How to Make a Squirrel Ferris Wheel Feeder

A bicycle wheel squirrel feeder looks much like this real Ferris wheel.

Squirrel Ferris wheel feeders come in a variety of styles from simple spinning cross-shaped affairs equipped with a spike on each arm for attaching corn cobs, to full-fledged model Ferris wheels complete with pivoting seats. The point of each is to safely provide food for squirrels, while simultaneously entertaining us. With that criteria in mind, almost anything that can spin, support the weight of a squirrel and hold corn is a candidate, but this feeder also makes use of discarded material, such as what you might find at Freecycle.org, making it earth friendly as well.

Things You'll Need

• Discarded bicycle wheel (tire as well as spokes)
• Wooden "Lazy Susan" with pedestal base and wooden "plate"
• "U" shaped pipe clamps
• Angle brackets, 2
• Screws (sized to fit holes in angle brackets)
• Screwdriver
• Spray paint, outdoor wood and metal type (any color)
• Wire, stainless steel or galvanized
• Pliers
• Dried corn on the cob

Instructions

1. Connect a clean bicycle wheel securely to a wooden "Lazy Susan" using screws to fasten two or more "U" shaped pipe clamps over the spokes of the wheel and onto the plate portion.

2. Fasten an angle bracket on either side of the wooden pedestal portion of the "Lazy Susan", ensuring that the lower legs of the angle brackets are flush with the bottom of the pedestal.

3. Attach the whole apparatus to a tree or a preset wooden post with screws through holes in the remaining legs of the angle brackets.

4. Spray paint the assembled Ferris wheel, in any color you prefer, with outdoor grade paint rated for wood and metal; and then let dry according to manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Use pieces of rust proof stainless steel or galvanized wire to fasten corn cobs to the spokes of the bicycle wheel -- making sure to bend the ends of the wires over into loops with pliers so they do not injure the squirrels who come to feed and play.

6. Retreat to a comfortable viewing station and enjoy the show!

Tips & Warnings

• For a lasting project, use materials that, though second hand, are still in good shape. Make your paint job last by thoroughly cleaning all the components -- using a de-greaser as appropriate on the bicycle wheel -- and drying them completely before painting.

• If you cannot find a wooden Lazy Susan for the project, you can pick up a Lazy Susan-type bearing with two plates from your hardware or DIY store and make one yourself from scratch using a circle of plywood and a block of wood as plate and pedestal, respectively.

• Be sure to keep the tire on your bicycle wheel, as it will act as a bumper for soft landings and give the squirrels something to grip.

• Always use spray paint outdoors or with adequate ventilation.

References

• Freecycle: Changing the World One Gift at a Time

Resources

• Lumberjocks: Wooden Squirrel Ferris Wheel Feeder
• Woodworkers Workshop: Squirrel Feeder Ferris Wheel