Archive for the 'Squirrel Baffles' Category
Tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeders?
It’s an age-old problem that’s been around since folks started feeding birds. At first it may be cute, but then you start to realize how much they can eat! Pesky squirrels can consume their weight in birdseed in just one week, times a few squirrels, and that’s a lot of seed. The cost starts to add up. Then besides that aspect, maaaan, they can be destructive! The little critters can gnaw down wooden bird feeders and render them useless. They’ll even chew and enlarge birdhouse entries to accommodate themselves. The whole scenario starts to become absolutely infuriating! And your peaceful, enjoyable bird feeding efforts have turned into a war with squirrels.
A properly placed squirrel baffle is a most effective way to foil squirrels. Especially if you already have a favorite feeder, the one-time cost of this accessory will solve a big problem…for a long time. Ha
nging, post-mount, and even pole mount baffles are available to suit any need. In acrylic, metal and copper, you’ll find that some models are even quite decorative. The most important thing to remember is placement, as squirrels’ acrobatic agility is uncanny. The horizontal launch point – is any object they can jump horizontally from to access the feeder. Make sure the feeder is at least 8-10 feet from any such spot. For a pole or post mounted squirrel baffle, be sure the bottom of the baffle is at least 4-5 feet from the ground.
Don’t give up bird feeding because of these pesky critters. Squirrel baffles are fairly inexpensive, and a very effective solution to this aggravating problem.
There must be a group of hybrid grey squirrels in the yard. Super athletes who jump higher and stretch farther. For the longest time it seems there’s been no hanky-panky going on with the front bird feeder, but lately it’s really been out of hand! The shepherd’s hook, complete with squirrel baffle has been successful at keeping squirrels from the feeder…until now.
After finding the feeder broken on the ground one morning, I salvaged the bottom bowl and crafted a new weather guard by bending an old metal one to fit the space between pole and arm of the stand . Tightening the hardware, and moving the squirrel baffle upwards, surely would fix this problem? Nope. The next day while sitting outside, the sound of clanking metal started grating on my nerves. Time to revisit the feeder!
Removing the weather guard, I placed the feeder at the very top of the hook’s arm. Using 2 small bungee cords to secure the hanger worked great until the rainy season started in Georgia. Back to the drawing board. Now returning the bent weather guard, I raised the feeder, which only allowed a small space for birds’ entry. The squirrel baffle was again moved up as far as it would go, touching the bottom of the feeder. So far, so good! It looks a little strange, but the birds don’t seem to mind. The squirrels around here must have gotten hold of steroids or something because their ability to get into feeders has been absolutely uncanny!
When feeding wild birds, squirrels sure can be a nuisance! They seem to get into every feeder possible, and once they do gain access, they eat everything in site. Little pigs! Squirrel baffles are very effective at deterring squirrels from feeders, until they figure out how to get past them! There’s always one in the crowd, super-squirrel who can jump higher, or reach farther.
Whether pole mounted or hanging, placement is important. You must remember the horizontal launching point. This is where squirrels will jump from to get at your feeder.
Raccoons can also wreak havoc on bird feeders and houses. A friend recently told me the sad story of a chickadee nest raid by his new tenant, Rocky. Prompted by this incident, they ordered not one-but four large post-mount squirrel baffles to protect the birdhouses. A few days later, they ordered four more! What does one do with all those baffles?
See the pics…just in case you don’t believe me!
Here’s the first 3: (That’s a leaf mister attached to the back post)
and here’s the fourth:
When the simple joys of backyard birding become thwarted….it means that it’s time to do something. Simple solutions do exist for some of the most common problems associated with backyard birding. Wild bird accessories were created for convenience, and to attract more birds. There’s tons of gadgets and gizmos out there, but the basic ones are tried and true.
Seed catchers for example, will eliminate ground mess. Tired of weeds popping up in the garden? With a seed tray, or seed catcher the problem is eliminated. Available in several designs, seed catchers may be attached to hanging or post-mount bird feeders. The larger ones even serve as additional feeding space for birds who may not perch at a feeder. So you’ll never know who might visit?
Squirrel baffles – probably my favorite bird accessory! Every single feeder in my yard (and there’s lots of them) has a squirrel baffle attached. Whether they’re post-mounted or hanging feeders, they’re protected from squirrels. Don’t worry though, the squirrels have their own feeders, but it’s never enough. They’ve even learned to hang on and ride the twirl-a squirrel, thinking it’s some kind of amusement ride for them 
Window Alert Decals are literally life savers for many birds. These decals are barely noticeable to humans, but act as a shield to guard birds from striking windows. After several stunned or dead birds on the back deck, I quickly realized these were a “must”. Also, if there’s a territorial male cardinal fighting with himself at your window…Cardinal Alerts will solve the problem.
Bird accessories like those mentioned here, really do make a difference in the everyday life of a backyard birder. You may not think any of this stuff is necessary, until you’ve tried them!
PS: If anyone knows how to get rid of the pain in the a$$ starlings in my yard right now, please let me know! They’re eating everything in sight, bullying the songbirds, and making a serious poop mess. Much thanks to that guy who brought them here from Europe!
Happy Birding….
Outwitting squirrels…furiously frustrating to say the least! The age old battle has been going on since the dawn of backyard bird feeding. All kinds of contraptions are available, some with motors, some with springs, some with parts that are bound to break in due time.
The good news is you don’t need any of that to make your existing feeder a squirrel proof bird feeder. With careful attention to placement and one quality squirrel baffle, the problem’s solved. For hanging bird feeders, just remember the horizontal and vertical launching points. These are objects or branches where squirrels could possibly jump from – gaining access to your feeder. Okay, here’s the kicker: the pesky little acrobats can jump eight feet across, and up to six feet high. Do some serious thinking before placing your hanging feeder.
For pole or post-mounted bird feeders, the squirrel baffle would obviously sit below the feeder. Make sure the bottom of the baffle is at least four and half feet from the ground. Again, remember the horizontal launching distance as well.
Attractive and effective squirrel baffles do exist for squirrel proofing your bird feeder, saving seed, money and headaches…happy birding!
Protect bird feeders from squirrels and rain in high style with attractive squirrel baffles. No longer are they required to be industrial-like hunks of metal. With graceful shapes, some now have detailed touches that actually make them pretty!
The baffle shown here, is an extra large 20-inch model by Parasol. It has an etched design of natural images like twigs and flowers. Because it’s done in powder coated metal, it will last for years of use and enjoyment. Keeping feeders free from squirrels and the damage they do, it also shields the feeder’s ports from rain or extreme sun.
Tired of pesky squirrels damaging your bird feeders, raiding birdseed and stealing suet? No problem with use of a good squirrel baffle. When placed correctly, they’re amazingly effective at keeping squirrels at bay. The main trick is placement, height and vertical distance from any possible launching point for squirrels. Remember, these critters are excellent acrobats, they can jump sideways up to eight feet, and up to six feet high!
Whether hanging, pole mounted on a shepherd’s hook, or post mounted on a 4×4 post, a squirrel baffle will really solve this invasive, annoying, and frustrating problem. They’re simple to install, and made to last. This pole-mounted version actually opens and clamps around the shepherd’s hook or pole.
Add a squirrel baffle to bird feeders where squirrels are a problem-.and once and for all be done with problem squirrels!
Squirrels and Squirrel Baffles
Let’s face it…squirrels can ruin the joys of backyard birding in no time flat! They can eat their weight in seed in one week, and destructive little devils… they’ll chew through feeders like tomorrow! Squirrel Baffles that are not used correctly are useless. They must be strategically placed to keep squirrels at bay. After all, they are crafty little critters who can jump up to six feet high and eight feet across, just like little supermen.
The electronic squirrel baffle called the Twirl-A-Squirrel, takes the guess work out of squirrel baffle/birdfeeder placement. This innovative little gadget allows you the complete liberty of placing bird feeders where you actually want them, and not just where squirrels can’t get to them. A pretty important factor to take into consideration if you enjoy feeding your feathered friends and bird watching! The Twirl-A-Squirrel is absolutely harmless to squirrels as well, the motorized baffle gently spins them to the ground when they can no longer hang on to the feeder. Check out the video below…it’s hilarious!
It really doesn’t spin that fast…this video has been remixed, but you’ll get the jist.
Along with backyard birding comes the challenges of unwanted pests! Depending on the season, and time of year, it’s best to be well-armed in defending your bird feeders. Recently, blackbirds were migrating in our area (starlings and grackles) and dear lord…they will eat you out of house and home!
The local feed store loves me 
Seriously though, every bird feeder in our yard is set up with a squirrel baffle. Pole mounted and hanging feeders both have them, and they work wonderfully. Effective at keeping squirrels out of the feeders. When setting up baffles, be sure they are far enough away from any possible launching point for squirrels. This is the most critical part of success with squirrels baffles.
By the way, the upside-down baffle above is actually an ant moat for hummingbird feeders. Not only squirrels, but contending with ants during hummer season is a pain. Using ant moats properly (filled with water) will eliminate the problem as ants can’t swim. So long pests!
Feeding wild birds suet can become a real problem if squirrels are present in your yard….they can make suet magically disappear within a few hours!
The new Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders on the market today work really well at deterring squirrels from bird feeders, saving you seed and money! But if you feed suet, there aren’t too many choices available that squirrels can’t manage to steal from.
The Suet Palace is perfect for feeding suet to birds -not squirrels. The grid design will also deny starlings and larger “bully birds” access to the suet. The cover works as a weather guard, protecting suet and birds from the elements, keeping suet fresher, longer.