If you are looking for the best squirrel proof bird feeder then you’re in luck! In this article I’m gonna go over the top choices for squirrel proof bird feeders specifically as well as what could make each option a good choice for you.
Additionally we’ll talk about why squirrels can be a problem at feeders, if squirrel proof bird feeders actually work, and some other options you may want to look into.
Why squirrels are a problem
Squirrels are probably the number one pest that you’ll see at bird feeders. They are everywhere and always hungry. On top of that they are smart, acrobatic, and relentless when it comes to getting what they want. And what they want is your bird seed!
Some people do not mind feeding the squirrels, and maybe you don’t either. Just keep in mind feeding squirrels can get expensive as they will drain a bird feeder that isn’t squirrel proof quickly. Typical feeder birds won’t visit your feeders as often if there are large (to them) mammals sitting on their perches.
So in short, squirrels:
- Cost you extra money in bird seed
- Can damage bird feeders trying to get to the seed
- Cause less birds to visit your feeders
Do squirrel proof bird feeders really work?
They absolutely work. Maybe not every squirrel proof feeder for everyone in every situation, but for the most part they are highly effective at deterring squirrels.
I put up a new bird feeding station on the side of my house recently and at first was just using an old non squirrel proof feeder. The squirrels totally destroyed it to get to the seed and the birds were lucky to just get some scraps.
Anyway, I bought a Squirrel Buster Standard (on the list below) and I am seeing many more birds at the feeder now and less squirrels. The squirrels still try to get some seed without much success but mostly just hang around the ground below the feeder getting the scraps that the birds are leaving. So the tables have turned…
I don’t have anything against squirrels personally, but I’m here to feed birds at my bird feeders, not squirrels. They are perfectly capable of finding food naturally.
The top 10 best squirrel proof bird feeders
On to why you probably came here, the list of the best squirrel proof bird feeders! Some of these we have personally used and some we haven’t. All are popular choices and have mostly good customer reviews.
Keep in mind that even though these are “squirrel proof”, squirrels are much more clever than we give them credit for and can occasionally figure out tricks to get food from just about any bird feeder. So for some of these you may see reviews on Amazon where customers have said “the squirrels figured it out!”. Unfortunately it happens.. but with any of these you are sure to cut down drastically on squirrel activity at your feeders, and hopefully eliminate it completely.
Squirrel Buster Plus
This is one of the most popular anti-squirrel bird feeders available, and it’s from a brand known for being the authority on squirrel proof bird feeders. The Squirrel Buster Plus is a fairly high capacity tube feeder that uses Brome’s adjustable closing mechanism that is triggered by heavier animals on the perch such as squirrels.
This particular model has some options, you can purchase it as a set with some seed or with the a cardinal ring pole adaptor which you’ll need to attach it to the top of a standard feeder pole. If you want the version that comes with the pole and everything then check out this one on Amazon.
Features
- 100% squirrel proof
- Adjust weight for selective feeding
- 6 feeding ports
- Lifetime care from Brome
- Chew proof
- Easy to install, easy to refill, and easy to clean
- Seed ventilation system
- 5.1 pound seed capacity
Verdict
The Squirrel Buster Plus is one of if not the best squirrel proof bird feeders on the market. It has tons of features that have given it that title and it has the reviews on Amazon to back it up. It’s large, squirrel proof, and ultra durable making it a great choice.
The Plus model is a little on the pricier side so if you were wanting to spend less then check out some of the more affordable Squirrel Buster options below, like the Standard or Legacy model.
Squirrel Buster Legacy
This model of Squirrel Buster is a step down from the plus and quite a bit cheaper in price, but the Brome quality is all there. Not only the size and capacity are different from the Plus, but some design aspects as well. This one, and all of the following Squirrel Busters on this list, do not have the cardinal ring but 4 metal perches instead.
The perches on the Legacy are a bit larger than those on the Standard model below so larger birds like cardinals may be more apt to land on them and take from the feeder. It holds 2.6 pounds of seed, almost half of the Plus but twice the Standard, so it’s right in the middle capacity wise.
Features
- 100% squirrel proof
- Adjust weight for selective feeding
- 4 metal perches
- Lifetime care from Brome
- Chew proof
- Easy to install, easy to refill, and easy to clean
- Seed ventilation system
- 2.6 pound seed capacity
Verdict
The Legacy and the Standard (below) models are almost identical except for a couple of differences. The Legacy has larger metal perches making it easier for larger birds to land, and it holds more seed. Other than that they are about the same. You get Brome quality from all of these first 5 feeders on this list, and Brome is serious about quality… and making squirrel proof feeders that actually work. I highly recommend this feeder.
Squirrel Buster Standard
If you want a Squirrel Buster but aren’t ready to pay the higher price tag on the Plus then I highly recommend this one or perhaps the Legacy model above. I recently bought one of these myself and everyone is enjoying it, except the squirrels. It’s much smaller than the Plus, and a bit smaller than the Legacy, but will still hold 1.3 lbs of seed. I have a scoop that holds about 4 or 5 cups of mixed seed and that fills it up nicely.
This model does not come with the cardinal ring that the Plus has either so you may see smaller birds like chickadees and titmice, that has been my experience so far anyway. Having said that, I saw a male cardinal at my Squirrel Buster Standard just before writing this!
Features
- 100% squirrel proof
- Adjust weight for selective feeding
- 4 metal perches
- Lifetime care from Brome
- Chew proof
- Easy to install, easy to refill, and easy to clean
- Seed ventilation system
- 1.3 pound seed capacity
Verdict
I love this bird feeder! While it is on the smaller side, it’s at a great price and is a high quality bird feeder. We’ve had nothing but good luck with Brome bird feeders and this one was no different! As I mentioned above in regards to the Legacy model, this one is just about the same aside from size so buy with confidence.
Squirrel Buster Mini
The Mini is the smallest Squirrel Buster. It’s still a great feeder that keeps the squirrels out of your bird seed, but for only like $10 more you can get the Standard that holds more seed and has the adjustable weight feature for selective feeding. However, if that doesn’t bother you and you are just looking for an inexpensive but high quality feeder and this one ticks all the boxes then it’s a great buy!
Features
- 100% squirrel proof
- 4 metal perches
- Lifetime care from Brome
- Chew proof
- Easy to install, easy to refill, and easy to clean
- Seed ventilation system
- .98 pound seed capacity
Verdict
As I mentioned above, this is basically a smaller Standard without the adjustable feature. It’s a bit cheaper than the other models and would make a great gift or bird feeder for someone starting out feeding birds. Any of the Brome options are known to be the best squirrel proof bird feeders, this is another great feeder from Brome.
Squirrel Solution200
This one is also from Brome, but has a different look and design from the Squirrel Buster series of feeders. I like the look personally and may even consider one for my yard one day. It holds 3.4 lbs of seed, more than the Legacy, and has 6 perches so a couple of extra birds can feed at the same time. It could make a great addition to your feeding station!
Features
- 100% squirrel proof
- 6 perches
- Lifetime care from Brome
- Chew proof
- Easy to install, easy to refill, and easy to clean
- Free seed funnel
- 3.4 pound seed capacity
Verdict
Overall it has good reviews on Amazon but there are some reports of too much seed falling out through the bottom. I did see one report in the reviews of someone saying that one clever squirrel figured out how to get seeds with his tongue! That he would hang on the feeder for hours at a time getting seeds with his tongue keeping birds from being able to eat.
However, Brome’s amazing customer service came through for the guy and they sent him a Squirrel Buster free of charge! I might go with a Squirrel Buster series feeder over this one myself but there’s no doubt the Squirrel Solution200 is a quality bird feeder as well.
Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper
The Flipper by Droll Yankees is a squirrel proof bird feeder with a different approach to deterring squirrels than the others on this list. It actually has a small spinning motor that activates when it detects the weight of a squirrel on the perch. This takes the squirrel for a little ride in a circle before he loses his grip and finally falls to the ground.
It’s a large tube feeder with a large seed capacity, similar to that of the Squirrel Buster Plus. The price range is also comparable to that of the Plus. Although the technology used to keep squirrel out is different, it’s still a very effective squirrel proof bird feeder that you should consider if you are looking for one of this size.
Features
- 100% squirrel proof
- 5 pound seed capacity
- Durable construction
- 4 feeding ports
Verdict
I have not owned one of these so I can’t speak from personal experience. I’m honestly not 100% sold on the anti-squirrel technology they use either. Yes I think it’s clear that it does work, I’m not disputing that. Somehow the idea of having a rechargeable battery in my bird feeder is rather off putting though. I wouldn’t want to worry about recharging my bird feeder even though it is supposed to last for several weeks. I suppose with the use of an actual motor that just adds one more thing that can break so I personally like the spring loaded weight trigger on the Squirrel Buster models.
Overall this is still a quality bird feeder from a quality manufacturer that’s very popular. While I wouldn’t recommend against buying it, I would recommend you consider the tech used to keep squirrels away. Watching thieving squirrels spin around might even be entertaining!
Woodlink Absolute II
This all metal squirrel proof feeder from Woodlink is a change from the tube style feeders we’ve seen on this list so far. The Woodlink Absolute II is very large, holding up to 12 lbs of bird seed, and is double sided for feeding on either side. It can be mounted on a pole or hung with the included hanger attachment.
Features
- Squirrel proof
- Adjustable weight setting for selective feeding
- 12 pound mixed seed capacity
- Dual sided feeder
- Powder coated steel construction
- Easy to fill, locking top
Verdict
If you like the hopper style feeders better than tube ones, and you would rather fill up your feeder less often, then this is one to consider. It has a similar weight activated, and adjustable, technology like Squirrel Buster does but is house shaped with a lengthwise perch on either side leaving plenty of room for birds.
It has 3 settings so you can adjust the perches to allow for small, medium, or large birds giving you some options so you can exclude starlings perhaps. This is a nice looking squirrel proof bird feeder that can hold a ton of seed, but most importantly keeps squirrels out.
Perky-Pet Squirrel Be Gone II
Here’s a home-style feeder from Perky-Pet similar to the Woodlink II in many ways. It is quite a bit cheaper in price, but has less features. This one also has the weight activated perch, but is only one-sided. It also holds less seed, just 8 lbs compared to the Woodlink’s 12. However I really like the house look that this one has with the windows, door, tin roof, and chimney.
Features
- Squirrel proof (weight activated)
- All metal construction
- 8 pound seed capacity
- Easily hung or pole mounted
- Easy to fill and clean
Verdict
For the price, I really like this feeder. It costs much less than some comparable feeders, holds plenty of seed, and is squirrel proof. As I mentioned I really like the look and style of this feeder as well, they went the extra mile making it look like a little house! Overall it has good reviews on Amazon and for the price is a great buy when it comes to squirrel proof feeders.
Roamwild PestOff
The Pestoff from Roamwild is a “pest-proof” bird feeder. They emphasize that their feeders will also deter other types of pests, but so will any of the others. This feeder only has 2 perches which isn’t ideal but I do like the little rain cover on top that keeps seeds nice and dry when it rains.
It is also non-adjustable for selective feeding like many of the others here, but they claim that it is out of the box ready and you don’t need to adjust anything. That may be true, but I do like the option. I do however like the fact that each perch has an individual mechanism to close when a pest is on it, on other feeders all openings will close so that is a unique feature. It’s yet to be determined if it is actually beneficial though.
Features
- Pest proof, including squirrels
- 3 pound seed capacity
- Weatherproof, keeping seeds dry
- 2 perches
- Lifetime product care
- Easy to use, easy to fill
Verdict
I do not see this tube feeder as having any advantages over the Squirrel Buster series from Brome. It only has 2 perches, isn’t adjustable and isn’t chew proof. You can hold a bit more seed in it than you could in the Squirrel Buster Legacy and it’s priced lower, but you just don’t get all of the features or the quality of a Brome feeder. I have not personally used this feeder but based on what I’m seeing on the product page and from reviewers, I would pay a little extra for another feeder.
Some other options to deter squirrels at feeders
A squirrel proof bird feeder isn’t your only option to keep squirrels away. It may be the easiest and best option in many people’s opinion, but there are certainly other ways to deter squirrels from stealing all of your bird seed.
Take a look at this post for some ways to keep squirrels away from bird feeders.
Squirrel proof the pole
If you already have some nice feeders that you want to continue using the you have some options. You can buy a baffle like this one on Amazon that will fit around most poles preventing not just squirrels but other pests from climbing up it.
Or you can just get a pole that already includes a squirrel baffle. Check out this post I did on squirrel proof bird feeder poles that will give you some ideas here.
Spice up their food with some pepper
Add some of this habanero pepper sauce from Cole’s to your bird seed or suet as a squirrel deterrent. Birds love it and squirrels can’t stand it. It’s a cheap, quick fix to a squirrel problem but probably not a good long term solution.
Squirrel feeders
You can try offering the squirrels their food in a separate squirrel feeder. This is kind of tricky because squirrels have no idea they are supposed to eat out of a particular feeder. There is not much rhyme or reason as to which feeders birds or squirrels choose.
What you can do though, is make the squirrel feeder a bit easier to get food from. A simple platform squirrel feeder like this one could work. There is even a bird proof squirrel feeder available on Amazon that is pretty popular!
DIY option
If you are a handy person and want to try your luck at squirrel proofing your feeders yourself then there are certainly resources out there for doing just that. I have personally never made a squirrel proof bird feeder, I always leave it to the experts to make them and I just buy them.
Chris, a popular Youtube DIY-er, put out a video on how he made his own squirrel proof bird feeder. It’s quite interesting how he went about it, but it may not be the best option for regular do-it-yourselfer.
Also consider checking out Pinterest for some more DIY squirrel proof bird feeder ideas.
Conclusion
So you’ve seen some of our favorite options for the best squirrel proof bird feeder now. Some work better than others, but they are all effective if you use them correctly. You can start off with something small like the Squirrel Buster Standard if you want, or really any squirrel proof bird feeder from Brome is an excellent choice.
Having said that, the other feeders on this list are all quality, battle tested squirrel proof bird feeders that should serve you well for years to come. Read through the ones in the list, read some of features and specs for each, and then check them out on Amazon and read through the descriptions and reviews there to get an idea of some real world experiences people have had with them.
In the end if you are considering a squirrel proof feeder you just want one that works for feeding birds and keeping squirrels out. All of these do that, just choose the one that is the best fit for you!
Jesse has been feeding birds in his backyard and bird watching across the country for years. He loves learning about the different species and sharing his knowledge and experiences on this website.