Buying squirrel proof bird feeders in 2020 is a wise decision as squirrels have a tendency to steal the bird food and scare the little birds away! By feeding the little creatures, you are helping them by providing essential nutrients. But, you’ll find the occasional squirrels trying to feed off the seeds left out for the birds! That’s why squirrel proof Bird feeders with useful features are essential for preventing squirrels from mounting on the feeder and stealing all the food that isn’t for them (sorry squirrels!)
Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/6 Feeding Ports, 3.4-pound Seed Capacity, Free Seed Funnel
- LIFETIME CARE: you only need to buy one of our products, and we will to service your feeder for free for the rest of your life!
According to The New York Times, nearly 22.4% of the citizens have invested in squirrel proof bird feeders during this COVID-19 situation. At Amazon, durable squirrel proof bird feeder range from $49 to $299. Throughout the course of buying several squirrel proof bird feeders over the span of several years, I’ve found that the best ones often use the weight of the squirrels against them.
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Top 8 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders in 2020 Review: Editorial List
Top 8 Best Squirrel Proof Feeders (Reviewed and Ranked)
1. Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper
Droll Yankees YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder, 17.25″, Green
- SQUIRREL-PROOF: The motorized perch ring is designed to start spinning under the weight of a squirrel to ‘flip’ the squirrel off the bird feeder
- CAPACITY: Tube bird feeder holds up to five pounds of birdseed and has four feeding ports
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 28.5 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
This is an excellent squirrel proof bird feeder with user-friendly features for wild bird watching. The lifetime warranty is provided upon purchasing this product! This wild bird feeder works with all types of birds as well as bigger birds but won’t give access to squirrels.
The body of this squirrel proof bird feeder is resistant against chipping and prevents squirrels from munching and chewing on the bird feeder. The tube feeder, which measures around 17-inch/43 cm, makes the squirrels slip and prevents them from feeding on the wild bird feeder. Don’t worry, the spinning wheel won’t hurt the squirrels. The wild bird feeder that is squirrel proof keeps them away from eating the bird seeds.
Here’s a short video of the squirrels going on a fun little ride when they try to hop on the Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder!Pros of Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper
- One of the most entertaining to watch squirrel proof bird feeders that do not cause any harm to the squirrels. Some persistent squirrels will keep on trying, but most won't
- Lifetime warranty for the feeder; easy to clean and resistant in all weathers
- This hanging bird feeders squirrel proof of 2020 hold 5 lbs/2.27 kg of seeds with 4 ports which provides ample wild bird seeds for the visiting birds
- 100% squirrel proof: the seed tube is tall, and the squirrels slide down the seed ports and the cap is too heavy for the squirrels to lift up!
Cons of Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper
- This isn't particularly a con but it's important to know that this type of birds feeders squirrel proof can only be hung! So, if you are looking for a feeder that can be mounted on a pole, this isn't the right one for you!
- I would also suggest to not use mixed seeds because the smaller seeds like milo and millets can fall out of the feeding holes. Rather, you can use sunflower seeds that won't fall out of the feeder
2. Squirrel Buster Finch Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder with 4 Metal Perches and 8 Feeding Ports
Squirrel Buster Finch Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/4 Metal Perches & 8 Feeding Ports, 2.4-pound Thistle/Nyjer Seed Capacity
- LIFETIME CARE: you only need to buy one of our products, and we will guarantee to service your feeder for free for the rest of your life!
- TRULY SQUIRREL PROOF: the weight of an adult squirrel automatically closes the shroud denying access to seed.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 20 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
The hanging Squirrel Buster Finch is a great bird feeder squirrel resistant for wild bird watching that works well with nyjer/thistle seeds, which are especially small and can easily fall out of traditional squirrel proof bird feeders.
The weight of squirrels automatically closes access to the bird seeds. When squirrels try to access the seeds, the ports to the bird feed are closed off. The seeds are kept fresh with the passing of warm air to escape from the feeder. These squirrel proof feeders are effective for hanging on a pole and feeding thistle/nyjer to finches, goldfinches, and similar types of birds. Around 2.4 lbs/1.09 kg of thistle/nyjer seeds can be stored in this feeder.
The mechanism on this wild bird feeder prevents seeds from spilling to the ground, which can attract squirrels. This squirrel proof bird feeding device of 2020 needs to be hung in clearance of at least 16-inch/40 cm to prevent squirrels from jumping onto the feeder.
Pros of Squirrel Buster Finch Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
- Excellent at attracting finches and similar types (woodpeckers love it too)
- This squirrel protected bird feeders are made with durable and strong material, easy to clean
- A seed level indicator lets you know when it's time to refill the seeds and will also let you know when you have reached the maximum seed level
- Great customer service and Brome will replace/fix any issues!
- Extremely effective at keeping squirrels away (they find it too complicated to operate so they don't bother with it)
Cons of Squirrel Buster Finch Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
- It's important to note that these squirrel resistant bird feeders only work with nyjer/thistle seeds (this is not necessarily a con, but mostly limiting if you want to store mixed-nuts for your friendly birds!)
- Holds a small amount of wild bird seed compared to other feeders, however since the seeds are so small, your supply will typically last longer
3. Droll Yankees SQG 15-Inch Green Dome Squirrel Guard
Droll Yankees Green SQG 15-Inch Dome Squirrel Guard
- ADJUSTABLE: Protective dome selectively screens out certain sizes of birds; Durable brass rod with safety lock holds dome over fresh and dry food
- SPECIFICATIONS: Dome cover is 15-inches in diameter; Platform tray holds up to 1 pound of bird feed
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 8 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
The Droll Yankee SQG 15-Inch Dome is a big dome measuring 15-inch/38 cm, it’s quite hard for the squirrels to land on top of it as they just slip off! This hanging bird feeder squirrel proof provides a protective shield for the birds. It’s also effective during rainy weather and prevents water from spoiling the seeds. It’s a great additional tool to add over any bird feeder to make it extra resistant against pesky little squirrels.
Unlike other domes, this one stays put in tough, windy weather and doesn’t have a tendency to flop around. It’s built quite sturdy and it’s easy to clean!
Pros of Droll Yankees SQG Squirrel Guard
- Heavy-duty dome that effectively keeps squirrels away from hungry wild birds
- This hanging feeder is easy to install and to clean periodically (I clean mine especially every 2 months, and more frequently during cold, humid weathers like winter)
- The brass rod can be adjusted to change the height of the dome
Cons of Droll Yankees SQG Squirrel Guard
- Quite expensive, but it's worth it especially if your backyard is home to hungry little squirrels who will do everything they can to eat your bird seed supplies!
4. Woodland Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536
Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536
- Durable powder coated steel body
- Squirrel’s weight on perch closes access to seed
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 16 x 11.25 inches
- Weight: 1 pounds
The Woodlink Absolute Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder 7536 is an excellent wild bird feeder because it is able to hold a large capacity of bird seed. The larger body allows more food for the birds! This is a pleasant and well-equipped squirrel proof bird feeder that can attract many types of birds! The weight-adjustable perches can be set to allow light, medium or heavy birds on the feeder, but will ensure that the squirrels cannot get access to the seeds without causing any harm to them.
Bird feeders that are squirrel proof store up to 12 lbs/5.44 kg of bird feed, such as mixed seeds, sunflower seeds, peanut halves, safflower seeds, and many more! This bird feeder comes packaged fully assembled and you can hang or mount these hanging squirrel free bird feeders anywhere in your garden (provided it’s safe for the birds and convenient for you).
Pros of Woodland Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
- Resistant to all weathers and keeps water and humidity out of the feeder ensuring fresh bird feed
- Impressive construction built to last for many years
- Two feeding stations for your birds to feed happily on all sides!
- Squirrel proof and weight can also be adjusted to keep away larger birds
- Easy to fill and holds a large capacity of seeds
- No-waste seed save baffle technology prevents seeds from spilling onto the ground and going to waste/attracting squirrel
Cons of Woodland Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
- While this is one of the best feeders on the market, I would have to let you know that it's best to not hang this feeder especially if the squirrels in your backyard are big jumpers. You can reinforce the hooks with copper wires to make the hanging metal bird feeder squirrel proof much more resilient! But, I prefer mine mounted on a pole because it looks adorable!
5. Droll Yankees New Generation Peanut Bird Feeder
Droll Yankees CJM13GP 13in Green New Generation Metal Peanut Feeder, 13″ H
- WIRE MESH TUBE: Birds like to cling to the open wire mesh food cage while feeding
- BIRD SEED TYPE: Shelled peanuts or peanut mixes and black oil sunflower seed
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 1.15 pounds
The Droll Yankees New Generation Peanut Bird Feeder is a great choice if you would like to buy yourself a squirrel proof bird feeder that is specifically designed for peanuts. The parts of this feeder are constructed from metal, making them chew-proof and resistant to squirrels and chipping. The feeder is backed up with a lifetime warranty, which provides security in case of accidental damages.
What makes this bird feeder different from other hanging bird feeders squirrel resistant are that it holds up unshelled peanuts on a pole without causing spoilage in wet and humid weather. This bird feeder is a favorite amongst woodpeckers, especially!
Pros of Droll Yankees feeders
- Easy to clean and fill up, extremely sturdy and durable feeder
- Easy for many birds to land anywhere on the feeder due to the design
- Works extremely well with peanuts and black-oil sunflower seeds and prevents them from falling from the feeder
- Prevents peanuts and seeds from spoiling in wet weather
- Top lid is easy to close and cannot be opened by squirrels
Cons of Droll Yankees feeders
- Not all birds enjoy eating shelled peanuts above on a pole and it's preferable to feed birds a variety of foods (and not only peanuts), it's best to incorporate other feeders or occasionally switch from peanuts to other bird seeds
- Smaller maximum capacity requiring more frequent fill-ups
6. Brome Squirrel Solution 200 with 6 Feeding Ports Bird Feeder
Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/6 Feeding Ports, 3.4-pound Seed Capacity, Free Seed Funnel
- LIFETIME CARE: you only need to buy one of our products, and we will to service your feeder for free for the rest of your life!
- TRULY SQUIRREL-PROOF: the weight of an adult squirrel automatically closes the shroud denying access to seed.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 20 x 4 x 20 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
The Squirrel Solution 200 by Brome is undoubtedly one of my favorite bird feeders. This bird feeder is designed to attract birds while preventing the squirrels from stuffing the mouths with food that doesn’t belong to them. The weight of the squirrels is what triggers the mechanism to shut down. But, it’s still important to keep a clearance of at least 18-inches/47 cm to prevent squirrels from hopping on the feeder.
The feeding ports close off to the squirrels. These hanging squirrel protected bird feeders come with amazing features that do not cause harm or injure the squirrels.
Here’s a video on the Squirrel Solution 200 if you’re interested in purchasing. The reviewer goes in great detail showing what comes with the box, the instruction manual and happy little featured friends eating! He shows you how the mechanisms of this feeder operate. There are even a few segments where the troublemaker squirrels are trying to feed themselves but fail each time!
Pros of Brome Squirrel Solution
- Lifetime guarantee, if you encounter any problems, Brome will either fix the problem or replace the component for free!
- Chew proof as the weight of the feeder is adjusted on a pole to prevent the squirrels from accessing the seeds. The ports are automatically closed off and they do not cause any harm to the squirrels
- Extremely sturdy, will not fall or be damaged if squirrels jump on top
Cons of Brome Squirrel Solution
- Quite a substantial amount of seeds can be lost especially if they are small and this can attract peskier furry squirrels or harbor diseases if they are not cleaned up
7. Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/4 Metal Perches, 0.98-pound Seed Capacity
- LIFETIME CARE: you only need to buy one of our products, and we will guarantee to service your feeder for free for the rest of your life!
- TRULY SQUIRREL PROOF: the weight of an adult squirrel automatically closes the shroud denying access to seed.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 3.88 x 3.88 x 11.5 inches
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
The Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder in 2020 prevents squirrels from latching onto the feeder by closing the seed ports without causing harm to our furry annoying friends.
Also, the chew proof material prevents the squirrels from dining to the core of the bird feeder.
Pros of Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Lifetime warranty on all Brome product
- Squirrel proof bird feeder provides a fun and relaxing ports for a large variety of birds who are visiting your backyard
- This hanging bird feeder prevents larger birds like ravens and crows
- Smaller seeds can sometimes spill to the ground which provides a nice little meal for the squirrels, so it is best to use black-oil sunflower seeds (which are convenient for all types of birds)
Cons of Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Some of the very smart squirrels and larger birds can vigorously rock the feeder from side-to-side so seeds may fall out (especially smaller seeds) providing a nice delicious snack for our friends on the ground
8. Audobon “Mini” Absolute Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7458
Audubon “Mini” Absolute Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7458
- Durable powder coated steel body
- Double sided attracts more birds
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.63 x 8.75 inches
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
The Mini Absolute Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeders is an excellent bird feeder that’s ideal for people with smaller yards. Since it’s a double-sided feeder, it is suitable for all types of birds! The top as well as the hanging metal spring-activated perches keep the squirrels at bay! This makes it only accessible to birds!
The feeder supports upwards to 4 lb/1.81 of bird seeds and also peanut halves! The seed saver baffle prevents birds from shovelling and spilling seeds onto the ground. The bird feeder that is squirrel proof comes fully assembled and can be mounted from a tree branch with a strong hanger to keep your feeder intact.
Pros of Audobon “Mini” Absolute Squirrel feeders
- Lifetime warranty on all Brome 2020 product
- It provides a fun and relaxing feeding for a large variety of birds who are visiting your backyard
- This hanging bird feeder prevents larger birds like ravens and crows
- Smaller seeds can sometimes spill to the ground which provides a nice little meal for the squirrels, so it is best to use black-oil sunflower seeds (which are convenient for all types of birds)
Cons of Audobon “Mini” Absolute Squirrel feeders
- Some of the very smart squirrels and larger birds can vigorously rock the feeder from side-to-side so seeds may fall out (especially smaller seeds) providing a nice delicious snack for our friends on the ground
Some Extra Useful Tips and Tricks for Preventing Squirrels from Invading your Bird Feeders
One of the most important and effective ways from preventing squirrels and other predatory animals like cats to hide and pounce on the birds is to make sure that your squirrel proof bird feeder is placed away from nearby obstacles like branches and bushes!
Put some coconut oil or petroleum jelly on your poles that your bird feeders squirrel proof are mounted or hanging from a pole. This will prevent the squirrels from climbing up the pole and reaching the bird feeders. You can see how effective this trick is in the video below! The squirrel looks kinda silly, doesn’t it? But, you gotta give it to that little fighter!
What is the best squirrel proof bird feeding system?
Some of the best bird seeds are sunflower seeds because they can attract a wide variety of birds. However, some seeds can attract specific types of birds. Putting a variety of bird seeds can also attract a large variety of birds, but some birds will just sort through the seeds until they find the ones they like to eat. A quick list of some of the best bird seeds are peanuts, nuts, dry food, safflower, nyjer/ thistle, millet, etc. Make sure you also put out some clean drinking and bathing water for the birds to hydrate themselves and bathe themselves.
When and where should I set up my bird feeders squirrel proof?
I set my squirrel proof bird feeders all year around, but it’s especially important to feed the birds in the cold dreadful winter months when food is lacking. It’s still important to feed the birds in the summer and quite fun to see the different species of birds wandering about and feeding themselves in your backyard. Since birds prefer to feed on insects, it’s a good idea to keep your backyard well-maintained for birds to easily prey on insects.
Regarding setting up bird feeders squirrel proof in 2020, you can let them hang from a tree branch! This is a prime spot because the birds can scour the area for potential threats and easily escape from dangerous situations. However, squirrels can also try to climb or jump onto the trees and try to steal all the bird feed for themselves, so it’s essential to make sure that your bird feeder is squirrel proof. You can also distract squirrels (and make them happy) by providing them with their own squirrel feeder!
Setting up hanging squirrel proof feeders under a tree can also lead to diseases if not taken care of properly! The bird droppings coupled with the bird feed can be a breeding ground for bacteria and may potentially damage the area. To prevent this, it’s crucial to relocate the bird feeders to other areas in the yard every month or so to give that area of the land ample time to rehabilitate.
Make sure to clean and sweep up the ground where the old bird seeds and droppings are resting, because some birds will try to feed themselves on the disease-ridden bird feed. You can also cut the grass regularly to prevent infections.
If you are interested in learning about how to feed and attract birds in your garden, I recommend this video, which goes in great depth on how to feed birds, where to place the bird feeders, the different types of bird feed and bird feeders that are essential for attracting certain birds, providing water for hydration and bathing, and how to maintain a clean feeding space for birds.
How to maintain a bird feeder squirrel proof?
It’s absolutely crucial to keep bird feeders that are squirrel proof clean to minimize the spread of bacteria and diseases which could make the birds very sick and sometimes lead to permanent injuries. Every squirrel proof bird feeder provided on this list comes with an instructional manual on how to clean the bird feeders. You can also find instructional videos on how to clean the very same model of bird feeder by doing a quick YouTube search if you are still unsure about how to clean it up!
Bird Feeder Squirrel maintenance tips
Regardless, here are general instructions on how to clean your bird feeders so you make them last for several years!
- Empty all the bird feed from the hanging squirrel free bird feeders and remove the components according to the instructions.
- Use warm water with soap (which is the best option for the health of the birds, avoid disinfectant or bleach) to clean any food particles. You may also use vinegar but I find that soap is just fine!
- Use a bottle bird feeder brush to thoroughly scrub dried-up food particles and clean your bird feeders. Start by cleaning the base of the feeder and move on to the tube.
- Air dry completely before storing fresh bird seed (never use old bird seed to prevent the spread of diseases).
It’s ideal to clean hanging metal bird feeder squirrel proof at least once every few weeks. During warmer weather, it’s recommended to clean your bird feeders more often and that will entirely depend on you (I wash mine once a week to ensure that there are no diseases spread around which could be incredibly dangerous for the birds). Ideally, it’s best to clean every 2-3 weeks, but make sure you clean at least once a month in 2020!
FAQs on Bird Feeders Online
There is a type of bird feeder in the market with the name of Droll Yankees. This bird feeder has the advantage of spinning with the weight of a squirrel. When a squirrel tries to get the feed from it, due to the squirrel’s weight, the feeder will start to spin, which results in a loose grip of the squirrel over the feeder, thus protecting the bird feeder from squirrels.
Squirrels cannot climb a smooth or slippery surface. So if your pole is smooth or slippery, they cannot climb it, but squirrels can climb a polished steel pole. They can leap more than 8 feet. Their tails give them outstanding balance, allowing them to cross long lengths of thin wire effortlessly. For more protection, buy a squirrel baffle and attach it to the pole to prevent them from climbing up from below.
Vaseline can be used for making the path slippery for squirrels as squirrels find it challenging to walk or jump on a slippery path. But The Center for Wildlife says there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders; however, Vaseline and other lubricants can harm the animals. “Please do not coat your bird feeders in Vaseline, oil, butter, or anything like that. A well-placed slinky or baffle is much more effective and kind,” the Center for Wildlife said.
Vaseline can be used for making the path slippery for squirrels as squirrels find it challenging to walk or jump on a slippery path. But The Center for Wildlife says there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders; however, Vaseline and other lubricants can harm the animals. “Please do not coat your bird feeders in Vaseline, oil, butter, or anything like that. A well-placed slinky or baffle is much more effective and kind,” the Center for Wildlife said.
