The 8 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders of 2023

Best Overall

Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

4.5

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Droll Yankees' Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder is one of the pricier options on the market, but it offers solid construction and an innovative, squirrel-proof design to justify the higher cost. When squirrels attempt to access the birdseed, the ring starts to spin and gently throws the squirrels off. Larger birds will not activate the motorized perch ring, however, and can comfortably feed at any of the four ports. Some users say the small perching ring deters larger birds, however. 

The tube feeder is made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate, which prevents it from fading or warping in the sun. For added durability, it has a powdered-coated metal base that resists rust and corrosion and provides an appealing perch for birds. A metal cap at the top keeps the birdseed dry. It can hold up to 5 pounds of birdseed, and the large capacity attracts a variety of bird species. 

This motorized bird feeder runs on rechargeable batteries and includes an AC adapter for charging—it will need to be charged regularly in order to keep squirrels at bay. To protect your investment, this product is backed by a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage.

Price at time of publish: $128

_{Feeder Type: Tube | Material: Powder coated metal and UV-stabilized polycarbonate | Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 28.5 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Capacity: 5 pounds | Number of Ports: 4}

Best Budget

Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder with 4 Metal Perches

5

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This bird feeder from Squirrel Buster has a number of handy features to prevent squirrels from stealing birdseed. When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight will cause the ports to close and block access to the food. Smaller birds won’t trigger the closing mechanism, so they comfortably feed on the perch without interruption. One disadvantage to this feeder is its small seed capacity (1.3 pounds), which requires more frequent refills. 

Thanks to a versatile design, you can attract a nice variety of birds, including cardinals, nuthatches, finches, and grosbeaks. The wire shroud is ideal for clinging birds, and the feeding ports attract birds that prefer to perch while feeding. This bird feeder is made of metal and RoxResin, an incredibly durable material that’s chew-proof, waterproof, and rust-proof. What’s more, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. For added convenience, it can go in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. 

We read a few reports of determined squirrels managing to make their way to the food. This seems to be inevitable with almost any bird feeder. For best results, position the feeder so that it has at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides, eliminating any footholds for squirrels.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Feeder Type: Tube | Material: Resin and plastic | Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Capacity: 1.3 pounds | Number of Ports: 4}

Best for Winter

More Birds Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Double Suet Feeder

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Thanks to a double cage design, the Squirrel X Double Suet Feeder provides extra protection from pesky squirrels. It's specifically designed for suet, a high-energy food that’s particularly beneficial to birds in winter because it contains a mix of fat and seed. This unit has a two-cake capacity, which allows multiple birds to feed at once. The opening mechanism makes this unit easy to fill and clean.  

The small openings on the cages help to deter squirrels, and the metal roof keeps the suet cakes dry. Smaller birds can easily access food through the openings, while larger bully birds and squirrels are typically kept at bay. But like most bird feeders on the market, it is squirrel-resistant—but not entirely squirrel-proof—as some users attest. 

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Feeder Type: Suet feeder | Material: Powder-coated metal | Dimensions:  10 x 10 x 9.4 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 2 suet or seed cakes | Number of Ports: 4}

Best Hanging

Droll Yankees Squirrel Proof Domed Cage Bird Feeder

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This hanging bird feeder has four feeding ports surrounded by a cage to prevent squirrels from stealing food. While smaller birds have no trouble getting in through 1.5-inch square openings, squirrels and larger bully birds are kept out. For optimal durability in the elements, this feeder is made of powder-coated metal with a UV-resistant resin feeder tube. 

This feeder only holds up to a pound of birdseed, and its small size will likely require more frequent refills. On the plus side, the bird feeder cap slides off easily for quick filling. Note that this protective cage is best suited for small songbirds. If you enjoy feeding larger birds like blue jays, mockingbirds, or cardinals, you should go with another option.

Price at time of publish: $84

_{Feeder Type: Tube | Material: Powder-coated metal and UV-stabilized polycarbonate | Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 15 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Capacity: 1 pound | Number of Ports: 4}

Best Pole-Mounted

Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536

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This bird feeder can be hung on a zinc-plated steel hanger, or be mounted on a 5-foot sectional black powder-coated metal pole. You can adjust the perches to accommodate different types of birds and keep unwanted animals out. The feeder holds 12 pounds of seed and features double-sided feeding stations to attract lots of birds. The sloped floor helps direct seed to the baffle—a shield that protects the feeder from squirrels and helps keep seeds in the feeder—reducing waste and preventing spills. Thanks to a quick-release latch on the lid and a wide opening at the top, this feeder is easy to fill and clean. 

To keep squirrels at bay, this unit features an automatic closing mechanism that is adjustable by weight. When a squirrel lands on the feeder, the feeding ports close, preventing squirrels from accessing the birdseed. Squirrels won’t be able to chew through the durable steel either. 

It’s important to note that this feeder has a potentially harmful design flaw. We found a few reports of small birds getting their legs caught in small gaps near the perch. To ensure safe operation, you can use silicone caulking to fill in any gaps.  

Price at time of publish: $89

_{Feeder Type: Hopper | Material: Powder-coated metal and plastic | Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 11.3 inches with 5-foot pole | Weight: 1 pound | Capacity: 12 pounds | Number of Ports: 14}

Best Weight-Activated

Brome Squirrel Solution Wild Bird Feeder

4.6

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This Brome feeder has an innovative, weight-activated design to deter squirrels and is as practical as it is stylish. When a squirrel climbs onto any of the perches, a shroud drops to block access to the feeding ports. After using it in their own yard, our tester noted, "We can confirm that the SquirrelSolution battled valiantly and won. The very active, early spring squirrels were sometimes able to climb out onto the feeder, but as designed, their body weight pulled the metal frame down, blocking the holes and preventing feeding."

This unit holds up to 3.4 pounds of seed, and its multiple feeding options will attract an assortment of birds. Perching birds can feed at any of the six ports while clinging birds can access their food through the wire shroud. 

The feeder is made of resin and coated metal, both of which are UV-resistant and chew-proof. The manufacturer offers lifetime service for any repairs, which is a nice perk. All of the components are detachable for ease of cleaning. A patented seed-ventilation system allows hot air and humidity to escape and keeps the birdseed fresh. It’s easy to refill the feeder with the handy seed funnel, which is included. While highly effective, this bird feeder isn’t completely squirrel-proof—some determined squirrels have found a way to spill the seed onto the ground.

Price at time of publish: $69

_{Feeder Type: Tube | Material: Powder-coated metal and plastic | Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 20 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Capacity: 3.4 pounds | Number of Ports: 6}

Best Decorative

Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House with Weathervane

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Featuring a chimney, gabled roof, and front porch, this birdhouse-style feeder has plenty of rustic charm. It has a weight-sensitive perch that closes when squirrels climb onto it, preventing them from getting to the birdseed. This feeder holds up to eight pounds of seed, and the hopper design provides fresh seed as needed to any array of bird species. The roof is removable and has a large opening for easy filling, and the windows allow you to monitor seed levels. Although the lid locks for added protection, a few pesky squirrels have managed to unlock it. 

The all-metal construction is resistant to weather and invasive squirrels. For optimal durability, the metal is powder-coated in either a bright green or red finish. It can be pole-mounted or hung on a hook for versatile placement. However, the feeder is very heavy when full, and even the sturdiest hooks may bow under its weight. For that reason, it might be best to pole-mount it.

Price at time of publish: $38

_{Feeder Type: Hopper | Material: Powder-coated metal | Dimensions:  11.65 x 14.46 x 10.69 inches | Weight: 4.45 pounds | Capacity: 8 pounds | Number of Ports: 1}