to the mice.

Now please pay attention because here's the difference of the utmost importance for safe bird feeding: the chipmunks are generally smaller in size than the squirrels and less in weight than the squirrels!
Believe it or not, these are the two most important advantages the chipmunks will use to outsmart your bird feeder that otherwise works just fine against the squirrels.
That's why I think the chipmunks are even more dangerous than the squirrels in terms of pest-free bird feeding.

Let's address both of these advantages and make the strategy how to beat them both.

Weight advantage of chipmunks over your feeder  

The vast majority of commercially made squirrel proof bird feeders work under the same rule: squirrels are heavier than the birds. Once a squirrel steps on feeder's active surface (usually the perch) with its full weight, squirrel proofing mechanism will activate in order to prevent the squirrel reach the bird seed. This type of bird feeders is known by the name weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders. They are all pretty reliable in terms of squirrel proofness because they have been adjusted to trigger squirrel proof mechanism at the point of the weight of the average squirrel. But what happens when a chipmunk that is twice or three times less in weight steps on it? Probably nothing.

But there is solution to it!

Some of those feeders threshold are adjusted with factory defaults and there's nothing you can do about it. Those feeders are certainly NOT of your interest if you want to get rid of the chipmunks.

Luckily, some other feeders are fully customizable by simple setting procedure to whatever threshold you desire, even the threshold for chipmunks or bigger birds if you will.
Typical representative of custom weight adjustable feeders is famous Brome Squirrel Buster Plus.
 

Body size advantage of chipmunks over your feeder  

Small body size of chipmunks compared to the average squirrel body size may also present serious issue in your feeder's anti-pest defense because the chipmunks can go where the squirrels can't.
This can be the problem if your feeder features some kind of mechanical barrier to stop the squirrels entering your seed tray.

Examples:
In case you are about to construct your own feeder like this homemade squirrel proof bird feeder, or intend to chipmunk proof your existing bird feeder in the vein of commercially made caged bird feeders, take good care that the bars are tight enough for the chipmunks, but loose enough for the birds to pass through.

Other means of chipmunk proof bird feeding    

Here are some additional ideas on how to improve your anti-chipmunk strategy:

1. Just like the squirrels, chipmunks are mammals too and therefore able to feel small electric shocks. Squirrel shocking bird feeders are another great way to deter chipmunks from your garden and never to come back again.
2. Chipmunks have the same kind of mouth taste receptors like the squirrels do. They both just can't stand the taste of seeds mixed with spicy hot pepper, while the birds don't care at all. So, it's always good idea to fill the feeder with bird food squirrels hate, sit back and watch what happens next :)   
3. Always remember to protect your feeder and your feeder pole with anti-squirrel baffles. Baffles are equally effective against both the chipmunks and the squirrels. "No pasaran"!        

Non-typical advice to you all

Never feel sorry for leaving chipmunks without food. Yes I know they are terribly cute or at least tend to be, but if you ever start to feel compassion towards them, always remember the chipmunks are omnivores that will eat anything on their way from any kind of seed and insect, all the way to the frogs! Yes, the frogs!
And do remember that chipmunks are preppers. The amount of food they collect over the summer is for sure bigger than the doomsday supplies in my cellar.

Conclusion

It's time to conclude: not every squirrel proof bird feeder is chipmunk proof bird feeder, while every chipmunk proof bird feeder is squirrel proof at the same time.
Use the above advice to let the chipmunks know they are not invited for the dinner today!

Enjoy.

     

Free standing squirrel proof bird feeder: One stop solution

Free standing squirrel proof bird feeder:
Brome Complete Squirrel Buster Plus

Free standing or standalone squirrel proof bird feeders are one stop solution for squirrel-free bird feeding.
This means they come as complete, all in one pack solution so you don't have to go through tons of reviews about the various types of squirrel-proof feeders, poles, baffles, squirrel deterrents, feeder hanging, different anti-squirrel tactics, etc.
Unfortunately, these "set and forget" anti-squirrel feeders are not so easy to find. In spite of the great reviews from previous customers, some of the most renowned brands are discontinued now without any reasonable explanation from manufacturers.
Though it is possible to assemble great free standing squirrel proof bird feeder compiled from top quality feeder itself along with the appropriate pole, baffle and dome, I thought it would be nice to point out great quality features presented in Brome Complete Buster Plus, possibly "the last of the Mohicans" from Free standing squirrel proof bird feeder group.

As shown in the image above, Brome Complete Buster Plus comes along with Accessory Kit and here's what you get in the package:

- Brome Squirrel Buster Feeder. This feeder is the best rated weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders in the market. 
- 1 1/4 inch Universal Pole Kit to place your feeder on it
- Pole adaptor so you can connect the feeder to the pole

Standalone squirrel proof bird feeder:
Squirrel Buster Plus

- Cardinal perch so you can feed cardinals as well
- Feeder weather guard so that the birds don't mind the rain and snow
- Mounting tools and some other accessories

In fact, it includes all necessary components for full-fledged free standing squirrel proof bird feeder.
If you want to buy this feeder, please visit this Amazon.com link to check the price and read in-depth reviews.

 

Weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders

Weight activated squirrel proof bird feeder
Seed ports close under the weight of the squirrel

Weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders (a.k.a. weight sensitive squirrel proof bird feeders) are without any doubt the largest group of anti-squirrel bird feeders. Literally, all of the feeders in this group use simple fact of gravity: the squirrels are much heavier than the birds and that's a fact of key importance for triggering feeders squirrel proof defense.
The very nature of feeder activation is either electric or mechanic and that's what makes crucial difference between weight activated feeders. By the rule, all of these feeders are equipped with some kind of a string that reacts to squirrels weight, and that's why they are also called "spring loaded squirrel proof bird feeders".
The number of all representatives from this group is huge and if you'll agree I will present only the ones with the best reviews from previous customers here.

Electric weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders

 

Droll Yankees Flipper

This type of bird feeders features battery operated electric motor inside. Feeders in this group come equipped with either rechargeable or replaceable electric batteries and electric circuit. Once a squirrel steps on the feeder's perch, the electric circuit gets closed under the squirrel's weight and the perch starts spinning in order to spin the squirrel off from the feeder.

The most popular and the best reviewed feeder in this group is certainly Droll Yankees Flipper.
The Flipper is known for many great features such as truly amazing anti-squirrel effectiveness, lifetime warranty, spare parts availability, bird seed antimicrobial protection and much more.

To read more details on Droll Yankees Flipper, please check my Spinning squirrel proof bird feeder review.

For even more reviews and buying options, check this page on Amazon. com.
 

Mechanical weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders

There are two ways how mechanical feeders prevent the squirrels from reaching bird seed:

1. Seed port closes under squirrel's weight

These are the feeders with inbuilt mechanical spring. The spring is attached to feeder's perch and is strong enough not to stretch under the weight of single or several birds.
But when a squirrel steps on the perch, the spring will stretch under the weight and the seed ports will close preventing the squirrel from reaching the seed (as shown in the image).

The best reviewed feeders in this category come from the same manufacturer: it's well established Brome company with models like Squirrel Buster Plus, Legacy, Standard, etc.
Some of Brome feeders are factory trimmed, while the others offer adjustable springs so that you can decide how big (or better say how heavy) are the birds that can access bird seed from your feeder.

For more details please check Brome page at Amazon.com. 

2. Perches bevel under the weight

Yankees Dipper:
The squirrel is too heavy for the roost and the birds are not

This is truly unique way the feeder reacts when overloaded by squirrels weight. Before the squirrel even gets what's going on, it will find herself falling to the ground because the roost will bevel and collapse under the weight of the squirrel.

The only representative with this feature is Droll Yankees Dipper.
With four feeding ports, great choice of construction materials for outdoor conditions and 5 lbs. seed capacity, Dipper is best selling bird feeder from Yankees family of products.

The Dipper has great reviews from previous customers and if you'd like to check it please visit this Amazon.com link.


 
Enjoy!

Homemade squirrel proof bird feeder (video tutorial)

None shall pass! 

After sharing video tutorial on how to construct DIY squirrel shocking bird feeder (which by the way received great feedback from the audience), it occured to me I should share some other DIY ideas that require even less investment of your money, your time and your DIY skills.
So, I've stumbled upon this wonderful and simple invention presented in video tutorial created by Chris Notap. Chris is "all around" DIY guy and his YouTube channel is all about tips and tricks: mouse traps, some cooking recipes, eggs peeling tricks, fixing home appliances and stuff... but I liked this tutorial very much and I think his homemade bird feeder is really squirrel proof eligible.

Chris did it using only:

- plate glass
- all purpose silicone   
- a piece of old seat belt fiber
- 1.5" copper pipe, but I think brass or even hard plastic pipe could do the trick
       
Here's how he did it:



Of course, Chris is well aware that small birds can make 1 1/2" pipes, while the squirrels can't. It's the same tactics used by commercially made caged squirrel proof bird feeders. 

If you liked this tutorial and intend to construct this birdfeeder according to Chris's blueprint, please note that squirrel proofing is not done after the feeder is finished. Right placement of bird feeder is crucial so please read my squirrel proof bird feeding tips before you decide where to place bird feeder pole in your backyard.

Enjoy!   

How to hang a bird feeder to keep the squirrels away?

Anti-squirrel benefits from hanging bird feeder the right way

We don't want this, right?

If you've already seen my squirrel proof bird feeding tips before finding this article, you have probably noticed that I've paid a great deal of attention to the issue of bird feeders placement there.
People usually go wrong hoping to find the best squirrel proof bird feeder as one stop solution that will get them rid of the squirrels. But in fact, the feeder itself works with full anti-squirrel potential only if hanged correctly. Therefore, proper bird feeder placement is the cornerstone of your squirrel proof strategy.
Please remember that the anti-squirrel bird feeders should be regarded as the last line of defense against the squirrels and you should do everything possible to make it hard for the squirrels to come close to your feeder.
Otherwise, even the best squirrel proof feeders tend to become more or less vulnerable to the squirrels if placed incorrectly.

So what is the purpose of the anti-squirrel feeder? And what is the importance of hanging feeder the right way?
Let's put it as simple as possible:

• The role of squirrel proof bird feeder is to prevent the squirrels from stealing bird food
• The importance of good feeder placement is to prevent squirrels from scaring off your feeder visiting birds ad to minimize chances the squirrels attack or damage your bird feeder. 

This is truly important to understand and I'll be more than happy if you take this to your knowledge.
And you'll be happy too! 😊

Tips for hanging bird feeders to keep the squirrels away 

Here I'll share some practical advice focused on where and how to to hang your bird feeder to prevent the squirrels from reaching it.
Please take care to take each tip into serious consideration or otherwise the results may be below expectations. 

1. Never hang your feeder to the tree unless you from Australia

Don't make it easy for the squirrels

Did you know the squirrels don't live in Australia?
Good for Aussies...
But if you came here from any other part of the world make sure to remember that hanging bird feeder to the tree is the worst possible choice you can make.
Trees are natural habitat for the squirrels. It's their home. How hard can it be then for the squirrel to reach the feeder hanging from a branch? Next to nothing. Trees are place for squirrel feeders, and not for bird feeders.
No matter how aesthetically pleasing your feeder may look somewhere a the tree crown, hanging bird feeder to a tree is the same as feeding the squirrels, not he birds. 
Knowing that even the best and the most expensive squirrel proof feeders in the world could not cope with this situation with great success, it's time to give up this non-idea.

2. Avoid hanging bird feeder near any possible jump-from objects

Hanging your bird feeder near backyard fences, parked cars, trees, roofs or any other object from where the squirrels can (and will) jump from is also big no-no! It is important to find "clean" spot in your backyard so that the squirrels could not reach it by jumping all the way to it.
But how near is "near"?
I'd give it 15 feet in radius, at least. Here's why:

The longer the distance, the better. It is really important to discourage the squirrels from taking this kind of long distance jumps because of the risk of damaging your feeder by falling it on the ground.  

But what if your backyard does not offer enough space?

Then you should get the sturdiest bird feeder that shock the squirrels. Its metal construction is resistant to squirrel jump ons, while the electric shock is repellent-like feature that will make the squirrel leave in no time so that the birds can get back to the feeder shortly.

3. Don't use ropes for feeder hanging 

Use  chains instead. There are at least two good reasons for this:

• Chains are weather resistant and do not tend to thin out like ropes do , so you don't risk your feeder to fall down from hanging hook. You can either use stainless steel chains or powder coated steel bird feeder chains that resemble wrought iron. Both are rust free. 
• Chains are resistant to squirrels teeth and you can never tell what the squirrels are up to.      

4. Use squirrel proof bird feeder poles for bird feeder hanging

Kettle Moraine 8' pole
with anti-squirrel baffle

Bird feeder poles with anti-squirrel baffles are absolutely necessary for proper bird feeder hanging.
Still, there's a single trick to it. You can't use just any pole height. The rule of the thumb is that 8 foot bird feeder pole is the optimal in height because the squirrels can not reach it by jumping from the ground. Anything less than that may be the subject of ruthless squirrel invasion. 

Another important thing aside from height is that the pole must be equipped with anti-squirrel baffle.
This is why I chose Kettle Moraine 8 foot pole to be presented here because it's the only pole in the market that meets all required demands.

For more details about Kettle Moraine bird feeder pole please check my article about 8 foot bird feeder poles. 

5. Get big bird feeder dome 

Aspect's 18" anti-squirrel dome

Feeder domes are pretty much like anti-squirrel baffles. But unlike the baffles, the domes protect the feeders from the squirrels coming from the above the feeder. Domes feature slippery surface to make it hard for squirrels to sneak over it, and more importantly - the domes are designed to lose horizontal position when under the squirrel's weight, so that the squirrels fall to the ground easily over slippery surface.   
But that is not the only function of the domes.
Domes are pretty much the best way to hang the feeder to a pole and are compatible with the most of the hanging feeders.
Another great thing about having the dome is that it also acts as a weather guard for both the birds on the perch and for the feeder's seed ports.
When it comes to the feeder domes the general rule is that the ones with bigger diameter are more effective, That's why I chose Aspect's 18" anti-squirrel dome to be presented here.

Cheers!      

How to ruin your squirrel proof bird feeder (the easy way)

OK, let's run through the checklist:

• We've bought brand new, top notch squirrel proof bird feeder with all the bells and whistles
• We 've filled it with 100% natural squirrel proof bird food the squirrels are absolutely disgusted with
• We have purchased four arm, 8 foot bird feeder pole and hanged the feeder right in its place
• We've secured feeder pole with the best rated squirrel baffle and dome

We have invested 300 bucks to get rid of the squirrels.
But it didn't go well.
Because we've forgot the most important thing.

Please watch this short video:

You can spend hundreds of dollars on anti-squirrel devices, but if you forget how far the squirrels can jump it's all in vain.
The right placement of bird feeder is the most important squirrel proof tactic and the whole system of your anti-squirrel defence depends on it. As a matter of fact, 90% of squirrel protection is about feeder placement.

For more tips like this, please check my Squirrel proof bird feeding tips on this website.

Cheers!