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BIRD FEEDING
Keeping Squirrels Off Bird Feeders
Squirrels can be real pests at bird feeders, but there are some easy steps you can take to keep them off the feeders and reserve the seed for the birds.
 | Place feeders at least 10 feet from any surface the squirrel can jump from, such as a tree, shrub, or house. |
| | If pole mounted, put your feeder at least 5 feet off the ground and place a stovepipe or dome baffle below the feeder. |
| | If hung from a tree, make sure your feeder is 10 feet from the trunk, 5 feet off the ground and there is a large dome baffle above the feeder. Some people string a wire between two trees and hang the feeder from the wire, again make sure it's 10 feet away from tree trunks, 5 feet off the ground, and there is a dome baffle above. |
| | New squirrel-proof feeders are being introduced all the time. Try them and see which works for you. Some tubular feeders now come enclosed in a green wire mesh cage. Other feeders are metal boxes with a spring-weighted platform. When a heavy squirrel lands on the platform, a door closes over the feeding holes. Lighter birds can land and feed without the door closing. |
Some people like to entertain the squirrels at an area away from the bird feeders by providing squirrel toys. Check out Episode 112 of the Stokes Birds At Home TV series for more on squirrels.
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