‘Easiest’ method to keep ‘agile’ squirrels off your bird feeders

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Birds may struggle to find their normal food in winter and will often flock to seed-filled feeders in search of fuel. But while the food may be intended for birds, squirrels are also quick to seek out food sources and can often wreak havoc on plentiful gardens. Fortunately, there are ways to sift out the birds from the squirrels when it comes to feeding wildlife in your garden during winter. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, an expert at CJ Wildlife revealed the one quick change anyone can make to keep squirrels away.

Eric Michels, of CJ Wildbird Foods, said: “Squirrels are agile and intelligent enough to work out “mission impossible” ways of getting to food in bird feeders, leaving your garden birds without anything to eat and causing damage to feeders and bird tables.

“The easiest way of preventing squirrels from pilfering bird food is to choose squirrel-proof bird feeders, and luckily there are lots of cleverly designed options out there!”

No matter where your feeder is positioned in your garden, switching to a squirrel-proof design is very easy to do on a budget, with some feeders costing as little as £4.99.

According to Eric, the deterrent involves a thing caging to stop larger animals from feasting on the seed mix.

He said: “Many bird feeders now come with an exterior cage surrounding the feeder itself, allowing small birds to perch safely inside the cage to feed without being driven away by larger birds, and restricting access to squirrels at the same time.”

If your feeder hangs from a certain spot in your garden, weighted perches are a great way to keep squirrels away from the food altogether.

These designs use technology that only allows birds below a certain weight to perch and feed. If a creature over the set weight (around 70g) perches on the feeder, the opening is covered to restrict the food.

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If you’re on a budget or would rather adjust your existing feeder, there are a few ways to block access points for squirrels only.

The RSPB recommended fixing cones, large domes, and discs of plastic drinks bottles to the string of hanging feeders.

For bird table feeders, a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin would also work.

Simply attach the item to a pole and place it below the table.

According to the RSPB, this prevents squirrels from climbing up to access the food. The society added: “Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.”

While switching up the design of your feeders is the best deterrent, there are other steps you can take to distract squirrels from your bird feed.

Create a designated squirrel feeder

Squirrels are pests in every sense of the word, though they do still need to feed in the winter months.

Eric said: “Adding special squirrel feeding stations to your garden will also discourage squirrels from stealing from bird feeders.”

Just as you can get specific anti-squirrel feeders, you can also purchase designs which are suited for these ravenous rodents only.

Eric added: “Simply fill the feeder with special squirrel feed like CJ Wildlife’s Squirrel Food Nut Mix, to ensure they have a balanced and nutritional diet and watch as they work it out!

“Don’t forget, during bird breeding season whole peanuts should not be fed loose, as this can choke baby birds, so make sure you use a squirrel feeder.”

Reposition your bird feeders

In some cases, moving your feeder will be enough to keep squirrels away while encouraging birds into your garden.

According to Bird Watching HQ, squirrels can jump horizontally as far as 10ft, so it is best to keep feeders as far away from a ledge, tree, or fence as possible.

If you’re working with a smaller space, feeders with small holes for birds to peck into are the safest option.

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