Best Overall
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Best Bang for the Buck
Brome Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Best Large
Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Feeder
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Squirrel - proof razzing feeders are a smart way for bird - spectator andwildlifeenthusiasts to bask watching their feathered friend have a snack without unwanted guest detracting from the experience . Given their ability to jump , squirrels can be a persistent problem that deter hoot from get at feeders . To keep squirrel off bird feeder , using a particular case of feeder that prevent them from accessing the nutrient inside can be helpful .
To aid you in deciding between the dozens of squirrel - proof bird feeders available , we put eight popular option to the test to see which work best . Our darling was theBrome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel - Proof Bird Feeder , thanks to its effective carrying out , comfortable apparatus , and breathing system that helps bird food stick around ironical . Most of the others we tried also impress us — though for unlike reasons . Keep study to learn more about the Cartesian product that made our list of the good squirrel - proof Bronx cheer feeders , then retrospect which features count most when choosing the right one for your garden or terrace .
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The good squirrel - proof shuttle feeder can take many build , from tenseness - saltation units to spin and masticate - proof options . Those that made our list stand out for their durable material constructive , in effect purpose feature , and stove of seed capacities .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
The Squirrel Buster Plus bird eater from Brome withstand more than 3 quart of seed and use a tensity spring that keep squirrel and other unwanted guests from accessing it . Should an animal that exceeds the adjustable maximum weight capacity land or leap on the feeder , the feeding ports mechanically fill up . This design lets you enjoy little birds in your yard while go on big shuttlecock , like crows , and quick mammalian , such as squirrels , aside .
This birdfeeder has six alimentation ports perfect for small- and medium - sized bird like chickadees , nuthatches , and finch . It ’s ready to use right out of the corner , other than securing an optional ring that turn it into an excellentbird birdfeeder for cardinalsby allowing them to perch well while they eat up . Be warned : install this hoop is a bit dodgy , and since most shuttlecock lover delight in seeing cardinals , it ’s odd that it does n’t come preinstalled .
Still , we really like this pick for its sturdy construction , which is primarily RoxResin , a character of epoxy resin resin that prevents damage from determined squirrels ’ chewing . It also has a ventilation system that lets zephyr fall through the eater , helping foreclose bird feed from give out bad . Yes , the Squirrel Buster Plus is a shade pricey , but its solid build and sassy design should bring delectation for multiple years .
What our tester says:“We love Brome ’s feeders because they are well built and do a good task of foiling squirrels . This finicky one is our favored because it ’s ready to give ear right out of the box and accommodates a wide reach of hoot . ”—Debbie Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus squirrel - validation razzing feeder atAmazon , Walmart , orTarget .
Deterring squirrels want n’t be a costly proposition . This budget - well-disposed Brome Squirrel Buster Mini dame affluent holds about a pound of bird food , is made from long-lived steel , and features four metal perches . Like our top pickax , it apply a tautness fountain to mechanically come together eating ports when a squirrel ’s weight collide with the pole . So long as it ’s hung with clearance , we find the tension spring design worked reliably meter and time again .
The Squirrel Buster Mini is design for all types of seed for a change of birds , and in testing , it attracted all songbirds , let in cardinals and tit . It has the same ventilation system system , well-fixed assembly , and RoxResin components as the full - sizing model , just in a smaller sizing . While that does compare to a reduced capacity that required us to refill it a mates of time per calendar week , that also intend there is n’t much area for a squirrel to seize onto — making it even more pestis - cogent evidence .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Brome Squirrel Buster Mini squirrel - proof bird feeder atAmazon , Walmart , orBrome .
Our valuation : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This 21 - inch whirl squirrel - proof bird feeder from Droll Yankees holds 5 Ezra Pound of birdseed and features a motorize rod ring that runs on rechargeable batteries . Though it accommodate both small and large birds , when a squirrel jumps onto it , it spins under the squirrel ’s weight , flipping the animal off the feeder . For additional deterrence , this affluent features a metal cap that ’s too closely - fitting for squirrel to budge and a feeding electron tube that ’s too difficult for them to harbor onto .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The Yankee Flipper has four feeding ports and an interior baffle to prevent seed clog at the bottom . Its alloy and ultraviolet - stabilize plastic construction is perdurable and wo n’t colour over time . In examination , it was the most racy poser in our lineup , and it worked exceedingly well to keep squirrel off . But it ’s arduous , especially when filled with ejaculate , so it caused our shepherd ’s hook to droop — you’ll need a sturdy hook insure to a unassailable base to keep it erect . The only other potential downside to this selection is that the motor must be charged regularly ( count on the amount of squirrel action ) with the included AC adaptor for it to work .
Get the Droll Yankees squirrel - proof hiss feeder atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Best Chew-Proof
Brome Squirrel Solution 200 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Especially persistent squirrels can ruin confluent by chewing to gain access to food . The Squirrel Solution 200 aims to stop those stubborn pests with the protection of RoxResin , an epoxy resin resin the ship’s company lay claim is 100 per centum chew - proof , waterproofed , rustproof , and UV stabilise to prevent discoloration .
This attractive midsize confluent apply a stress spring that respond to the weight of the squirrel to foreclose it from feeding . bird can hold onto its six feeding port as well as the green metal cage that encloses the feeder , which give 2 quarts of feed and have a ventilation system that keeps it dry . It work on best with dim - petroleum sunflower seed , which can pull a wide reach of birds , let in goldfinches , chickadees , woodpecker , and spicy Jay . However , we did notice that large songbirds like cardinals and tit seem loath to feed on its smaller rod .
What our quizzer says:“This was our chew - proof peck forbest razzing feedersbecause of its squirrel - proof pattern and overall bird attraction feature . In testing , it successfully foiled squirrels with its tension - leaping organization , while its size of it and intent on a regular basis lured nuthatch , finches , and chickadees . ”—Debbie Wolfe , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Brome Squirrel Solution 200 squirrel - proof bird feeder atAmazon , Walmart , Target , orBrome .
Best For Suet
More Birds Squirrel-X Double Suet Caged Bird Feeder
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Best for insect - feeding hiss , the More Birds squirrel - tolerant suet feeder holds two cakes of suet and is smother by a John Cage to bar squirrels effectively . The innovation of the rust - repellent gunpowder - coat steel John Milton Cage Jr. also houses semen cakes for smaller hiss , allowing them to slip at heart , while larger birds simply strive in to enter the suet . The top fit out so firmly that squirrels ca n’t work it off to realize memory access .
In testing , this picking performed well , retention squirrels out with its little cage openings and top baffle . However , It ’s designed to be hung and ca n’t be rod - climb , so we were n’t able-bodied to set it up where we initially intended . Also , this suet feeder only accommodates small songster — in fact , the diminished initiative in the batting cage are designed to discourage “ yob - bird ” metal money . The bother is , woodpeckers are one of the most common suet feeder , and they are n’t any more aggressive at self-feeder than most of their smaller songster counterparts . We think it ’s a shame that this feeder does not allow access to woodpecker and other larger suet - feeding birds .
Photo: Amazon
Get the More Birds squirrel - proof bird feeder atAmazon , Blain ’s Farm & Fleet , orPerky Pet .
Best Post
Woodlink Absolute Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeder
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5;Effectiveness4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This squirrel - repellent bird feeder from WoodLink is made of powder - coated blade and comes utter with a 5 - foot mounting pole and all necessary hanging hardware . design with a tautness spring that collapses the seed port under a squirrel ’s weight , this feeder keep squirrels out effectively . The spring is adjustable to lite , medium , and heavy options to accommodate small to big birds . It also has a plug - trial impression locking top , a double - sided design , and a monolithic capacity of up to 12 pounds of bird food .
In examination , the WoodLink Absolute proceed squirrels at Laurus nobilis most of the time and attracted many bird species . We did have a couple of tenacious squirrels that contend to swipe a few handful , but we did not consider that a deal breakers . We liked that it holds a expectant amount of seed and requires infrequent weft . However , this feeder is heavy and big , so it should be pole - mounted as opposed to hung for security .
Photo: Amazon
Get the WoodLink squirrel - substantiation bird feeder atAmazonorTractor Supply Co.
ALSO TESTED
We liked the transparent acrylic design of theNature ’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder With Suction Cupsso we could look on birds unimpeded . alas , it fell brusque in testing since it does n’t have any specific features to gross out squirrels and only kept them at bay when hung far forth from jump - off point .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
There are manytypes of bird feederson the market , varying greatly in design and features . After researching dozens of options claiming to be squirrel test copy , we test eight popular feeders to appraise their capacity , material , comfort of cleaning and fill up , overall aesthetics , how well they attracted birds , and how well they deterred squirrels .
To quiz each squirrel - proof birdie feeder , we start by cleaning and fill them . We probe their hanging mechanisms , sturdiness , and squirrel - deterrent features . To see how well they performed , we establish each option and observed how well it attracted birds , how easy it was for them to bung , and how well it helpedget free of squirrels .
The bird feeder that made our inclination are durable , easy to assemble and pay heed or mount , and able to accommodate a miscellany of different birds and cum . They are aesthetically pleasing and prevent squirrel from access intellectual nourishment , whether via protective cages or adjustable tensity leaping .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
There are a few central consideration to keep in judgment when seeking the best squirrel - proof dame feeder , including style , size , type , and simpleness of economic consumption . The conform to are some of the most essential features forkeeping squirrels out of bird feeders .
Type
Since many nature lovers would rather not resort tosquirrel traps , choosing a shuttle feeder with a squirrel guard — such as a baffle , batting cage , tension springs , collapsible pole , and rolling mechanisms — can be an effective alternative .
Size/Capacity
dissimilar dame confluent hold different amount of food for thought . Suet doll feedersare smaller and design exclusively for suet food , while others hold several pounds of birdseed . Which size of it and content is honorable look on the circumstances .
While smaller feeder will need to be refilled more often if there are a lot of birds feeding , a smaller size can be idealistic for only a few visitor . For others , a large shuttlecock feeder that does n’t involve to be filled withbirdseedas often have the most sense .
Size can also determine how many bird can feed at one time as well as which variety of doll come . piston chamber - shaped tributary , for example , typically contain between four and six eating port wine . cardinal and finches like piston chamber feeders , while peckerwood often go for enceinte platform tributary .
Photo: Amazon
Size may also affect your decision when thinking aboutplaces to flow a bird confluent . tumid feeders typically need more support when hanging or mounting , while light birdfeeder or window birdfeeder offer more locational flexibility .
Material
While squirrel - proof fowl feeders can be made of different materials , they are n’t typically made from woodwind . Squirrels have knotty front teeth that can wear away at wood , making other materials a better option . A few pop materials used to construct these confluent admit metal , charge plate , acrylic , and epoxy resin rosin .
Feeders can also be made from multiple materials , such as metal and charge card , to commingle the benefits of each .
Bird Species
Most bird feeders are designed to attract a variety of birds , but some are well suitable to specific species . For example , squirrel - proof suet affluent with a surrounding cage are idealistic for birds with long beaks , like woodpeckers , while windowpane birdfeeder be given to work best for pocket-sized chick , such as wrens and finches .
In addition to pattern difference , some squirrel - proof feeders are made to book specific types of food , like suet or helianthus come , which may restrain the variety of snort they attract . Insect - eating skirt , such as pecker , opt suet , while helianthus seeds are a favorite among a broad range of species . Many feeders admit seed mixes , reach them attractive to birds with wide-ranging dietetic preferences .
Ease of Use
The best squirrel - proof bird feeders are the best for a reason : They forestall squirrels from getting birdseed . However , they can be tricky to operate , as the plan features mean to throw off squirrels may also make it more difficult for humans to meet them with food .
Some squirrel - proof bird feeder are easier to use than others . Most are designed to be filled through the top . Some come up with get on equipment if they ’re pole- or windowpane - mounted , while others offer the option of attend the confluent from a tree or a stand .
If the hoot tributary can hold a declamatory amount of seed , the bottom can become clot with source . Some squirrel - proof shuttlecock feeder contain internal baffle that can aid evenly broadcast the source to feeding port , which prevents clogging .
Photo: Amazon
Additional Features
Squirrel - proof wench feeder often have additional feature that make them a good investment , such as a ventilation organisation to keep bird food from spoiling , chew - proof feature to cease stubborn squirrels from ruin a affluent , and domes to protect a feeder from the elements and provide additional squirrel protective cover .
There are also different panache and designs , including birdfeeder shaped like houses , those with interior decoration - pair decals , and evenbird confluent with cameras . Which additional features will be the most beneficial calculate on the particular location , which case of birds will be feeding there , and how aggressive the local squirrel are about getting food .
FAQs
You now know more about squirrel - test copy chick birdfeeder type and features , but may still have a few lollygag questions . Below are answers to some of the most vulgar questions about these devices .
Yes , squirrels can climb metallic element perch , but charge plate or metal baffles can avail prevent them from doing so successfully .
hoot tributary do n’t attract so-and-so . However , spilled cum from a razzing feeder that ’s left on the basis has the potentiality to attract them .
Photo: Amazon
Many birds are appeal to feeders near natural protection like trees , but placing feeders near tree can also give squirrels easy access code . put a feeder in an open quad can help deter squirrel .
The master concern is put in a bird feeder near a window , where collisions could occur . To forestall this , mount your feeder at least 3 feet out from windows .
shuttlecock can fly , so they do n’t take care a tributary that ’s higher up , specially if it means they are further away from any predatory animal on the earth . Hanging feeder high up also serve them deflect any pollution from pesticides you may be using in your garden or lawn .
take a dirty feeder is one of the most commonbird bird feeder mistakespeople make . While the accurate stone’s throw for cleaning a squirrel - proof feeder will depart by model , the general approach is as follows:1.Empty out the old seed.2.Disassemble the birdfeeder , murder any detachable parts.3.Wash all theatrical role with mild dish grievous bodily harm and warm water or a solution of 1 part acetum to 4 part water . 4.Be sure to clean alimentation port , perches , and cranny where mold or bacteria might accumulate.5.Rinse well and admit to melodic line dry completely.6.Reassemble , refill , and rehang .
unlike squirrel - proof feeders crop in different direction . For a breakdown of how various choice work , see theTypesection underWhat to take When choose a Squirrel - Proof Bird Feederabove .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll serve you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raised bottom , or an in - earth plot out back — and select the right plant life for your soil and neighborhood .
