Squirrel-proof bird feeders are a must-have for bird enthusiasts who want to keep their feathered friends well-fed while keeping pesky squirrels at bay. These feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the bird seed, which can save you money and prevent a mess in your backyard.
When it comes to selecting the best squirrel-proof bird feeder, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the type of feeder that best suits your needs.
There are several different types of squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market, including weight-activated feeders, cage feeders, and baffle feeders. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose one that meets your specific needs.
Another critical factor to consider when selecting a squirrel-proof bird feeder is the material it’s made from. Some feeders are made from plastic, while others are made from metal or wood. The material you choose will impact the durability of the feeder, as well as its appearance and functionality.
After researching and testing various squirrel-proof bird feeders, I have identified the top performers that will keep your feathered friends happy and well-fed while keeping squirrels at bay.
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Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
As a bird enthusiast, I know how frustrating it can be to see squirrels raiding your bird feeders. Not only do they eat all the birdseed, but they can also damage the feeder itself. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best squirrel proof bird feeders on the market.
These feeders are designed to keep squirrels out while still allowing birds to access the food. After researching and testing various options, I’m confident that these bird feeders will help you keep your backyard birds well-fed and squirrel-free.
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder
I highly recommend the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder as it is a premium product that will provide a lifetime of peaceful bird feeding.
Pros
- The feeder is truly squirrel-proof, which means that squirrels and some large birds are foiled but not harmed in any way.
- The feeder pays for itself in saved seed as squirrels can no longer steal your wild bird seed.
- The feeder comes with a Cardinal Ring System that allows cardinals to perch securely and feed comfortably.
Cons
- The feeder is expensive compared to other bird feeders on the market.
- The feeder does not come with a hook, so if you plan to hang it in a tree, you’ll need to order a metal extension hook.
- The feeder’s instructions are in French and English, which may be confusing for some customers.
I recently purchased the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder and was impressed with its premium quality and squirrel-proof design. The feeder’s openings in the shroud align with the feeding ports, providing birds access to the food. When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the shroud down, closing access to the ports. This ensures that squirrels and some large birds are foiled but not harmed in any way.
One of the best things about this feeder is that it pays for itself in saved seed. Squirrels can no longer steal your wild bird seed, which adds up to substantial savings that will pay for the purchase of your feeder over a short period of time. The feeder also comes with a Cardinal Ring System that allows cardinals to perch securely and feed comfortably.
However, the feeder is expensive compared to other bird feeders on the market, and it does not come with a hook, so if you plan to hang it in a tree, you’ll need to order a metal extension hook. Additionally, the feeder’s instructions are in French and English, which may be confusing for some customers.
Overall, I highly recommend the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder for anyone looking for a premium product that will provide a lifetime of peaceful bird feeding.
Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Bird Feeder
I highly recommend the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Bird Feeder for anyone looking for a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is easy to fill and clean.
Pros
- The weight-activated Seed Shield closes ports when squirrels try to feed, and the Sure-Lock cap prevents them from removing the lid.
- The patented Flexports allow for a more optimal feeding position outside the port, so birds feel safer and stay longer.
- The four ladder-style perch pads are designed to fit both small and large birds, so none of your favorite species are left out.
Cons
- The Flexports may wear down over time, causing seed to fall to the ground.
- The bird seed may empty out within hours, depending on the number of birds feeding.
- Squirrels may still be able to access the feeder if it is not hung with at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides.
I have been using this feeder for several months now and have been very pleased with its performance. The weight-activated perch system is calibrated to support the weight of birds but not squirrels, and the Sure-Lock cap prevents squirrels from lifting the lid. The Flexports are designed to be more resistant to weather and squirrel shaking, meaning less seed waste and fewer messes on the ground. The feeder is also easy to fill and clean, with an extra-wide, 6-inch opening and a removable, twist-off lid.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Flexports may wear down over time, causing seed to fall to the ground. Additionally, the bird seed may empty out within hours, depending on the number of birds feeding. Finally, squirrels may still be able to access the feeder if it is not hung with at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides. Overall, I highly recommend the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Bird Feeder for anyone looking for a high-quality, squirrel-proof bird feeder.
Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder
I highly recommend the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder for those looking to keep squirrels out of their bird feeders.
Pros
- Keeps squirrels out with its weight-activated cage
- Accommodates multiple birds with its six feeding ports
- Durable design with a powder-coated metal finish
Cons
- Squirrels may still attempt to access the feeder
- Some users report difficulty with assembly
- May require frequent cleaning
In my experience, the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder effectively keeps squirrels out with its weight-activated cage. The six feeding ports with U-shaped perches allow multiple birds to dine at the same time, which is a great feature. The metal is finished with a powder coating, adding to the rustic finish and ensuring rust resistance for all-weather durability. However, some squirrels may still attempt to access the feeder, and it may require frequent cleaning.
Overall, the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder is an excellent choice for those looking for an elegant and squirrel-resistant bird feeder.
Droll Yankees YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Wild Bird Feeder
I highly recommend the Droll Yankees YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Wild Bird Feeder to anyone looking for a reliable and entertaining bird feeder.
Pros
- The weight-activated spinning perch keeps squirrels from accessing the ports, but allows birds to feed with ease.
- The four feeding ports allow multiple birds to dine at the same time, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, jays, juncos, nuthatches, and more.
- The feeder is made with heavy-duty metal components that have been powder-coated, ensuring superior durability and long-lasting use.
Cons
- The feeder is quite expensive compared to other bird feeders on the market.
- The battery life is not very long, and replacement batteries are costly.
- Some squirrels may figure out how to access the seed without triggering the spinning perch.
I recently purchased the Droll Yankees YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Wild Bird Feeder and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The weight-activated spinning perch is an incredibly effective squirrel deterrent, and it’s also quite entertaining to watch squirrels get tossed off the feeder. The four feeding ports are perfectly sized for a variety of bird species, and I’ve enjoyed watching cardinals, finches, and jays dine together.
One thing to note is that the feeder is quite expensive compared to other bird feeders on the market, but I believe it’s worth the investment for its superior durability and high-quality construction. The battery life is not very long, but I appreciate that the feeder comes with rechargeable batteries that are replaceable. Additionally, some squirrels may figure out how to access the seed without triggering the spinning perch, but this hasn’t been a major issue for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the Droll Yankees YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Wild Bird Feeder to anyone looking for a reliable and entertaining bird feeder.
Birdkiss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a durable and effective squirrel-proof bird feeder, the Birdkiss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is a great option.
Pros
- The weight-activated perches effectively keep squirrels out and allow birds to eat in peace.
- The all-metal construction is rust-resistant and chew-proof, ensuring the feeder lasts through all types of weather.
- The large capacity of up to 5 lbs of seeds means you don’t have to refill it as often.
Cons
- The price is on the higher side compared to other bird feeders on the market.
- The feeder is smaller than it appears in the picture, so larger birds may have trouble fitting on the perches.
- Some squirrels may figure out how to hold on without triggering the weight-activated perch.
I’ve been using this bird feeder for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its effectiveness at keeping squirrels out. The weight-activated perches work well and I haven’t seen any squirrels on the feeder since I started using it. The all-metal construction feels sturdy and durable, and I appreciate that it’s rust-resistant for long-term use. The large capacity of the feeder means I don’t have to refill it as often, which is convenient.
One downside is that the feeder is smaller than it appears in the picture, so larger birds like jays may have trouble fitting on the perches. Additionally, the price is on the higher side compared to other bird feeders on the market. Finally, some squirrels may be able to figure out how to hold on without triggering the weight-activated perch, so it’s not a foolproof solution.
Overall, I would recommend the Birdkiss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder for anyone looking for a durable and effective squirrel-proof bird feeder.
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
If you’re looking for a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is built to last, then the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus is the one for you.
Pros
- Premium product for a lifetime of peaceful bird feeding
- Truly squirrel-proof: Squirrels and some large birds are foiled but not harmed in any way
- Cardinal Ring System: Cardinals can perch securely and feed comfortably
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not come with a hook
- Instructions can be confusing
I have been using the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus for over a year now, and it has been a game-changer in my backyard bird feeding experience. The feeder is made of high-quality polycarbonate material and is built to last a lifetime. It has a 5.1-pound seed capacity, which means I don’t have to refill it as often.
The best thing about this feeder is that it is truly squirrel-proof. The openings in the shroud align with the feeding ports, providing birds access to the food. When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the shroud down, closing access to the ports. Squirrels and some large birds are foiled but not harmed in any way.
The Cardinal Ring System is another great feature of this feeder. Cardinals prefer to face their food source as they have difficulty turning their heads to feed. The custom grip profile of our patented Cardinal Ring System allows them to perch securely and feed comfortably.
The only downside to this feeder is that it is expensive. It does not come with a hook, so if you plan to hang it in a tree, like I did, you’ll need to order a metal extension hook unless you plan to mess with rope. The instructions can also be confusing, but once you figure it out, it’s easy to use.
Overall, if you’re serious about bird feeding and want a feeder that will last a lifetime, then the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus is worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best squirrel-proof bird feeder, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your purchase:
Material
The material of the bird feeder is an important consideration. Metal feeders are durable and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and difficult to move. Plastic feeders are lightweight and easy to move, but they may not be as durable as metal feeders. Wooden feeders can be attractive, but they may not be as weather-resistant as metal or plastic feeders.
Design
The design of the bird feeder is also important. Look for feeders with a weight-activated perch that closes the feeding ports when a squirrel lands on it. Some feeders also have a cage around the feeding ports to prevent squirrels from accessing the food. Make sure the design of the feeder is easy to clean and refill.
Capacity
The capacity of the bird feeder is another consideration. A larger capacity feeder will require less frequent refilling, but it may also be heavier and more difficult to move. Consider the number of birds you want to feed and how often you are willing to refill the feeder.
Price
The price of the bird feeder is also an important factor to consider. While some squirrel-proof bird feeders can be expensive, they are often worth the investment in the long run. Cheaper feeders may not be as durable or effective at keeping squirrels away.
In summary, when looking for the best squirrel-proof bird feeder, consider the material, design, capacity, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a feeder that will provide a safe and enjoyable feeding experience for your feathered friends.
