Putting a bird feeder in your backyard lets you observe numerous bird species, something we all would love, isn’t it? However, squirrels may take the seeds. That’s why we’ve reviewed five of the best squirrel proof bird feeders and we’ve also included a quick guide to help you choose what’s best for you.
Top Five Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Reviewed
There are a lot of bird feeders on the market, and deciding on which one to pick can be a little confusing.
Duncraft Squirrel Proof Selective
This bird feeder has an open grid bottom that prevents seeds from building up which attracts squirrels. Six feeding ports are available in this Duncraft bird feeder so you can feed multiple birds at once.
The Squirrel Proof Selective is suitable for small birds since the openings of the cage are too tiny for medium-sized and large-sized birds to get in. The capacity is 1-½ lbs of seeds which isn’t much but should be sufficient for small birds.
Things We Like
- Decent price
- The open grid bottom prevents seed build-up that attracts squirrels
- Six feed ports allow many birds to feed at once
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
Individual feeding ports are fine for one or two birds to feed from, but they can be large enough for squirrels to get to the seeds inside. For that reason, this bird feeder has multiple feeding ports. It offers a huge feeding area in a compact design, with six feeding ports that are evenly arranged in a ring shape.
Each port closes when a squirrel tries to get in. The activation weight is adjustable so you can prevent larger birds from feeding.
If you want to feed many birds at once, the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus bird feeder is the right choice for you.
Things We Like
- Compact design with six evenly spaced feeding ports
- Each port closes separately when a squirrel tries to take the seeds
- Adjustable activation weight
- Plastic tube to regularly check the seeds level
- Can hold up to 5 lbs of seeds
Squirrel Be Gone Country
This is one of the best squirrel proof bird feeds that you can get if you’re on a tight budget. It’s shaped like a mini home, where the door and the windows serve as feeding ports. The mini-steps in front of the door lock it down when a squirrel steps on them.
It’s made of metal which is surprising at this price point. Not only that, but it’s also coated with a red powder-coated finish. It also comes with a metal hanger in case you want to hang it on a tree’s branch. The roof can be easily removed so you can refill the feeder without much trouble.
Things We Like
- Extremely attractive price
- Beautiful country home design
- All-metal body
- Good capacity (8 lbs of seeds)
Squirrel Resistant Brushed Copper Tube Feeder
This is one of the fanciest bird feeders out there, and it comes with a hefty price tag as a result. It’s made of copper-coated steel and has six feeding ports, allowing many birds to feed at the same time in a smooth way. It holds 2-¼ lbs of seeds. The lid only requires a quarter turn to grasp.
The caging prevents squirrels from taking the food. The openings are small, allowing only small birds to get in. You can check the seed levels through the clear plastic tube and the roof can be easily removed for refilling.
Things We Like
- Features a steel body coated with a copper finish
- Has six feeding ports
- The caging prevents squirrels from getting in
Absolute II Bird Feeder
The perches of this bird feeder are weight-sensitive and close automatically when a squirrel climbs onto the feeder. It’s made of steel so it’s pretty hard for the squirrels to chew their way inside.
You can use this large bird feeder to put all the bird seeds you want to since it’s designed to accommodate many bird species. It can hold up to 12 lbs of food.
The Absolute II bird feeder is quite easy to refill and clean. The top lid can be removed without a problem while also providing adequate protection for the seeds from the rain. You can adjust the perches to different weight sensitivities, allowing you to prevent larger birds from eating all the seeds.
Things We Like
- Weight-sensitive perches and the steel design ensure the squirrels will never get in
- Cleaning and refilling the feeder is simple
- The weight sensitivity of the perches is adjustable
- Well protected from rain
- Reasonable price
How to Choose the Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder for your backyard?
Bird feeders differ in shape and size. They also make use of different methods to protect the seeds from squirrels
Different types of Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Here are the most common types of squirrel proof bird feeders according to the anti-squirrel mechanism used.
Weight Sensitive Perches
This is the most popular anti-squirrel technique and it’s quite effective. Birds are much lighter than squirrels. The largest of birds that visit backyard weighs around 3 oz. That’s around 10% the weight of a squirrel, and we’re talking about a small squirrel here.
Many squirrel proof bird feeders make use of this huge weight difference between birds and squirrels by utilizing weight sensitive perches. The perches are attached to a spring on the feeder. When the perches are loaded with the weight of the squirrels, a door is activated which prevents the squirrels from reaching the bird food.
Cages
Cages are a simple yet practical way to keep squirrels away. The openings in the cage are large enough for most birds to get in but too small for squirrels. The downside to this method is that larger birds won’t be able to feed.
Battery Powered Feeders
Out of all the other methods, this one is the most fun to watch. When a squirrel jumps onto the feeder, the internal motor runs automatically due to the weight of the squirrel, and the feeder starts spinning. Squirrels will struggle to hang on until they give up and get flung off.
Electric Shock
This is the least common method used to keep squirrels away. While it may seem to be a violent way, the electric shock is too mild to cause the squirrels any harm. Just like battery-powered feeders, feeders that utilize this method are activated by the weight of the squirrels.
Feeder Sizes & Placement Tips
Bird feeders come in a variety of sizes. The size of the feeder mainly depends on the type of food that it’ll be filled with. Different seeds will attract birds of varying sizes.
Feeders are commonly hung on tree branches since it’s the most natural place for birds to feed. Make sure to place the feeder in safe, undistracted areas. Busy areas aren’t preferable to birds.
Moreover, keep the feeder as far away from windows as possible because window collisions can injure small birds or even kill them.
Final Verdict
Our winner as the best squirrel proof bird feeder is the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus. We love how this bird feeder is designed to seamlessly feed many birds at once while also providing security against squirrels.
If this feeder is out of your price range, you can opt for the Squirrel Be Gone Country bird feeder. It has a huge capacity of 8 lbs for less frequent refills and features an all-metal body.
