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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
A squirrel-proof bird feeder offers a source of nourishment for your feathered friends while deterring backyard squirrels from stealing the bounty.
We researched and tested the best squirrel-proof bird feeders available online, evaluating ease of setup, size, and durability. Our top pick, the Brome Squirrel Solution Wild Bird Feeder, is sturdy, easy to fill, and chew-proof.
Here are the best bird feeders.
Best Overall: Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
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Courtesy of Amazon
Holds 5 pounds of seed
Durable
Lifetime warranty
Battery must be recharged with AC adapter
Not suitable for pole mounting
Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper.
What do buyers say? 90% of 3,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this 4 stars or above.
Droll Yankees is a classic name in bird feeders, and this model is their most innovative squirrel-proof model. At the bottom of the clear seed tube, which holds five pounds of seed, you find a motorized perch ring. While it accommodates birds, such as cardinals and woodpeckers, the weight of a squirrel causes the ring to spin, so the squirrel falls off.
Measuring nearly 5 inches in diameter and 17 inches long, the UV stabilized polycarbonate seed tube contains four feeding stations. The product's powdered coated metal prevents rust and assures it can withstand years of rough weather. The batteries are rechargeable and replaceable, and the feeder body is backed by a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage.
Best Budget: Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder with 4 Metal Perches
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Lifetime warranty
Weather- and rust-proof
Small size requires frequent refilling
Not suitable for pole mounting
With a small seed capacity (1.3 pounds), this Brome feeder still performs well in keeping squirrels at bay. The four perches are weight-adjustable, so you can set them to accommodate the type of birds in your yard. When a heavier squirrel triggers the perch, a shroud drops immediately so the interloper cannot get to the seed.
Made from UV-stabilized resin, the feeder is weather- and rust-proof and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The feeder comes with a hanger, and the tube is designed with a negative grip pattern so squirrels cannot maintain their hold. A tip to make this feeder more successful is to provide at least 16 inches of clearance around all sides, so squirrels are off-balance when they land on it.
Best Weight-Activated: Brome Squirrel Solution Wild Bird Feeder
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Courtesy of Lowe's
Lifetime warranty
Durable
Decorative
Won’t fade
Not suitable for pole mounting
Heavier birds cause seeds to drop
Durable and stylish, with oak leaf decorations applied to every side, this Brome feeder pleases the birds and deters the squirrels. Able to hold over three pounds of birdseed, with six feeding ports, the spring-weighted perches hold all but the largest birds. But when a squirrel puts pressure on any perch, a shroud drops to block access to the seeds.
The feeder is made of durable UV-stable resin and coated metal, and the components are dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning. A patented seed ventilation system allows humidity and heat to escape, so bird food remains fresher. (Unfortunately, when heavier birds land on the feeder, their weight causes seeds to escape through some of the ventilation holes.) Brome offers free lifetime service for any repairs.
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The Spruce / Justin Park
Best Pole-Mounted: Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536
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Courtesy of Amazon
12-pound seed capacity
Durable
Double-sided feeding stations
Can be hung or pole-mounted
Construction gaps may harm birds
Typically, pole feeders are difficult to fill, but this Woodlink feeder holds 12 pounds of seed, so the chore occurs less often. Made of green powder-coated metal, the feeder is double-sided to accommodate a whole flock of birds. The feeder comes with a zinc-plated steel hanger and mounting hardware for a five-foot sectional black powder-coated metal pole, so you have options for installation.
To keep squirrels away, the top locks and the perches are spring-activated. When a heavy squirrel lands on one of the perches, a metal shield covers the seed tray. Fortunately, squirrels cannot chew through this heavy steel. Small gaps in the metal construction can cause small birds to get a leg caught near the perch. Use silicone caulking to fill any gaps for safe, smooth operation.
Best Hanging: Droll Yankees Squirrel Proof Domed Cage Bird Feeder
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Courtesy of Target
Weather-proof
Lifetime warranty
Easy to fill and clean
Can be hung or pole-mounted
Larger birds cannot feed
Topped with a baffle to deter access, and a cage to prevent the squirrel from reaching the seeds, this Droll Yankees domed cage is a winner. It holds a full pound of seed and is perfect for small songbirds because the 1.5-inch square openings prevent squirrels and large bully birds from stealing the food.
Made of powder-coated metal with a UV-resistant baffle and a four-port feeding tube, the feeder has a lifetime guarantee. It can be hung but is also suitable for pole mounting.
Best Window: Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Provides up-close birdwatching
Easy to clean
Small capacity
If you don’t have a yard or just like a close-up view while birdwatching, then a window feeder is for you. This feeder from Nature Gear is made from heavy-duty acrylic for the clearest viewing. Strong suction cups hold the feeder in place, and a pitched roof helps prevent squirrels from getting a firm hold on the slick surfaces.
The feeder is small and only holds about one to two cups of seed. To help prevent squirrel access, place the feeder as far from window sills and rooflines as possible.
Best Suet Feeder: Squirrel-X Squirrel-Resistant Double Suet Feeder
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Courtesy of Walmart
Large capacity (two cakes)
Durable
Not suitable for pole mounting
We like to provide suet for the birds, especially in winter. This Squirrel X Double Suet Feeder gives them a bit of protection from the elements and access to the suet while keeping squirrels away.
Made from powder-coated steel, the feeder is durable, and the earthy colors blend beautifully into the landscape. While it is easy to fill with suet or seed cakes, the two-cake capacity allows feeding for a long time.
Best Decorative: Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House with Weathervane
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Courtesy of Amazon
Large capacity
Rust-proof construction
Can be hung or pole mounted
Roof becomes unlocked if squirrel turns weathervane
If you like a little kitsch while feeding the birds, the Perky Pet country house offers the best in “country cooking” for the birds. Complete with a weather vane, this red feeder can be hung or pole mounted.
With a capacity for eight pounds of birdseed, the feeder is made of powder-coated, rust-proof metal. The adjustable-weighted perch closes the feeding tray when a heavy squirrel lands on it. The top of the roof is removable for easy filling, and the windows help you keep an eye on seed levels.
The best overall squirrel-proof bird feeder is the Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Motorized Squirrel Proof Feeder (view at Amazon). The sleek design, seed capacity, and rechargeable battery-powered motor, which sends squirrels flying, make it a winner for any backyard. For an effective, budget-friendly option, we recommend the Brome Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder (view at Amazon). It is weather- and rust-proof and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
What to Look for in a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Durability
If squirrels are a problem in your yard, never select a bird feeder or a mounting pole made from wood— even treated wood. Squirrels can gnaw through the wood in just a few days. The most durable feeder materials are powder-coated metals that prevent rust, and resins that are UV-resistant to prevent fading and yellowing.
Mounting Options
Look at the location you’d like to place the feeder. Do you prefer a hanging or pole-mounted feeder? If you choose a hanging feeder, a freestanding pole and hook are more squirrel-proof than the branch of a tree.
Seed Capacity
Smaller feeders require frequent refills. Consider how easy the feeder is to access and fill. Do you need a step ladder?
Bird Species
Feeders with protective cages are best for small songbirds because they can slip through the cages that keep the squirrel out to reach the seed or suet. Look at the size of the openings to determine if larger cardinals and tanagers can access the seed.
If you enjoy feeding larger birds, like blue jays, mockingbirds, or woodpeckers, then a feeder with an open-air weighted perch seed tray design is a better choice.
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How do squirrel-proof feeders work?
Squirrel-proof bird feeders work in various ways. While some have a motor that's triggered by a squirrel's weight, others have certain materials that make it hard for pests to latch onto. Other common kinds of squirrel-proof feeders are caged feeders and pole-mount feeders. Caged feeders are excellent options because they're chew-resistant. Pole-mounted feeders can be great as long as they're kept away from jumping-off places squirrels can easily access.
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How do I clean a squirrel-proof feeder?
You can wash most squirrel-proof feeders with warm water and dish soap. Take apart your feeder first and empty any leftover seeds. Use a toothbrush or toothpick to get seeds out of any hard-to-reach areas. You can then use a brush to scrub down the parts with warm water and dish soap. After rinsing all the parts, leave them out to air dry completely before refilling the feeder.
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Can raccoons or other animals get into squirrel-proof feeders?
Although some feeders are squirrel-proof, not all resist other large mammals. Depending on which kinds of animals live around your area, you may need to take extra precautions. Some mammals, including squirrels, are sensitive to spices, but birds are not. You may consider adding cayenne pepper or other spices to your seeds to help keep them away. If you have bears in your area, place your feeder on a sturdy metal pole at least 10 to 12 feet high to keep them away.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Mary Marlowe Leverette researched and wrote this roundup. She is a Master Gardener with extensive personal and professional experience testing, reviewing, and writing about home and garden products. A fan of squirrels, but only in the forest, you can find more of her work on The Spruce.