How to Deter Squirrels & Blackbirds From Birdfeeders
Blackbirds and squirrels are annoying pests for most bird enthusiasts and their feeders. Both animals are highly persistent, clever and can find ways around even the most creative obstacles. While no methods are entirely foolproof, you can effectively reduce the likelihood of daily raids by taking a few steps to outwit your songbirds' cunning opponents. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Get a collapsible bird feeder. When a bird or a squirrel attempts to land on the feeder, their heavy weight will cause the perches to collapse, then spring back into place once the weight is removed. Lighter birds will still be able to use it.
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2
Use safflower seeds. Squirrels and blackbirds hate their taste, but other birds don't seem to mind. Keeping food that isn't yummy in the feeder can help keep them away and looking for other food sources.
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3
Reduce access by using cages, basins and toppers for the bird feeder. Squirrels will climb down even thin rope, but using a conical topper on the bird feeder will prevent them from accessing the food. Cages can successfully keep away blackbirds while letting other birds perch.
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4
Hang the feeder way from walls. Even if the squirrel can't come from the top, they can still jump up to 8 feet, so be sure to keep the feeder away from walls and other launching points.
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Tips & Warnings
Many squirrels also do not like thistle seed and Nutra, so you may consider these as well. Don't mix seeds that squirrels and blackbirds like with seeds they don't. They'll just pour them all out and pick out the ones they like.
