How do you squirrel-proof a bird feeder?

There is nothing more frustrating for backyard birders, than to see a hungry squirrel constantly hoovering out all the food in feeders. Fortunately, there are Squirrel-Proof Feeders that can make this problem simple to solve!

Yes, there are accessories you can add, like baffles (see our Squirrel and Raccoon Baffles here), but investing in a well-designed squirrel-busting feeder is the easiest way to stop squirrels from taking over.

Which feeder is best for keeping squirrels out?

The Backyard Naturalist has definite favorite feeder designs and we’re happy to make recommendations. See a list of some of them below. Or, stop by our store and tell us what the clever squirrels are up to in your backyard. We can help you find the right feeder for you and your birds——one that will also deny your resident squirrels.

The Backyard Naturalist has (always free!) advice for you, including:

• Types of feeders and appropriate food for birds you see in your area;
• A feeder that will keep squirrels, or even larger birds, from eating all your seed or suet;
• The best feeder for your budget and lifestyle;
• Where and how to place your feeders;
• How to maintain and clean your bird feeders.

Squirrel-proof Feeders We Recommend

To be specific, for the best squirrel-proofing, our favorite, go-to recommendations are from the Brome Bird Care Squirrel-Buster series and The Droll Yankees’ family of Squirrel-Proof Feeders.

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Classic

Value-priced, high quality truly squirrel-proof bird feeder. It provides both a perching and clinging environment, disassembles easily for cleaning and features seed tube ventilation. 1.4 quart capacity.

Dimensions:   5.30 (D) x 5.30 (W) x 20.63 (H) inches

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Finch

A 1.4 quart bird feeder designed especially for Nyjer seed, the seed of choice for Finches. Has 4 clinging ports and 4 perching ports, and features a patented seed ventilation system. Dismantles easily for cleaning and all components are 100% recyclable.

Dimensions:   5.30 (D) x 5.30 (W) x 20.63 (H) inches

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Nut Feeder

Truly squirrel proof! Effective against Red and Gray Squirrels, and larger birds. Woodpecker friendly tail prop lets woodpeckers feed comfortably, using their tails for support and balance just like they do on trees. Mess free. The wire mesh holding the shelled peanuts or wild bird food nuggets is calibrated so that birds cannot simply sweep the food out of the feeder. Very small bits that may fall below the feeder will be eaten by ground feeding birds or squirrels. Food is not wasted and there is no mess to clean up. Ideal for decks, condos and apartments.

Dimensions:   5.13 (D) x 5.13 (W) x 19.38 (H) inches

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Plus

Keeps out squirrels and larger birds by using an adjustable weight mechanism that closes access to the seed. Features seed tube ventilation, adjustable perches and attachable cardinal ring. Disassembles for cleaning, is chew and rust-proof, with a 3 quart seed capacity. It was voted BEST squirrel-proof bird feeder by Popular Science.

Dimensions:   6.50 (D) x 6.50 (W) x 23.80 (H) inches

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Standard

The new Squirrel Buster Standard raises the standard in everything a wild bird feeder should be. Here’s why: Award-winning Squirrel Buster technology is truly squirrel-proof. Over 4 million very happy customers have confirmed it.; Patented weight adjustable closing mechanism shuts out squirrels as well as larger, heavier birds. Seed Tube Ventilation keeps seed fresh. Perching and clinging footholds. Chew-proof components stop squirrel damage. Detachable Component System for easy cleaning, filling and servicing. Stainless steel perches and hanger.; UV stabilized components.

Dimensions:   5.00 (D) x 5.00 (W) x 13.25 (H) inches

Brome Bird Care Squirrel Buster Suet

A truly innovative squirrel-proof suet bird feeder. No more greasy fingers due to Brome’s Mess-free Suet Loading. Two Suet cakes allow a number of Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Titmice and Chickadees to feed at the same time. And no Suet goes wasted! Two Crumb Ports will catch the Suet that birds drop. Weight-adjustable so you can control which size birds will feed there.

Dimensions:   4.50 (D) x 8.68 (W) x 18.68 (H) inches

More Photos and Video of Squirrel Buster Feeders in Action!

Check out the newest addition to the Brome Care Squirrel-Buster family: The first, truly, squirrel-proof suet feeder! See it action for yourself — in an entertaining video on our featured ‘Squirrel-proof Suet Feeder’ page.

Droll Yankees’ Squirrel-Proof Feeders in action: Flipper, Tipper, Dipper and Whipper.

See more detailed information about the features of each of Droll Yankees Squirrel-Proof Feeders on our product page: The Flipper, Tipper, Dipper and Whipper.

The Backyard Naturalist has the Washington Metro area’s best selection of Droll Yankees feeders. We’re Maryland’s first and only store to be awarded Droll Yankees’ Five Feather Platinum Premier dealer status.