Squirrel Proofing Bird Feeders – Techniques to Birdproof Feeders

There are really 2 basic approaches to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder.  The first is to simply try to block them from getting to the feeder.  There are two common types of feeders that do that.

Baffled Bird Feeder – By simply restricting access to the the food in the feeder, you frustrate them and they move off.  The advantage to using a baffle is that it more or less separates the squirrel proof barrier from the feeder itself, so that the bird have free access to the bird seed, and any size bird can still use the feeder.  This is often the more aesthetic approach.  This is often done by pole mounting the feeder, and putting the baffle on the pole.  Other types use a hanging arrangement and the baffle forms a roof over the feeder.

The disadvantage of this approach is that squirrels can leap large distances, and are incredibly agile climbers, so that they will often find a way to land on the actual feeder and bypass the baffling.  With the top mounted feeder you may also find a squirrel smart enough to climb down and cause the feeder to swing, and while they may not gain access to the feeder itself they can cause the bird food to spill to the ground, where they can get all the food they want.

Caged Bird Feeders – Another very common solution is to use a caged feeder.  These are easy to spot, the construction includes some type of cage around the actual feeder area.  It’s a fairly open mesh, and in fact a tube style caged feeder looks similar to an electronic bug zapper with the open mesh surrounding the tube.

Caged feeders are better at keeping the squirrels out of the feeder, but they can still get to it and scare off the birds that are trying to use the feeder.  This is often the case when you are trying to attract smaller birds.

The second approach to getting rid of squirrels in your bird feeder is to move them out.  The much more effective types of squirrel proof feeders are those that cause the squirrel to fall off or be thrown from the feeder.  There are two types of those feeders as well,  weight activated feeders and the battery powered or electronic motorized feeders.  While this won’t harm the squirrels they are fun to watch in action.

Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder, How Does It Work?

The Squirrel Boss Bird Feeder was designed with change in mind. For years, people have resorted to scaring squirrels off their feeders by banging pots, rapping on windows, using slingshots, water hoses and many other ineffective methods to keep critters from stealing birdseed. Each time, the squirrels come right back to annoy everyone. It’s frustrating because they simply wish to enjoy the peaceful pleasure of backyard bird feeding.

The most common designs for squirrel proof feeders involve wire cages to deny large animals or birds access to the inside birdseed chambers. Weight activated squirrel proof bird feeders use the critter’s own weight as the means of activating a mechanism that shuts down openings where birdseed is obtained. In each of these two popular methods, the offending squirrels will spend time on the feeders, trying gain access to the birdseed inside. As long as the squirrels are hanging and chewing on the feeders, the birds are kept away.

The main difference between the Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder and the designs of other squirrel proof bird feeders is the immediate action of the feeder. The Squirrel Boss provides an instant response to keeping squirrels off the feeder. You simply grab your remote control, aim it at the feeder and with a simple press of the button, the squirrel receives a mild, static, harmless shock. The remote control has a range of up to 200 feet. The voltage is not harmful to squirrels, in accordance with the N.F.P.A.(National Fire Protection Agency) National Electric Codes. You are simply teaching an animal to stay away from an object that contains birdseed.

The power to accomplish this stinging action is in the solar roof. The Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder incorporates new design features such as solar power with tempered glass and stainless steel feeding stations. These are all industry recommended materials for long lasting outdoor products.

Admittedly, solar products have had an inferior reputation. Many people have tried the latest solar products on the market. Solar fountains that last only one year. Solar lights for our walkways that last, at most, two years. The Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder company offers a lifetime warranty on the solar powered roof. The feeder tube also has a lifetime warranty for squirrel chewing.

If you do not have a sunny location for the solar roof to operate fully, you can still use this feeder. Every Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder comes with an A/C charger. The charge usually lasts about 10 days. A non-solar roof is provided so that you can use the feeder while the solar roof is charging.

All the latest technologies have been built into this new squirrel proof bird feeder. But, you don’t have to take my word for it. You can listen to our exclusive radio interview with the inventor of the Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder. After you hear this, you’ll want to take control of your backyard like many other homeowners already have. Win the squirrel war! Visit http://www.wildbirddepot.com for more information about the Squirrel Boss Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder.

  

Bird Feeders–Their Contribution to Bird Watching

If you have ever engaged in bird watching, you know that it is an activity that will fill your day with the sheer pleasure and entertainment provided by playing and fluttering of these marvelous creatures with their whimsical nature.  If you have never noticed many birds in your backyard, there are a few things you can try in order to attract them.  You will be amazed how many different species you will be able to see.  By including into your backyard décor a few bird houses, bird baths and several different kind of feeders, you will soon be enjoying a theatre like no other. 

One thing that birds really appreciate is a bird bath where they can wade and splash around.  You can choose from bird baths that are, rather, conventional or you can try something created using modern technical advances, such as solar powered fountains of some sort.  Wild birds such as hummingbirds, robins, thrushes and warblers are attracted to moving water.  These species will not come to an ordinary fountain.  Besides attracting wild birds, water fountains, also, make a terrific garden décor that can become a gathering place for family and friends—a nice place to sit back and relax.

The next accessory you will want to add to your yard is a bird house.  By adding a bird house, you will, greatly increase, the chances of a bird nesting in it.  Birds will, not only, frequent your bird house occasionally, but they may, just decide, to make it the place where they decide to raise their young family.  What a treat—to be able to see the fledglings begin to test their flight wings!  Not only are bird houses practical accessories for bringing birds to your yard but they, also, serve as beautiful garden decors and conversational pieces.  The large selection available will make it possible to show off your own individual decorative style.

The last major addition you can add to develop your area for bird watching is a bird seed feeder.  Most bird feeders come in one of three different styles.  Tube bird feeders are cylindrically-shaped with a place to land near the hole that lets the food come out.  These type of feeders are ideal for a large variety of seeds, as long as the opening are wide enough to let the seeds pass.  Hopper feeders serve species that shy away for tray and tube feeders but for smaller birds, tray feeders are the style of choice.  If you are not set on any particular species of bird you would like to see in your yard and are willing to enjoy any species that cares to visit, you would be served well to invest in a general wild bird seed.  A mixture of various bird seed will appeal to many species of birds.  If you are looking to attract a particular species, you will have to investigate what seed is the favorite of that particular species.

If you are willing to invest in, at least, one of each of these three pieces for birds, you will soon find you will have feathered friends making your backyard a favorite hang-out and you will find yourself with a new, delightful recreation.

Bird Feeders–How to Choose the Right One

Bird feeders are an excellent way to attract birds into your surroundings.  They are a way of insuring that your feathered friends are cared for and visiting you all year long.  The tips found on this page will insure that you and the birds are happy all year long.  First, you must decide what type of bird you are looking to attract.  This will determine what type of bird feeder you are going to get.  Below, are some common styles:

Platform feeders attract birds that feed from the edge.  They have a long, narrow platform that minimize contamination of the feeding station.  They attract species such as cardinals, blackbirds and wrens. Suet feeders come in many styles but all styles have something in common.  They are all designed to hold suet cakes.  Usually, they have a wired cage that has a platform or perch in front.  The birds, then, are able to peck at the suet from the front of the feeder.  Among birds attracted to this type of feeder are mockingbirds, creepers, woodpeckers, jays and bluebirds. Tube feeders look like long cylinders that hold seed.  The feeders are surrounded by perches and feeder holes at different levels.  Usually, there is a platform at the bottom of the feeder to catch loose seed and give the birds extra perching space.  Among birds attracted to this type of feeder are woodpeckers, finches, chickadees and titmice. Hummingbird feeders do, exactly, what the name says.  They feed hummingbirds.  They are filled with liquid hummingbird nectar or a simple mixture of sugared water.  It enables hummingbirds to drink with their long bills.  The feeder should have a bottom tray to catch spills and provide sufficient feeding space.

Notwithstanding, what species of birds you would like to attract, some general rules apply to all birdhouses when looking for a bird feeder.  These guidelines will insure that your birds stay happy and healthy and that your feeder lasts through many a season:

The bird feeder should be weather-resistant.  If the wooden feeder is your preferred medium, cedar and redwood are among the best.  Care should be taken to insure the feeder is not lumber that has been chemically treated and that painted surfaces do not chip.  If a metal feeder is your medium, care must be given so that the metal is not in direct sunlight as it can get overheated for the birds. Also, consideration should be given so that the bird feeder is easy to clean and can be easily filled.  Feeders that are shaped like boxes should have removable roofs.  This will enable you to pour seed in easily and remove leftover shells.  Tube feeders and other long, narrow feeders should have tops and bottoms that are removable.  This will make it convenient to run water through it in order to keep it clean.

The right feeder will make your yard a popular visiting site for your feathered friends all year round and give you many hours of pleasure bird watching.

How to choose bird feeders for your backyard

Your local garden center or online retailer is likely to have a massive selection of bird feeders to choose from in various sizes, shapes, colors and prices and it can be difficult to know which bird feeder will be the best for the birds in your garden or backyard. Regardless of the type of bird feeder you decide to purchase it should be built of sturdy material, easy to clean and squirrel proof!

The most popular choices are tubular bird feeders and platform feeders. Tubular feeders are built using a plastic or metal tube with various holes to allow the seed to come out. Many of these feeders have perches for birds to rest on while feeding. Look for a tubular bird feeder that has a solid hook or chain to hang it from a tree or pole, a large tube so you are not refilling everyday and a mesh or dome to protect your food from squirrels.

Platform feeders can be simply be a sheet of plywood raised off the ground and covered with seeds, fruit or other food.  A platform feeder about one foot off the ground is perfect for attracting birds that feed on the ground such as sparrows, doves or juncos. You can also hang a platform feeder from a tree or mount on a pole to attract a vast array of different birds. Again remember to look for protection of squirrels and ensure any wooden surfaces have been protected from the weather.

Hopper feeders are a bit more expensive but are usually easier to look after and come in a variety of interesting styles, including a Victorian house!  The main advantage is this type of feeder automatically restocks the feeder until the feed has been exhausted from the hopper – this means you don’t have to refill the feeder every day. Look for hopper bird feeders which hold a decent amount of seed and are easy to clean. You’ll attract many kinds of birds with these feeders including woodpeckers, cardinals and jays.

Window feeders attach to a pane of glass and allow you to see the birds while they are feeding from the comfort and warmth of your house. It may take slightly longer for the birds to feel comfortable feeding in this way but soon you’ll have a variety of birds feeding right next to your living room window!

The final types of bird feeders are the suet feeder and nectar bird feeders. Suet feeders are usually consist of a wire cake that suet cakes are attached to – suet feeders can be difficult to clean but do attract a variety of birds in winter and summer. Nectar bird feeders are diesgned to attract hummingbirds and Orioles. The birds ‘suck’ a sugary water from an inverted bottle or from a saucer that drips the liquid through the feeder.

It’s often worth having a selection of bird feeders in your garden to attract different types of birds at different times of the year. If you buy bird feeders that have been built well, they should last for a number of years and bring you lots of pleasure.

Choosing Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Squirrel proof bird feeders allow your birds to co-exist happily with the squirrels by stopping the squirrels from stealing the bird seed from your bird feeders.

Before investing in squirrel proof bird feeders you can try a few techniques to encourage the squirrels to leave your feeders alone. Position your bird feeders in areas well away from trees to stop the animals jumping on to your feeders and ensure your feeder is at least 5 foot off the ground (although squirrels have been known to jump up to 8 feet off the ground!).  If these tips don’t discourage squirrels, there are two options either purchase an attachment to make your existing bird feeders squirrel proof or buy a specially design squirrel proof bird feeder. You will usually have more success if you buy a squirrel proof feeder rather than trying to retro fit a device to your existing bird feeders.

There are now a wide variety of good quality and effective squirrel proof bird feeders available on the market and they come in a range of styles and shapes. There is a squirrel proof version for almost every type of bird feeder.

Some of the simple designs feature a dome shaped device over the top of the feeder. This is used in bird feeders that are designed to hang from trees and ensures that squirrels are not able to grip on the bird feeder and simply slide off before they can reach the food. They tend to be quite large and can put off certain birds from using your feeder. Clear Perspex baffles are the most effective as birds as still able to see the food inside the feeder when flying overhead.

Metal cages are becoming more popular lately and can be retro fitted to some bird feeders as well. Essentially they consist of a tubular feeder which has an extra cage around it. This allows the birds to use their beaks to reach the seed however the holes between the wires are not large enough for squirrels to bite through.

The most advanced, expensive and entertaining options are the motorized or weighted devices.  The weighted devices either close the feeding hole or tip the perch over when something heavier than a bird perches on them.  Most bird feeders are used by small birds, however if you have large birds using your bird feeders just check their weight won’t cause the feeder to close or tip over. Some of the motorized devices even start to spin around when a squirrel tries to use them, this doesn’t harm the creatures but soon stops them coming back and trying again!

Another option is to buy a purpose built squirrel house and squirrel feeder and encourage your squirrels to use this rather than your bird feeders. Of course this may encourage more squirrels to use your garden but many bird lovers find this is an effective option and allows both species to co-exist peacefully together.

When choosing squirrel proof bird feeders look for materials that are guaranteed again squirrel damage and are built from quality, durable materials.

The Best Tube Bird Feeder, 5 Tips To Help You Choose The Right One For Your Backyard

What is the best tube bird feeder? How do you tell the difference and is there a difference? The best tube bird feeder is one that suits your needs, not someone else’s. The best tube bird feeder will stand up to time, be easy to fill and clean, doesn’t clog easily and is affordable. For most people, this pretty much sums it up. However, do you know what to look for when you choose your next tube bird feeder? Well, we are going to give you 5 easy tips to assist you on your next purchase.

Materials. Most tube bird feeders are made of an 18″ long clear, plastic tube with holes arranged in a staggered way to allow 3-6 birds to eat comfortably. The best plastic tube feeder will be made with the UV stabilized polycarbonate tubes that won’t yellow with age. This tube is very flexible when you squeeze it. Hard plastic tube feeders look more durable but after a short time in the harsh elements, they become very brittle and crack easily. Portals. In the industry, we call the holes birds sit and eat from “portals.” They look almost like a ship’s window, openings surrounded by metal. Portals can be made of plastic, wood, or metal. Plastic breaks easy and can be chewed, but is cheaper. Same goes for wooden portals. Metal portals made of aluminum die-castings last a lifetime and resist even the sharpest teeth. Hole Arrangement. This is one area that backyard birders never look for. Take a look at how the portals are arranged down the tube. The best tube bird feeders make sure that the holes are not on top of one another, they should be staggered around the tube. Overcrowding stresses the birds. Less stress means wild birds will stay longer in your yard. Tops & Bottoms. The best tube bird feeders are made with easy-opening tops and bottoms, without needing special tools. You open the top to fill the feeder and remove the bottom of an empty feeder to allow for simple cleaning. Due to their design, tube bird feeders are notorious for trapping moisture. The bottom of any tube feeder is the area that causes hardening of the seeds inside. You need complete access to remove old, moldy seed. Hangar. Another overlooked component of tube feeders. Strings, ropes and cords are not the best choice to hang a tube feeder because they snag and break too easy. The best tube bird feeder will have a metal loop-shaped hangar at the top. This is usually attached to the feeder on the sides and holds the top in place. You simply slide the top up the sturdy metal hangar to fill the feeder.

Use these 5 tips to help you choose the best tube bird feeder for you. Look over each tube bird feeder, feel the materials, look at the portals, tops, bottoms and hangar. With this new knowledge, you can be sure that the best value for you is not the cheap, throwaway models. After purchasing 3 or 4 of these in one season, you will have already covered the cost of the best tube bird feeder you can find.

Still need help choosing? After two decades of serving the backyard bird feeding public, we believe these are the best tube bird feeders available. No-questions-asked lifetime warranties, all metal construction, UV resistant tubes and ornithologically correct portals put them at the top of the birding world. If you are not able to purchase these products in your area, simply visit our website www.wildbirddepot.com for the entire line at value prices. Start now and enjoy your birds.

 

Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder-Fact or Fiction

The Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is unique in its design and deterrence. The biggest difference between the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder and other brands of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market is the immediate, corrective action. With squirrel proof bird feeders that rely on cages and weight activation mechanisms, squirrels need to learn on their own that birdseed rewards are not possible. To learn this, squirrels need to grip, hang and chew on the squirrel proof bird feeders for multiple visits before they realize that the energy they are expending to receive birdseed is not being rewarded. However, with the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder, the stinging response is immediate and effective.

A mild, corrective sting keeps critters off the feeder the instant squirrels touch two metal parts on the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder. The reason birds are not able to receive this sting is due to their physiological makeup. You see, a bird’s beak and feet are made of cartilage, bone if you will. Electricity is conducted through our blood vessels, not our bone structure. Birds bodies are covered with feathers, which do not contain exposed blood vessels, either. A mammal’s skin has exposed blood vessels near the surface, which is sufficient for conductivity on the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder. The sting is not harmful, about the same as a static charge you get when you grab a metal doorknob after walking on a carpet in your stocking feet.

What does all this mean? Any mammal that comes in contact with two different metal parts on the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder will receive the corrective sting. From the top or bottom, the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is protected from squirrels. Humans, however, know where the on/off switch is located! We can turn the feeder off without stinging ourselves to fill and clean.

Does all this complicated circuitry really work to keep squirrels from stealing all the birdseed? According to our huge customer base and two decades of experiences, the honest answer is yes and no. The large 8 port Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder has a generous 10lb. capacity. The huge 12 port model can hold up to 20lbs. Each model has metal perches, metal trays on the bottom, metal hangars and metal parts on the top dome. The squirrels will be able to eat off the bottom tray, without touching a second metal part. For some people, unfortunately, this means the feeder is not 100% squirrel proof. For others, protecting the huge 10lb. & 20lb. seed chambers are the main goals. If the squirrels can only eat the seed droppings on the bottom tray, these customers are quite content with the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders.

Each Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder operates through the use of a single 9-volt battery. Each model only uses the battery upon a mammal’s touching of the two metal parts we have discussed. How many times the circuits are used will determine the life of the 9-volt battery. We have discovered that during the first one or two months of introducing the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder to your backyard, these batteries will need to be changed about 2-3 times. This is the training period for your squirrels. Squirrels are not sadistic creatures. They do not enjoy pain and will not return to test the feeders after about 3-4 attempts. Since each squirrel in your area will have to be taught about this new stinging device, we estimate that by the end of the second month, batteries are on stand-by only. We only change our battery about 3 times per year. Our local critters know about the penalty for trying to steal birdseed from our Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder. Nighttime raids by raccoons can drain the batteries faster, depending on the number of visitors you get each night, if at all.

There is not such thing as a 100% squirrel proof bird feeder. Our long experience has shown us that at sometime, somewhere, somehow, a squirrel will receive a birdseed reward for their diligence on any squirrel proof bird feeder. If your desire is to purchase a squirrel proof bird feeder that squirrels can not own, then the Wild Bills Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder, with its immediate stinging, will give you years of stree-free enjoyment.   Visit “Bird Droppings” for all your wild bird news, facts and tips.

A Guide To Choose The Right Bird Feeder and Other Bird Accessories

Every bird lover would be happy with the knowledge that the bird feeders that they keep are keeping many a bird happy. But this is only possible if you have the right kind of bird feeder. The ideal bird feeder to use would differ greatly depending on the area that you live in. This is because each area has a different habitat which attracts different types of birds. And each type of bird has different preferences such as the bird seed that they like and even the correct placing of the feeder. If you follow a few simple rules, you could have many birds flocking to your bird feeders.

The first step is to determine the type of birds that frequent your area the most or the birds that you would want to cater to. Once that decision is made it becomes much simpler to decide on a bird feeder. For example if you live in eastern North America you would have the ruby throated hummingbird as a frequent visitor. They love open woodlands, forest edges, meadows, grasslands, parks, gardens and backyards. They are often seen visiting hummingbird feeders and tube-shaped flowers. So if you have a backyard or a garden and you would like these fast little birds to frequent it, a hummingbird feeder which is regularly filled would be ideal. The setback here is that these birds are migratory and they would fly away to Central America by early fall.

But there are many birds that are not migratory, like the Cardinals. These beautiful little birds are difficult to take your eyes off – even the duller looking females with their warm red accents and crest. They are usually seen in pairs and are very wary of being exposed, so they tend to not like open spaces. They inhabit areas like backyards, parks, woodlots, and shrubby forest edges and nest in dense tangles of shrubs and vines. Due to their fear of exposure, it is best if you place the bird feeder near bushes or trees so that they can hide in them if the need occurs. These birds also love to bathe by fluttering their wings to throw water over themselves, so it is a good idea to place a bird bath near by the bird feeder.

A Suet cake is a protein rich molded cake made from animal or vegetable fat, filled with bird seed, nuts, fruit pieces, peanut butter and other things that birds love to eat which are also very nutritious. The Downy woodpecker is particularly attracted to Suet cakes due to their high nutritional value and of course also their taste. And this is exactly what downy woodpeckers depend on during the cold winter months when they need all the energy that they can get. The fat content in the suet keeps the woodpeckers warm till the spring arrives. Suet Bird Feeders come in both reusable and one time use holders, and to attract these birds you would be advised to place a Suet bird feeder in your backyard or event a vacant lot. They are known to be found in open woodlands – particularly among deciduous trees and brushy or weedy edges. The also feel at home in orchards and city parks. The Downy woodpecker is another bird that does not migrate so you will see them all year round. They are the most widespread of North American woodpeckers.

Before you invest in a bird feeder, do a bit of research to determine the type of feeder you will need to get. There are a variety of bird feeders, depending on the type of bird and the type of feed. From hanging bird feeders to window bird feeders and from squirrel proof bird feeders to tube bird feeders, you have plenty to choose from.

When choosing the feed, you need to decide between nectar, different types of seeds and seed mixes and different Suet cake mixes. Apart from the above, you could also choose to install a bird bath for your garden or backyard. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes – like bird bath fountains or bird bath bowls. These will not only be very refreshing for birds but also look very elegant.

Having birds visit your garden everyday is a very rewarding feeling – not only because of the beauty of birds, but also because of the knowledge that you are helping these beloved creatures.

This Winter, Provide Water For The Birds

Even the most novice bird watcher places a bird feeder out in
winter, what strikes me, is the number of experienced bird
watchers who do not provide water for the birds during winter.

The energy expanded looking for a fresh water source could be
better used for staying well and surviving the winter.

All wildlife needs water, Summer or Winter.

Birds, like humans, need water all year. By investing in a
heated bird bath or by adding a bird bath heater to your
existing bird bath, you’ll be providing the greatest resource
birds need in order to survive.

Bird bath heaters are usually available wherever bird feeding
supplies are offered. Check local hardware stores, large
discount stores, and online.

Heated bird baths are most commonly found on-line. These are
complete bird baths with the heater built into the bath.

When using either of these types, make sure your power source is
safe. If you are unsure, hire an electrician to check it out or
to install a GFCI outlet on the outside of your house. These
types of outlets provide saftey for outdoor bird baths and any
other electrical tools used in the yard.

Place your heated bird bath near your feeders for easier
viewing. Even birds that don’t normally visit your feeders will
visit your bird bath. All backyard birds need water. Also, when
placing your bath, make sure there is cover for the birds. Water
on the feathers make birds easy targets for prey.

Do not place the bird bath too close to cover, otherwise cats
can hide and attack the birds more easily, a few yards will be
adequate.

The recommended type of bird bath, is the pedestal style. These
give the birds more security by being 2 or more feet above
ground. This height allows birds to view their surroundings and
any would be predators. Any bird bath can be used.

By providing water for birds this winter, you’ll not only be
providing a service to our winter birds, but you’ll have a
greater diversity of birds and more of them to watch. And…

Isn’t that what makes bird watching so much fun

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