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It is important to have squirrel proof bird feeders to prevent these tenacious squirrels from getting to your feeds
For bird feeding enthusiasts, one of the recurring problems in handling wild bird feeder are squirrels, tree squirrels to be more particular. Their sharp claws and their agile ability to descend even on thin branches are just two of the many reasons why they are considered as threats for birds in a bird feeder pole. Thus, many people who keep bird feeding as hobby opts to have squirrel proof bird feeders.
The common red or pine squirrels live on coniferous forests that are rich in seed-bearing trees. They often eat chestnuts, hazelnuts, berries and even bird eggs if their small hands can get them. They are very active to look for food sources during mornings and evenings because they spend the middle of the day to rest.
Here now come the concerns about birds and squirrels with regards to a wild bird feeder. First, as already mentioned, squirrels may eat birds’ eggs. Second, birds are also more active to head out in feeding stations during mornings and evenings.
Third, most birds love to have seeds, berries and other foods also considered by squirrels on their bird feeder pole. Fourth, the birds may not be able to protect itself in contrast to squirrel’s size and their pointed claws. Fifth, squirrels have the habit to take and store away food to minimize their foraging during cold season or when the natural sources are limited.
These are just some of the basic reasons why you will need squirrel proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed to minimize the problems outlined while keeping your bird feeding hobby as pleasant as it should be. Squirrel proof bird feeders are tough on keeping squirrels away without harming or hurting them in the process.
One of the basic feeders’ designs that inhibit squirrels’ access is tube feeders with loop-around metal cage. The tube feeders have small ports where the seeds can easily pass through while the spaces between metal cages allow small birds to come and eat in the feeders. The cages will also protect the feeders from getting gnawed on.
Other designs may consist of baffles or spinners that rotate when a squirrel reaches it, which in turn will make the squirrel lose its grip and fall to the ground. There are also feeders with cone or dome tops which protect the bird seeds. There are also roller-type feeders that are capable to spin in any direction and thus may dislodge climbing squirrels.
However, some of the feeders design may only keep away large squirrels but not the extremely capable smaller and lighter squirrels. As such, the possible ways to deal with these is to follow these two simple tips. The first one is to place spicy foods in your feeders such as crushed peppers.
Second, to increase the effectiveness of your squirrel proof bird feeders, hang it somewhere high and far from any probable launching pads by determined squirrels. Take note that squirrels can leap to as high as ten feet away. This distance is greatly dependent on the stability of the structure they used as their jumping point.
In summary, squirrels may live with the mantra of “If there’s a will, there’s a way” but nothing beats the “If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail” mentality. In addition, having concrete actions from keeping squirrel proof bird feeders to following suggested tips will surely let you go a long way. You can now enjoy your bird feeding opportunities in the best of time.
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