How to Squirrel Proof Your Bird Feeder

Squirrel proofing your bird feeder takes a little bit of creativity and and understanding of squirrels' abilities. Squirrels are able to jump about 4 or 5 feet straight up and can leap sideways about 12 feet. They can use any kind of pole, deck or branch to leap from in order to get to your bird feeder. You can squirrel proof your bird feeder in just a few minutes with some basic tools and a little ingenuity.

Things You'll Need

• (4) 2-liter soda bottles
• Knife
• Galvanized wire
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Locate a section of your yard between two trees where you can hang a bird feeder at least 6 feet high with a line and at least 12 feet from any tree trunks or objects that a squirrel can use to jump.

2. Rinse out four empty 2-liter soda bottles and cut a hole in the bottom of each bottle with a knife, just big enough for galvanized wire to run through. String the galvanized wire out so you can measure enough to go around both trees and cut the wire with pliers.

3. Thread the galvanized wire through the top of the bird feeder and through two soda bottles on each side of the feeder. Attach one of the wires to a tree so it hangs no lower than 6 feet from the ground, and attach the other end of the wire to the opposite tree in the same manner.

References

• Bird-Feeders-Secrets: How to Squirrel-Proof Any Hanging Bird Feeder