Squirrel Free Birding » Squirrel Feeders

Squirrel Diversion Feeders

susb8383 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:21:24 +0000

Feeders that are exclusively for squirrels are known as diversion feeders. Many people find success when they have squirrel feeders in addition to their regular feeders.

The idea behind it is you put cheaper food in the squirrel feeder. Since it is easier to get to than in your regular feeder, the squirrels are more likely to eat from it. They’ll eat the cracked corn and peanuts from their own squirrel feeder before consuming the more expensive thistle and sunflower seed.

There are may types of squirrel feeders. There are squirrel munch boxes which are simply hoppers with flip-up lids. And then there are more entertaining corn cob squirrel feeders that provide a comical show.

Whichever kind of squirrel feeder you get, try to put it as far away from your regular feeders are possible, and make sure you keep it full.

Eight Station Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

susb8383 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:12:40 +0000

Another bird feeder that is squirrel proof, thanks to a built-in squirrel baffle, is the Eight Station Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder. It is made by the Bird Shed. The bird feeder portion itself is worthy of acquiring; it has two sections which can be filled independently with different types of bird seed, giving it a generous 1.2 gallon capacity.

Each seed chamber has four feeding ports so that no one has to wait to be served. The feeding ports are also very versatile; they have small perches for smaller birds, but also attachable self-draining platforms.

These platforms will allow cardinals and larger birds to feast as well.

What makes this bird feeder squirrel-proof, however, is found below the feeding ports. It comes with a cylindrical squirrel baffle built right in. The feeder and the baffle mount on a pole. As long as you install it at least 12 feet away from the nearest tree trunk or limb, this feeder should be totally squilrrel-proof.

Note: it appears The Bird Shed no longer carries this item, but you might be able to find it online.

Squirrel Jungle Gym Squirrel Feeder

susb8383 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:09:08 +0000

Duncraft has another variation on the corn cob squirrel diversion feeder, designed to be as entertaining as it is functional. It’s called the Jingle Jungle Gym squirrel feeder.

This squirrel diversion feeder is another type of squirrel feeder that uses corn cobs.

It has two separate axels that rotate independently of each other. The end of each axle allows you to attach a corn cob, so the feeder has four corn cobs total. Each axle also has a bell on each end. Who needs windchimes!

You’ll have lots of fun watching the squirrels spin and bob as they try to get the corn cobs.

It is sold both with 12 ears of corn and also earless.

Note: It appears Duncraft no longer carries this item.

House of Munch Squirrel Feeder

susb8383 — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:32:38 +0000

Here’s a version of a squirrel feeder calls the House of Munch (I know there’s a pun there somewhere.)

A squirrel feeder is also known as a diversion feeder. The idea behind it is that in addition to (NOT instead of) squirrel-proofing your existing bird feeders, you also give the squirrels their own food source. Instead of filling it with expensive bird seed, you use less expensive feed, such as corn or peanuts.

This particular feeder is a pretty simple design. It’s a wooden house which serves as a foyer for a bottle. Put food in the bottom and you can watch the squirrel as he feasts.

A big advantage to this feeder is that the seed will always stay dry. (Even in the munch box squirrel feeders, the seeds get a little damp when it rains).

Here’s where you can get it online: Yardiac

Corn Trapper Spring Squirrel Feeder

susb8383 — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 02:35:23 +0000

Here’s a very simple style for a squirrel feeder. It’s called the Corn Trapper Spring.

Quite simply, it is a giant spring that you put a corn cob in. The squirrel and gnaw through the bars of the spring to eat it. It can be hung from any tree branch or pole.

Squirrel feeders, also known as diversion feeders, are important in the squirrel-proofing process. Fill your bird feeders with expensive seed, but fill the squirrel feeders with cheaper feed such as corn cobs or peanuts. If you combine making your bird feeders difficult to get to with providing a squirrel diversion feeder, you’re doubly likely to see results.

If you want a squirrel feeder for under $10.00, this is the one for you. But I guarentee, the squirrels will enjoy their feast just as much as they would with an expensive squirrel diversion feeder.

Here’s where you can find it online: Yardiac

Wild Kritter Block

susb8383 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:27:17 +0000

This product made by Duncraft can very loosely be defined as a squirrel diversion feeder. It’s called the Wild Kritter Block.

Diversion feeding is a tactic many people use to focus the squirrel on something other than the bird feeder filled with expensive seed. The Wild Kritter Block is just that; a big block of squirrel feed. It’s a suet block especially for squirrels, made of all natural ingredients including whole corn, peanuts, black and striped sunflower seed.

This extra-large block is a solid 6 3/4 lbs of seed.

Put it on your deck or in your yard; somewhere away from your bird feeders. I also recommend getting some type of squirrel-proof bird feeder or baffle.

Here’s where you can find it online:
Duncraft

Accent Selective

susb8383 — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:35:20 +0000

Here’s a squirrel-proof bird feeder by Duncraft called the Accent Selective. (An odd name for a bird feeder, I know).

If this looks familiar, it’s because it is almost identical to the Feeding Station Selective. The main difference is that this is only the tube seed feeder, not the suet feeder as well.

You’ll notice that this is a rather short feeder. That is an intentional design. The theory is that it is just the right size for smaller birds and the larger ones will leave it alone, leaving the small birds to eat in peace.

As with all tube feeders, the seeds near the feeding ports tend to get a little soggy during inclement weather, and then they clump up.

This feeder does have one of the necessary features of a cage-around-a-tube-feeder; it has no seed tray to catch falling seeds. This means the squirrel cannot hang upsidedown and eat out of the tray.

It also has the other feature requisite; the top locks on. (I’ve made a special trip outside to pick up my bird feeder lid enough times to know this is desireable).

Here’s where you can get it online: Duncraft

Squirrel Munch Box

susb8383 — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:37:46 +0000

Squirrel feeders are also known as diversion feeders. They divert the squirrels away from your bird feeders which contain expensive seed and focus their attention on feeders that are easy to get to, and contain cheaper feed.

The munch box is a very popular type of squirrel feeder. It is simply a box with a flip-top lid. It usually has a plastic side so you can easily see when it is time to restock. Fill it with cracked corn, peanuts, and even stale crackers and cereal.

There are many different variations of the squirrel munch box, some wood, some metal. Whatever kind you get, make sure the plastic side slides out so that the box is easier to clean.

Here are a couple of tips:

When you first put it out, fill it to overflowing so that the lid is propped up a little. This makes it easier for the squirrels to find the food. Once they get used to it, they’ll remember how to get the seed.

Squirrels tend to shell their food right there and eat the insides, rather than scuttling away with their prize the way chipmunks do. Keep this in mind when buying your munch box food. We started out with peanuts, but we were left with a pile of shells. We switched to official squirrel food which you can get at any supermarket, and consists mostly of corn.

Even after our squirrels figured out how to flip the lid up, sometimes a lazy squirrel would pry up the plastic instead. We often found the plexiglass piece lying on the other side of the fence. One way around this is to buy an inexpensive hook and secure the plexiglass from the inside. Then to clean, slide the hook free of the plexiglass and slide it out. Ace Hardware has the perfect hook because it is flat on one side. It’s part #5300215 “Hook and Staple.”

Here’s where you can find the feeder (not the hook) online:
Duncraft

En-Joy-Um Squirrel Feeder

susb8383 — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:23:20 +0000

There’s a new model of squirrel diversion feeder, made by Vari-Craft. It’s called the En-Joy-Um.

Rather than just lifting the lid, like in a traditional hopper feeder or squirrel munch box, the squirrel has to work for his food. He must pull down on the bar, which dispenses his food, kind of like a squirrel gumball machine.

This squirrel diversion feeder will provide you with entertainment as it performs its function of diverting squirrels away from your bird feeders. You’ll have lots of fun watching the squirrels try to puzzle through what makes the seed come out.

Fill it with corn kernals, cracked corn, or sunflower seeds.

In my opinion, the company that makes this feeder, Vari-kraft, is the master of feeders that last. This feeder is made of PVC tube, which is durable and tough. It has an aluminum roof and seed tray, and stainless steel shields. That all adds up to a feeder that will withstand the elements without rusting or warping.

And if for some reason the squirrels can’t figure out the bar movement and instead try to chew through it, it comes with a 5-year warranty.

The En-Joy-Um squirrel feeder comes with a pole for mounting it on a deck rail or tree.

Here’s where you can find it online:
Yardiac

Squirrel Bungee Feeder

susb8383 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:13:19 +0000

A few models of squirrel diversion feeders are design to entertain as well as feed. One of these is the Squirrel Bungee (a/k/a the Squngee.) .

It has a very simple design: a corn cob is suspended 2 feet above the ground via a bungee cord. The squirrel must jump to get the prize, and hang on as it dips and bobs.

You’ll find yourself watching the squirrel bungee for hours.

There’s one downside to the squirrel bungee feeder, however. The performance of the bungee works according to how elastic the material is. This elasticity depends on temperature. Bottom-line: your squirrel bungee may lose its springiness in cold weather.

The good news is the squirrel bungee feeder is relatively inexpensive. And you can order a 12-pack of corn cobs at the same time for under $10.00.

Here’s where you can get it online:

Squirrel Bungee Feeder by Duncraft
Corn Cobs