Bird Feed That Squirrels Won’T Touch: How To Outsmart These Furry Thieves

As fun as they are to watch, squirrels gorging themselves at bird feeders are a nuisance for those trying to attract feathered friends. Their cunning food heists leave little nutrition for the birds you aim to support.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, safflower seeds, and suet blocks are less palatable to squirrels. Strategically using bird feeders can also deter squirrels.

This comprehensive guide covers bird food types squirrels are less likely to eat, smart feeder solutions to exclude them, and habitat modifications to help birds get the nutrition they need without subsidizing squirrels.

Squirrel-Deterring Bird Foods

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

One effective way to deter squirrels from raiding your bird feeders is to use black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds have a high oil content and a thin shell, making them difficult for squirrels to crack open. Birds, on the other hand, can easily access the nutritious seeds inside.

Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite among many bird species, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches.

Nyjer Seeds

Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are another great option for deterring squirrels. These tiny seeds are too small for squirrels to handle effectively, but birds such as goldfinches and pine siskins love them.

Nyjer seeds are best served in specialized feeders with small holes that only allow birds to access the seeds. This will keep the squirrels at bay while still providing a tasty treat for your feathered friends.

Safflower Seeds

Safflower seeds are an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders. While many birds enjoy safflower seeds, squirrels tend to find them unappetizing. By offering safflower seeds, you can attract birds like cardinals and house finches while deterring squirrels from stealing the food.

It’s a win-win situation for both you and the birds!

Suet Cakes or Logs

Suet cakes or logs are a popular choice for attracting insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. These high-energy treats are made from animal fat and often contain other ingredients like seeds, nuts, and berries.

While squirrels may be attracted to suet, you can prevent them from accessing it by using squirrel-proof feeders or placing the suet in a location that is difficult for squirrels to reach.

Remember, it’s important to invest in quality bird feeders and squirrel-proofing techniques to ensure that your efforts to outsmart these furry thieves are successful. By using squirrel-deterring bird foods like black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, safflower seeds, and suet cakes or logs, you can enjoy watching a variety of bird species visit your feeders while keeping the squirrels at bay.

Bird Feeders That Deter Squirrels

Squirrels can be a persistent problem when it comes to bird feeders. They are notorious for raiding feeders and stealing the bird seed, leaving little for our feathered friends. However, there are bird feeders available that are specifically designed to deter squirrels and keep them away from your bird feed.

Here are three types of bird feeders that are great at outsmarting these furry thieves:

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts because they can effectively keep squirrels at bay. These feeders are typically designed with small feeding ports that are too narrow for squirrels to access.

The ports are often surrounded by a metal cage that prevents squirrels from reaching the seed. Additionally, some tube feeders have adjustable perches that can be set to accommodate only smaller birds, further deterring squirrels from accessing the feeder.

Suet Cages

Suet cages are another effective option for keeping squirrels away from bird feed. Suet is a high-energy food that birds love, but squirrels find equally enticing. To deter squirrels, suet feeders are often designed with small wire grids that only allow birds to access the suet.

Squirrels, with their larger size, cannot fit through the grids and are therefore unable to get to the suet. Hanging suet feeders high off the ground can also help make it more difficult for squirrels to reach.

Weight-Sensitive Feeders

Weight-sensitive feeders are a clever solution to the squirrel problem. These feeders are designed to close off access to the bird seed when a squirrel or other large animal climbs onto them. The feeder is engineered to detect the weight of the animal and trigger a mechanism that closes off the feeding ports.

This effectively prevents the squirrel from getting to the seed while still allowing birds to feed freely. Weight-sensitive feeders can be a great investment for anyone looking to keep squirrels away from their bird feeders.

Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the best feeder that works for your specific squirrel problem. Some squirrels are more determined than others, and they may try various methods to access the bird seed.

It’s also important to note that no feeder is 100% squirrel-proof, but these options can greatly reduce their access and give the birds a fighting chance to enjoy their meals.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of these squirrel-deterrent bird feeders, you can find a wide variety of options at www.birdwatchers.com or www.wildbirds.com.

Habitat Modifications to Deter Squirrels

Slippery Feeder Poles

Squirrels are notorious for their acrobatic skills and ability to climb just about anything. However, there are ways to outsmart these furry thieves when it comes to bird feeders. One effective method is to install slippery feeder poles.

These poles are designed with a smooth surface that makes it difficult for squirrels to gain traction and climb up to the feeders. The slippery surface can be achieved by applying a lubricant such as petroleum jelly or using a metal pole with a slippery coating.

By making the feeder pole slippery, squirrels will have a hard time accessing the bird feeders, allowing the birds to enjoy their meals undisturbed. It’s important to regularly check and reapply the lubricant to ensure its effectiveness.

Feeder Placement and Spacing

The location and spacing of bird feeders can also play a role in deterring squirrels. Placing the feeders away from overhanging branches or structures that squirrels can jump from can make it more difficult for them to reach the feeders.

Optimal feeder placement is at least 10 feet away from any structures or trees that squirrels can use as launching points.

Another effective technique is to create a “squirrel-free zone” around the feeders. This can be achieved by using a squirrel baffle, which is a conical device that can be placed above or below the feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing or jumping onto it.

The baffle should be positioned in a way that makes it impossible for squirrels to bypass it and access the feeder.

Implementing these habitat modifications can significantly reduce the chances of squirrels raiding your bird feeders. Remember to experiment with different techniques and combinations to find the best solution for your specific situation. Happy bird watching!

Avoid Alluring Add-ins

When it comes to bird feed that squirrels won’t touch, it’s important to avoid using any add-ins that might attract these furry thieves. Squirrels are notorious for their ability to detect and access food sources, so it’s essential to be strategic in what you offer to the birds.

Stay Away from Nuts and Seeds

Squirrels have a natural affinity for nuts and seeds, so it’s best to avoid using these as additives in your bird feed. Instead, opt for blends that contain ingredients like millet, cracked corn, and safflower seeds, which are less appealing to squirrels.

These blends still provide essential nutrients for the birds without enticing the squirrels to raid the feeder.

Avoid Sweeteners and Fruits

Squirrels are also attracted to sweet flavors and fruits. Therefore, it’s recommended to steer clear of using sweeteners like honey or molasses in your bird feed. Additionally, avoid adding dried fruits or berries, as these can be irresistible to squirrels.

Stick to plain, natural ingredients to deter these crafty creatures.

Consider Bitter Additives

If you’re dealing with persistent squirrel problems, you may want to try adding bitter additives to your bird feed. Squirrels are deterred by bitter tastes, so adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the feed can help keep them at bay.

Be cautious with this approach, as some birds may also be sensitive to these flavors.

Remember, the goal is to find a balance that attracts birds while deterring squirrels. By avoiding alluring add-ins and sticking to ingredients that are less appealing to squirrels, you can outsmart these furry thieves and create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard.

When All Else Fails: Squirrel-proof Feeders

If you’ve tried various methods to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders without success, it’s time to consider investing in squirrel-proof feeders. These specialized feeders are designed to outsmart these furry thieves and ensure that only birds can access the food.

How do squirrel-proof feeders work?

Squirrel-proof feeders use innovative mechanisms and designs to prevent squirrels from getting to the bird feed. One common type of squirrel-proof feeder is the weight-activated feeder. These feeders are designed with perches that can only support the weight of birds.

When a squirrel tries to access the feeder, its weight triggers the mechanism, causing the feeder to close off access to the food.

Another type of squirrel-proof feeder is the cage feeder. These feeders are enclosed in a wire mesh cage that allows small birds to enter and access the feed, while keeping larger squirrels out. The cage design also prevents squirrels from reaching through and stealing the food.

Benefits of squirrel-proof feeders

Using squirrel-proof feeders comes with several benefits:

• Protection for bird feed: Squirrel-proof feeders ensure that the bird feed you put out is reserved for the intended recipients – the birds. This helps attract a wide variety of bird species to your yard and keeps them well-fed.
• Long-lasting: Squirrel-proof feeders are typically made from durable materials such as metal or strong plastic. These feeders are built to withstand the strength and persistence of squirrels, ensuring that they last for a long time.
• Entertainment: Watching squirrels attempt to outsmart squirrel-proof feeders can provide endless entertainment. It can be quite amusing to see their acrobatic moves and clever strategies as they try to access the food.

Tips for choosing squirrel-proof feeders

When selecting a squirrel-proof feeder, consider the following factors:

• Design: Look for feeders with clever designs that have been proven to deter squirrels effectively. Consider weight-activated feeders or cage feeders, as mentioned earlier.
• Construction: Choose feeders made from sturdy materials, such as metal or high-quality plastic, that can withstand squirrel attempts to chew or damage them.
• Capacity: Consider the size of the feeder and the amount of bird feed it can hold. Opt for feeders with larger capacities if you have many birds visiting your yard.
• Easy to clean: Look for feeders that are easy to disassemble and clean. Regular cleaning helps maintain the health and hygiene of the feeder, ensuring that birds have access to clean and safe food.

Remember, no feeder can guarantee 100% squirrel-proofing, as these clever creatures are known for their determination. However, investing in squirrel-proof feeders significantly reduces the chances of squirrels stealing bird feed and allows you to enjoy the beauty of birds in your yard without interference.

Conclusion

Squirrels stealing from bird feeders are incredibly persistent, but armed with the right strategies and solutions, you can outsmart those furry thieves. Offering less-preferable foods in smart feeder contraptions placed in strategic spots deters squirrels while welcoming birds.

With a range of tailored techniques, you can finally enjoy watching birds feast while squirrels find food elsewhere. Simple tweaks transform bird feeding from a free-for-all into an enriching nature experience that nourishes both resident and migrating birds.