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Squirrels are public enemy number 1 when it comes to bird feeding and bird watching hobbyists. Among its mostly vegetarian consumption, they survive on the same variety of seeds, fruits, nuts and corn that a lot of birds eat.
Every winter, these foods are in very short supply in the wild. It is during these cold months that most birds rely on the feeders offered by homeowners in their backyards, and neighborhood squirrels scamper to acquire its feeds. But these rascals do not eat like a bird, and because of that, providing for our feathered friends could get expensive and frustrating!
Squirrel proof bird feeders should solve this dilemma. Its major types should help you pick the best for your backyard.
Baffle-style squirrel proof bird feeders
This design uses baffle guards. Baffles keep the squirrels from climbing up the bird poles, and it functions as a roof if the feeder is hung. These feeders should be set up at more than 5 feet high off the ground and at least 10 feet away from trees. Otherwise, it will be ransacked by those nimble thieves. If you didn’t know, squirrels are able jump up to 6 ft and jump across 7 to 10 ft from one object to another. So, the feeder must be in a clear and open area.
Weight-triggered squirrel proof bird feeders
This type of feeder utilizes a collapsible perch. The heavier weight of a squirrel triggers the bird feeder’s spring closing off the perch and thus denying access to the birdseeds. When the squirrel leaves, the access port opens up again so our flying friends can still enjoy their meal. Other designs use a rotating system to fling animals off or away from the feeder.
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Cage-style squirrel proof bird feeders
Caged feeders are tubular feeders basically surrounded by a wire cage. It has openings which are just right for the size of a bird, but too small for a squirrel to pass through or squeeze into. What this feeder does, is it simply keeps them out.
These squirrel proof bird feeders are the most consistent of its purpose. There are baffle and feeder combos as well, and motorized and electric types which equally defend these dining sites. Combos make use of a large dome that prevents the squirrel from going up or jumping over it. You can select from these varied types, and it will all give you only the best chance of reclaiming your bird feeders to whom it is fondly mounted for.
A big tip every bird feeder enthusiast must know is squirrels have the strength to shake up weak poles where bird feeders are hung. Squirrels are smart enough to know that by shaking and causing the seeds inside to spill onto the ground is for the taking.
Squirrels, if you must know, are rodents and just like any rodent, it loves to chew things apart. Given time and the chance, these squirrels will chew through whatever defense you throw at them.
In closing, remember to choose which one suits you best while considering all the things a squirrel is capable of doing.
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