After finishing the information in this list, you should have gained a good amount of knowledge to help you choose a squirrel feeder. Just be sure that you choose one that can be considered practical for both you and the squirrels. I mean think about it, if those squirrels trash their feeder right off the bat, you are right back to square one. Those squirrels will still be happy since they will be right back to raiding your bird feeders.

The next section of this buying guide will cover the criteria we used for choosing our top ten picks for squirrel feeders. Here we walk you through some more detailed information for not only choosing a squirrel feeder but how to use one as well. Although squirrels are nowhere near as pick about their feeder placement as birds are. At the end of the criteria section, you will find some of the more commonly asked questions about squirrels and their feeders.

With the presence of squirrels in your yard, will come some troubles as well. Especially, if you are an avid bird watching enthusiast. Squirrels are notorious for raiding your bird feeders, sometimes even damaging them to obtain their contents. You may have taken some preventative measures for “squirrel proofing” your bird feeders. But let’s face it, those squirrels are resilient creatures, known for getting what they want. So what can you do? I think the phrase “If you can’t beat them join them” says it best when conquering the balance of birds and squirrels in your yard. Now you might be wondering just how you will join them, it is simple, offer those squirrels their own source of food.

Squirrel feeders come in several style choice, some will offer you a way to put out more than one type of food. You will need a feeder that is simple for the squirrels while offering a certain amount of durability as well. Some will find that the task of researching products before purchasing to be daunting. So they will simply walk into the store and buy the first feeder they see. Only to find out that the squirrel feeder they purchased was destroyed in a week. At this point, you’re wondering, how do I go about researching these products?
One thing, if your goal is to feed only squirrels then some of these won’t work for you. But if you’re okay with feeding the whole neighborhood, four-legged or two clawed there’ll be plenty for you here as well. It’s possible to squirrel-proof a bird feeder, but it’s really hard to bird proof a squirrel feeder.

Types of squirrel feeders

There are many different types of squirrel feeders available today, choosing the one that fits your yard doesn’t have to be that stressful. Some types of feeders offer the food in different ways, while others will allow you to offer both whole corn and seeds. Decide whether you want this feeder to blend with the surroundings, or become the next highlight in your yard.

There are two factors that come into play in choosing the type of squirrel feeder best for your situation. The first, how many squirrels are already in your yard, this will help determine the type of feeder by size. Next comes the types of food available to you for feeding the squirrels. If all you can find is seeds or husked corn, then you wouldn’t want a feeder that only holds whole corn cobs. Below you will find the different design types for squirrel feeders.

Table or chair design

A feeder that was designed to mimic a chair or picnic table, this one is a cool attraction to your yard. These are typically spacious enough to fit more than one squirrel at a time. Allowing you to offer the squirrels an entire cob of corn at once, which is sure to keep them busy for a while.

Feeders that swing

Designed to be entertaining for both you and the squirrels, these are fun to watch the squirrels play with. Some simply hang from a chain, leaving the squirrels swaying in the wind. While others will have an arm or two that will move with the weight of the squirrel. Watching the squirrels on a feeder like this one can be hilarious. The squirrel has to really think on its feet, so you may see some flips and tumbles. Some of the designs of the swinging feeder will accommodate more than one squirrel. Those models will also hold larger amounts of food.

Box style Feeders

The design for the box style feeders is to hold a maximum amount of food, making it easier to care for than some of the others. Depending on the size of the box, you can use several types of food choices. The box of these feeders will often time be large enough to hold peanuts, seeds, or a mixture of food. Finding one with a lid will not only help keep birds off the feeder, it will also prolong the life of the food. In some designs, you will find that you can place a whole corn cob, while it still has the box for seeds and nuts.

Platform style feeder

Platform feeders are as simple as they come, some will be able to hold several ears of corn. While others will be a plain tray, holding a mix of seeds and nuts for the squirrels to graze on. These are large enough to service more than one squirrel at a time. As for as work on your part this style will seem like a breeze, it holds plenty, so refilling won’t happen as often. Cleaning will be relatively simple as well, all you need to do is wipe the platform off from time to time.

The oddball designs

Squirrel feeders can sometimes be the white elephant gift you have been looking for, as there are some that have an over the top look to them. Designed to be hilarious, as far as the giver of the gift goes, these feeders are not always functional though. In most cases, they are meant for those intending to mock their friends that constantly struggle to get along with the squirrels.

Material choices

There are three main types of materials used to make squirrel feeders, each has their own good and bad qualities. Up first, we will take a look at wood. When looking into a feeder made from wood, be sure it is made from cedar, as it holds the highest natural resistance to water. Choosing a squirrel feeder made from any other type of wood, most likely won’t hold up very well. The downside to wood feeders, if left empty for long periods, the squirrels will begin to chew the feeder. Wood will only withstand the abuse from hungry squirrels for a short period of time.

Many of the box feeders you see will be constructed from metal, some of which will have a protective coating to prevent corrosion. Feeders made from metal hold the highest potential in the durability category. Whether you are feeding one squirrel or twenty, they can’t chew through metal, making this the better choice for long-term purchases.

The last option for materials we come to is plastic, this is where the fun designs come into play. Plastic feeders will be less costly than a wooden feeder. They offer a decent amount of durability when it comes to squirrel or weather damage. However, they are nowhere near as durable as those made from metal. When you see those fun looking feeders, those are plastic, as plastic can be formed into any shape.

Placing the squirrel feeder

Honestly, you will be amazed at the number of places for which there are to mount your squirrel feeder. Since squirrels are nowhere near as picky as the birds you feed, placing your squirrel feeder will be easy. One highly recommended aspect, place them away from your bird feeders, doing so will lure them away from the food intended for the birds.

The squirrel feeder you purchase will have the directions you need for how you will mount the feeder. Many will allow you to mount them to such objects like trees or posts. In the event there are no trees in your yard, look for a feeder that can be put on a fence. If your really good at following directions, you can even mount a feeder into a block wall. This is a slightly more complicated process, so most will avoid this mounting style.

When planning your next family picnic at the park, consider bringing a squirrel feeder along. In some areas, squirrels have become so domesticated that they will approach where food is involved. Which can be a frightening experience for both you and your children. Placing a feeder or two around the area you will be using, will draw the squirrels away from you and your food. In this instance, you can just set them on the ground, then collect them before leaving the park for the day.

Reasons to feed the squirrels

When it comes to squirrels, most people only think of the negative sides to them. I mean sure they can be pests at times, but they serve a purpose, just like many other animals on the planet. Aside from this, they can be a great source of entertainment. They are very playful creatures, oftentimes chasing each other, tumbling from tree to tree. Your way of feeding the squirrels is totally up to you, but here are five common reasons for feeding squirrels.

The most important reason for feeding the squirrels is an environmental purpose. As most of you know, squirrels will bury their food to get ready for the winter months. Unfortunately for the squirrels, they are one of the most forgetful creatures we have. Which means that the nuts and seeds they have placed underground will germinate, spreading trees and greenery. This is essential to the existence of our environment.
When you notice veggies missing from your garden, you may first blame rabbits. After all, rabbits are notorious for this, but squirrels will do the same. If they can’t find a source of food, they will improvise, digging into your garden to access your veggies. Fruit and nut trees are also a great attractant to squirrels, providing them with a ready food source. Deterring them with a feeder set up close to your garden or trees will keep them from ruining these things. Fruit and nut trees have very sensitive bark, so mounting them right to the tree can damage them. Watch the squirrels, when you find their direction of travel to your trees, you should place a feeder in that path. The feeder will deter them from making into your tree.
As previously mentioned, squirrels can be extremely entertaining animals. Placing a feeder in your yard will draw them in, giving you the pleasure of watching them. Often times the squirrels will try to show you who is the boss, this can be a hilarious event. If your not sure of the entertainment value squirrels have, look to the internet for video proof.
Here is some food for thought, since the advances if technology, adults and children alike are glued to screens. This has broken the connection with nature, feeding the squirrels can bring you back to that connection. You can teach young ones the responsibility of caring for a living being. Making them responsible for the filling and care of the feeder, which will help them to value their time outdoors.
You can use the opportunity to make the squirrels your friends, rather than your enemies. Squirrels by nature are a non-aggressive animal, they turn when they feel threatened. So rather than spending your time chasing them away from your garden or feeders, give them space all their own. This will give the squirrels the opportunity to co-exist with you and the other wildlife in your yard.