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 i