10 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders UK 2024
However, bird feeders may also encourage certain unwanted visitors. Greedy squirrels love to gobble up nuts, seeds, and suet fat balls before the birds can get a look in! In this article, we show you how to prevent pesky critters by sharing our top tips on how to find the best squirrel-proof bird feeder, and introduce the best bird feeders with baffles and cages, or those that spin, to buy online on eBay and Amazon.
Quick List - Top Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Droll Yankees
Weight-Activated Dipper for Protection Against Squirrels
Peckish
Protection From the Elements for the Smaller Winged Visitors
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How to Choose a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder in the UK ― Buying Guide
Stop Squirrels With Weight Sensitive, Spring-Loaded Perches
One method bird feeders use to safeguard against squirrels is to use weight sensitive perches. The perches are attached to the feeder via a spring mechanism; birds will be able to land safely on them and tuck in, however, if a certain weight limit is exceeded a shutter will come down over the opening sealing it shut.
A downside to weight sensitive perches is that squirrels are incredibly nimble, and it is possible that over time some may learn how to bypass this mechanism by hanging upside down from the body of the feeder. These feeders will also prevent larger birds such as crows and jackdaws from accessing food, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your intentions.
Caged Bird Feeders Guard Against Large Intruders
The outer cage is wired in a way that takes into account the fact that squirrels are much larger than birds. Small birds can fit through the gaps easily to gain access to treats inside, while squirrels’ bulky bodies will leave them stuck on the outside.
Although large birds will face much the same access issues as with weighted perches, long beaked varieties may be able to reach inside depending on the feeder’s specifications. Note that caged feeders will also still be accessible to small rodents who can be as troublesome as squirrels.
Squirrel Baffles Prevent Jumping and Climbing on to Bird Feeders
Avoid platform style squirrel baffles as the flat surfaces give squirrels a better chance of gaining purchase and clinging on.
Spinning Feeders Prevent Squirrels from Hanging On
Squirrels are robust creatures and the rotations of the device are calibrated in such a way as to avoid causing harm or long lasting effects, making them perfectly safe to use. Note that you will need to change the batteries regularly to keep motorised feeders running. They are also a bit more pricy than usual bird feeders which is something to keep in mind.
Top 10 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jacobi Jayne Squirrel Buster Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Mini | | Defend Attacks From Every Angle | |
2 | Droll Yankees Yankee Dipper Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder | | Weight-Activated Dipper for Protection Against Squirrels | |
3 | Gardman Decorative Bronze Squirrel Proof Peanut Feeder | | Fuss-Free Caged Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder | |
4 | Peckish Bird Seed Feeder for Small Birds | | Protection From the Elements for the Smaller Winged Visitors | |
5 | Gardman Heavy Duty Squirrel Proof Seed Bird Feeder | | Heavy-Duty Bird Feeder That Shuts Squirrels Out | |
6 | Roamwild Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder | | A Large Capacity Bird Feeder With Two Weighted Perches | |
7 | Happy Beaks Hanging Squirrel Proof Domed Wild Bird Feeder | | Domed for Protection But Still Allows Birds to Feed |
Jacobi JayneSquirrel Buster Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Mini
Defend Attacks From Every Angle
Made from 100% non-toxic chew-proof materials, you won’t have to worry about sharp teeth breaking through the outer casing and getting in through the body of the feeder. The Squirrel Buster comes in a range of different sizes and styles to appeal to different varieties of birds and to suit every garden!
Droll YankeesYankee Dipper Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
Weight-Activated Dipper for Protection Against Squirrels
Birds can feed from four adequately spaced feeding ports by landing on the metal perches which are calibrated to support the weight of multiple small breeds of birds. However, if a squirrel lands on the perch, it’s weight triggers the perches to collapse under the weight, safely deterring it.
GardmanDecorative Bronze Squirrel Proof Peanut Feeder
Fuss-Free Caged Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
The small holes of the mesh require birds to peck and break the nuts up into small pieces rather than eating them whole. If a squirrel does manage to get through to the inside their teeth will be far too large to successfully nibble at the peanuts.
Protection From the Elements for the Smaller Winged Visitors
This feeder is designed specifically for small birds such as finches, blue tits and goldcrests. Birds enter and exit via portals in the protective outer casing. The tiny size of the entrance portals makes it impossible for even the most svelte squirrel to squeeze through keeping the central feeding chamber safe.
Heavy-Duty Bird Feeder That Shuts Squirrels Out
This feeder uses a heavy-duty cast iron cage to its advantage to keep squirrels out, but attracts a number of small birds from Blue Tits, Robins, Finches and House Sparrows. There is also a safe biocidal coating on the feeder that kills bacteria on contact, but it will still need to be cleaned regularly with disinfectant.
A Large Capacity Bird Feeder With Two Weighted Perches
Totally weather-proof, the built-in weather guard prevents seed clogging, a common problem among weight activated bird feeders that jams door mechanisms and stops them working. This feeder also keeps out larger feathered predators such as crows and jackdaws.
Happy BeaksHanging Squirrel Proof Domed Wild Bird Feeder
Domed for Protection But Still Allows Birds to Feed
The feeding tray is very exposed so it is possible for squirrels to reach in from nearby trees or branches. Avoid this by hanging the feeder in an area sufficiently far away from trees, bushes or anything which may provide an overhanging platform from which the tray can be accessed.
Consider the Placement of Your Feeder to Prevent Squirrel Attacks
While suspending your bird feeder from a pole may keep it far enough away from jump off points, squirrels are especially adept climbers. They can wind their way up a pole in a matter of seconds, so it’s a good idea to improve your defences by greasing the pole with cooking oil or Vaseline, or by investing in a cylindrical baffle.
Distract Them With a Squirrel Feeder
Try putting up a snack box in your garden and filling it with squirrel-friendly treats! Squirrels will quickly learn how to lift the lid of the box to get their fill without having to compete with the birds, keeping everyone happy.
Enjoy Watching Birds From Close and Afar
Whether you want to watch birds up and close in your garden, or you enjoy viewing them from afar, we have the right products for you! Below are our 10 best birdwatching binoculars, great for avid birdwatchers, the best food for birds in winter or even some gardening tools you can use to spruce up your garden, whilst you watch birds eating on their new bird feeders.
Summary
Author: Wren Mann
Top 5 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
No. 1: Jacobi Jayne｜Squirrel Buster Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Mini
No. 2: Droll Yankees｜Yankee Dipper Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
No. 3: Gardman｜Decorative Bronze Squirrel Proof Peanut Feeder
No. 4: Peckish｜Bird Seed Feeder for Small Birds
No. 5: Gardman ｜Heavy Duty Squirrel Proof Seed Bird Feeder
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