Squirrels vs. Bird Feeders: The Ultimate Backyard Showdown

As a long-time backyard birder, I can tell you that the only thing more certain than death and taxes is that squirrels will find a way to outsmart any squirrel-proof feeder. Over a series of days, I have watched a squirrel gnaw its way through a wire cage. I have witnessed a squirrel jump onto a feeder, swinging it to and fro until it reached an angle where most of the seed was deposited on the ground. It may take them a while, and they can be quite entertaining in their efforts, but these determined little critters will stop at nothing to get to your birdseed.

With spring migration beginning as early as March 1 in some U.S. locations, now’s the time to prepare existing feeders and purchase new ones. I currently have many of the feeders on our list, and even though the squirrels may outsmart them they are still wonderful bird feeders that will serve you well.

Roamwild Pestoff Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

This attractive feeder, made in Ohio, has two spring-loaded feeding ports that keep squirrels and large birds at bay. The cylinder design holds 4 pounds of feed and is easy to fill. For best results, it is recommended that squirrel-proof feeders follow the 5-7-9 rule: place feeders 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet from shrubbery/patio furniture, and 9 feet from overhanging limbs and wires. From tree branches to picnic tables, if they can use it to their advantage, squirrels will. This is impossible in my small urban oasis. This clever design however keeps the spoils to a minimum. Check out the Pestoff ($54.99) and other feeders available from Roamwild.

Chickadee Farm Feeders Squirrel-Proof Stainless Steel Bird Feeder

Chickadee Farm Feeders are made in Minnesota by a small family-owned business. They have been selling their squirrel-proof feeders, designed by their grandpa, since 1990. This mammoth feeder holds six quarts of black oil sunflower seeds, which attract all sorts of birds to your yard. The all-metal (primarily stainless-steel) construction is built to last. According to Gramps, the squirrels will try to access the seed, but will eventually grow tired from their efforts and move on to easier pickings. The glowing customer reviews back up this claim. The Chickadee Farm Feeder is an amazing value at just $56.95.

Electric Blue Absolute II

Designed and manufactured in Iowa, the Electric Blue Absolute II can be hung or pole-mounted. The spring-loaded perch effectively shuts off the food supply to squirrels and other would-be poachers. This model holds 12 pounds of seed, allowing more time between fillings. My crafty squirrel outsmarted the Electric Blue by perching on the top or clinging to the side of the feeder, thus circumventing the spring action. See how long it takes your squirrels to discover these tactics. The Electric Blue ($109.99) and other Woodlink feeders are the perfect addition to your backyard set-up.

Brome Squirrel Buster® Plus

Dedicated to earth stewardship, Brone, a Canadian company, manufactures its feeders with sustainability and lasting quality in mind. Manufactured entirely of recyclable and replaceable parts, when necessary, most parts are replaced without cost. Brone’s patented Cardinal Ring System, on which birds perch, is fully adjustable. This allows you to decide the size of the birds you will be feeding. When a hefty bird or a squirrel lands on the ring, all of the ports close, and any smaller birds who were feeding scatter. Besides the Squirrel Buster® Plus ($119.95), Brone offers several other feeders and many accessories.

Arundale Mandarin Feeder with Dividers

This plexiglass feeder from Arundale, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has four separate seed chambers so that you can attract a wider variety of birds to your yard. The plexiglass dome/baffle not only deters squirrels but also protects seed from the elements. This large-capacity feeder holds 5.5 quarts of feed. Personal experience suggests that many squirrels will determine that they can access food by clinging to the bottom, and the baffle makes it challenging for one person to fill the feeder. The Arundale feeder ($94.95) comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Wild Bill’s Squirrel-free Bird Feeders

Made in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Wild Bill’s Squirrel-free Bird Feeder doesn’t baffle squirrels, it shocks them! Powered by a 9V battery, Wild Bill’s feeder delivers a mild shock to squirrels who attempt to access the seed. Don’t worry, the shock doesn’t hurt these little fur babies, it just gets their attention. This large feeder has eight feeding ports and holds up to 14 pounds of feed. Be aware that the unit does not come with a 9V battery. Wild Bill’s 8-port feeder is $129.95, while a 12-port model costs $159.95.

Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo

The Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo is simply amazing, but it isn’t squirrel-proof. However, there’s a subreddit dedicated to helping you squirrel-proof yours, because of course there is. Birdfy is the brainchild of Netvue Technologies, a company that specializes in smart home devices. Equipped with two cameras, the Birdfy Duo allows you to get up close and personal with your feathered friends. State-of-the-art cameras send images via WiFi to your phone or computer. Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews suggest you can expect the batteries to stay charged for 10 days to six months, depending on weather conditions, as Birdfy comes equipped with a solar panel for battery charging. The Birdfy 2 Duo ($259.99) may not be squirrel-proof, but at least you’ll have great photos of the perpetrators.