Bird singing must be one of the most relaxing sounds. Or maybe you love watching colorful birds from your backyard and taking some pictures of them. Whatever the reason is, you should place a bird feeder in your yard to keep those birds around your house.
Here are the best squirrel proof bird feeders you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Best Budget Option: More Birds X-1 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
- Highest Capacity: Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
- Best Overall: Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Budget Choice: Perky-Pet 336 Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder
- Best For Large Flock: Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Tray-Style Feeding Port: Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder
- Highest Capacity: Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II
- Best For Feeding Sunflower Hearts: Roamwild PestOff Feeder
| Top 9 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder | |
Best Budget Option | More Birds X-1 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder | |
Highest Capacity | Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder | |
Best Overall | Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder | |
Budget Choice | Perky-Pet 336 Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder | |
Best For Large Flock | Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder | |
Tray-Style Feeding Port | Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder | |
Highest Capacity | Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II | |
Best For Feeding Sunflower Hearts | Roamwild PestOff Feeder | |
4 Feed Port
Best Overall: Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Chew proof materials, UV Stabilized, waterproof, rustproof
- Patented Seed Ventilation System keeps the seed fresh longer
- Squirrel proof with adjustable weight
- Negative Grip Tube
- Nothing to complain
Squirrel Buster Standard is made of RoxResinTM, which is a perfect material for outside a bird feeder with 100% chew resistance, water resistance, rust resistance, and UV stabilization. So the feeder would look like new even after several of years.
Conventional feeders trap solar energy and keep the hot air inside, making the seed lose freshness and flavor. Squirrel Buster Standard with the Patented Seed Ventilation System lets the humidity and air circulate, keeping the air insides fresh, so the seeds for the bird will be fresh longer, attracting more birds.
Squirrel Buster Standard has great features to prevent squirrels from eating your seeds. The spring mechanism automatically closes all the ports when the weight of an adult squirrel places on the feeder, denying access to the food inside. You can adjust the triggered weight to let bigger birds approach the seeds. The feeder has a long wire hanger, making sure for a sufficient clearance so that squirrels cannot reach the seeds from a nearby foothold. It also has a negative grip tube for the case squirrels grab the wire hanger, hanging down to access the sees.
The capacity of Squirrel Buster Standard is only 1.3 lbs, not so high. However, it makes you refill the seeds more often so that the seeds are fresher and attract more birds.
| Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5 x 5 x 13.25 in |
Number of seed ports | 4 |
Capacity | 1.3 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 4 at once |
Highlight Features | Patented Seed Ventilation System Negative Grip Tube Closing mechanism with adjustable weight Chew-resistance Water-resistance Rust-resistance UV-stabilization |
Squirrel Buster Standard is a durable and 100% squirrel-proof bird feeder for small flocks
Best Budget Option: More Birds X-1 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
- Affordable
- High capacity
- Closing mechanism
- Wide mouth for easy filling
- Made of plastic, not so durable
More Birds X-1 is an affordable squirrel-proof bird feeder, but not cheap in quality. It has a closing mechanism like Squirrel Buster Standard, which has a weight-sensitive moving part. When an adult squirrel climb on the feeder, the moving part moves down and close all the ports, not allowing the squirrel to steal bird seeds.
Compared with Squirrel Buster Standard, More Birds X-1 has some advantages. First, it has a much higher capacity - 4.2 lbs, so you don’t need to refill the feeder frequently. Second, it has four integrated metal perches, which have more room for birds to perch and enjoy their food. And third, the upper mouth of the feeder is wider, making it easier for you to fill in the seeds.
More Birds X-1 also has some drawbacks. First, it does not allow as much ventilation as Squirrel Buster Standard to keep the seeds fresh. Second, it is made of 100% plastic, which seems not so sturdy and durable. However, it won’t break easily and at least last for one or two years.
| More Birds X-1 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5.8 x 11.97 x 15.56 in |
Number of seed ports | 4 |
Capacity | 4.2 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 4 at once |
Highlight Features | Wide mouth Closing mechanism |
More Birds X-1 is an affordable yet decent squirrel-proof bird feeder with closing mechanism.
Highest Capacity: Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
- Motorized perch ring spins when squirrel detected
- Powder-coated metal base and cap
- UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube
- Looped wire hanger to reduce motion
- High capacity
- High price
Droll Yankees Flipper has a very durable construction, which is designed for years of use - in fact, the feeder comes with a lifetime warranty. It has a 21-in seed tube made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate, which retains color after years. The powder-coated metal components don’t rust, chip, or lose color over time. The wire hanger is looped in the top so that the feeder doesn’t spin in strong wind.
To protect the seeds from squirrels, Droll Yankees Flipper features a motorized ring that spins under the weight of an adult squirrel. This ring also works as a perching place and is wide enough for birds to comfortably perch and eat the seeds inside. Moreover, Droll Yankees Flipper has a very high capacity, 5lbs.
| Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 8.5 x 8.5 x 28.5 in |
Number of seed ports | 4 |
Capacity | 5 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 4 at once |
Highlight Features | Motorized perch ring Powder-coated UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube; Looped wire hanger |
Droll Yankees Flipper features a motorized spinning perch ring to keep the squirrels away.
6 Feed Port
Best Overall: Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- Chew proof materials, UV Stabilized, waterproof, rustproof
- Patented Seed Ventilation System keeps the seed fresh longer
- Squirrel proof with adjustable weight & Negative grip tube
- Comes with a free seed funnel & Lifetime care
- Nothing to complain
Squirrel Solution200 is basically a bigger version of Squirrel Buster Standard (the best 4-feed-port overall). It contains 3.4 lbs of seeds inside with 6 perches.
As reviewed above, Squirrel’s bird feeders are made of RoxResinTM - 100% chew proof, waterproof, rustproof and UV stabilized. The Patented Seed Ventilation System keeps the seed fresh longer. The closing mechanism with adjustable triggered weight & the negative grip tube keep squirrels away.
Besides, Squirrel Solution200 comes with a free seed funnel for you to fill the feeder easily. The lifetime care performs routine maintenance your feeder for free for the rest of your life.
| Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 20 x 4 x 20 inches |
Number of seed ports | 6 |
Capacity | 3.4 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 6 at once |
Highlight Features | Patented Seed Ventilation System Negative Grip Tube Closing mechanism with adjustable weight Chew-resistance water-resistance rust-resistance UV-stabilization A seed funnel Lifetime care |
Squirrel Solution200 is the best 6-port feeder that keeps the seeds fresh longer.
Budget Choice: Perky-Pet 336 Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder
- Very affordable
- All metal with 6-U shaped perches
- Weight activated closing mechanism
- Powder Coated finish for rust resistance
- Not so sturdy
Perky-Pet 336 is very affordable. You can purchase a single feeder or a pack of three. A big advantage is that the feeder is made of 100% metal with a powder-coated finish for rust resistance. It has 6 feeding ports with U shaped perches, allowing up to 6 birds dine at once. In addition, The Rustic leaf Design looks quite good.
Like most of the squirrel-proof bird feeders, Perky-Pet 336 features a weight-activated closing mechanism to prevent squirrels from stealing your seeds. This feature on Perky-Pet 336 works just fine despite the low price.
However, the biggest con of Perky-Pet 336 is that it is not so sturdy. Another con is that it has a limited capacity, only 2 lbs.
| Perky-Pet 336 Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 7.63 x 6.97 x 19.84 in |
Number of seed ports | 6 |
Capacity | 2 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 6 at once |
Highlight Features | 6-U shaped perches Weight activated closing mechanism Powder Coated finish |
Perky-Pet 336 is a fair choice for a small budget to feed the birds.
Best For Large Flock: Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
- High capacity
- Comes with a free cardinal ring
- Chew proof materials, UV Stabilized, waterproof, rustproof
- Patented Seed Ventilation System keeps the seed fresh longer
- Squirrel proof with adjustable weight & Negative grip tube
- High price
Another feeder from Squirrel Buster™ brand. Unlike two feeders above (one is the best overall for 4 feeding ports, the other is the best overall for 6 feeding ports), Squirrel Buster Plus is a premium choice. It holds up to 5.1 lbs so that you don’t need to refill the feeder often.
The seed tube is made of plastic and there is no vent on it. However, the Patented Seed Ventilation System still works great, keeping the air circulated, so keeping the seeds fresh longer. The RoxResin - chew proof, waterproof, rustproof and UV stabilized material is great. Likewise, the squirrel-proof mechanism is the signature feature of Squirrel’s feeders.
A very special feature of Squirrel Buster Plus is the included cardinal ring to attract Northern Cardinals. Despite the high price, if you love northern cardinals, Squirrel Buster Plus is worth the money.
| Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 6 x 6 x 23 inches |
Number of seed ports | 6 |
Capacity | 5.1 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 6 at once |
Highlight Features | Patented Seed Ventilation System Negative Grip Tube Closing mechanism with adjustable weight Chew-resistance Water-resistance Rust-resistance UV-stabilization Lifetime care A cardinal ring |
Squirrel Buster Plus is a great choice to feed a large flock, also to attract Northern Cardinals.
Others
Tray-Style Feeding Port: Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder
- Very affordablee
- Circular perch and seed tray lets bird dine from all angles
- Sure Lock cap locks lid in place, keeping squirrels out
- Antique copper finish offer rust resistance
- Poor rain shielding and drainage (better hang it under a roof)
Perky-Pet Copper Panorama is made of steel with an antique copper finish to resist rust. It is compact and very affordable. It has a tray-style feeding port with a circular perch ring outside for multiple birds dining at once. So, despite being very small, Perky-Pet Copper Panorama has enough space for up to 6 perching and dining birds. The tray-style port dispenses more seeds when birds dine, maintaining a certain level of seeds.
To keep squirrels out of the seeds inside, Perky-Pet Copper Panorama features Sure Lock cap that keeps the lid securely in place. Squirrels cannot access the seeds from above, as well as from bottom since the bottom is too small for them.
However, Perky-Pet Copper Panorama has poor rain shielding and drainage, so you’d better hang it under a roof.
| Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 8.32 x 8.32 x 8 in |
Number of seed ports | Tray-style feeding port |
Capacity | 2 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 6 at once |
Highlight Features | Tray-style feeding port Circular perch and seed tray Sure Lock cap Antique copper finish |
Perky-Pet Copper Panorama is a compact and affordable feeder with a tray-style feeding port.
Highest Capacity: Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II
- Beautiful design
- Holds 8 lbs of seed
- Pole mount or hang
- Closing mechanism with four adjustable weight levels
- Closing mechanism is not so effective
Perky-Pet 338 looks like a small red house with white galvanized roof and cardinal weathervane for little birds, which makes a great decoration item or a beautiful gift. You can hang it up or pole-mounted it. It has a very high capacity, about 8 lbs of seeds.
Perky-Pet 338 features a closing mechanism to prevent squirrels from eating seeds inside. It has four adjustable weight levels to block out smaller squirrels, larger birds, etc. However, this feature seems to be not so effective, squirrels can grip the roof with hind legs, hanging down to access the seed.
Not so good a squirrel-proof bird feeder but a great decoration item.
| Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 11.65 x 14.46 x 10.69 in |
Number of seed ports | 4 |
Capacity | 8 lbs |
Flock Size | Up to 4 at once |
Highlight Features | Pole mount or hang Closing mechanism |
Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II is a great choice for decorating your back yard.
Best For Feeding Sunflower Hearts: Roamwild PestOff Feeder
- Weather proof & water proof
- No setting required, Easy to use and fill
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to clean
- Has only two ports and only suitable for small seeds
Roamwild PestOff Feeder is one of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market. However, it only has two ports and these two ports are quite small so only suitable for feeding seeds like sunflower. It has a large capacity that holds about 3 lbs of seeds inside.
Roamwild PestOff Feeder is made of all metal with weatherproof & waterproof, keeping the seed dry and fresh without any seed clogging. It is very sturdy and durable. The weight-triggered closing mechanism works great, preventing squirrels, rats, large birds from access the seed.
Moreover, Roamwild PestOff Feeder is ready to go straight out of the box with no setting required - Easy to use, easy to fill, and easy to clean.
| Roamwild PestOff Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 16.5 x 7.6 x 7.6 in |
Number of seed ports | 2 |
Capacity | 3 lbs |
Flock Size | 2 birds at once |
Highlight Features | Weatherproof & waterproof No setting required |
Roamwild PestOff Feeder is the best squirrel-proof bird feeder with two feeding ports.
How To Choose The Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders?
There are two common squirrel-proof mechanisms:
The first one is weight-activated closing mechanism. When an adult squirrel or a big bird perches on the perching place of the feeder, its weight will pull a cover down, closing all the ports. So squirrels and big birds cannot access the seed inside.
The second one is weight-activated spinning perching ring. It is activated by weight like the closing mechanism. However, when activated, the perching ring will spin, tossing the squirrel away. This mechanism is more effective, even scare the squirrels so they might not approach the feeder in the future. However, you have to recharge the batteries regularly, and it tends to have a higher price.
You might also want to pay attention to:
Number of seed ports: More ports allow more birds to perch and dine at the same time.
Capacity: Larger capacity means less frequently you have to refill the feeder.
Air ventilation: Air ventilation keeps the seed inside fresh longer.
Rain shielding: If the feeder has poor rain shielding, you have to hang it under a roof to prevent rain from spoiling the seed.
Sturdiness and durability: Since squirrels and big birds will try to break the feeder to access the seed inside, the feeder should be sturdy and durable. It also should be able to withstand severe weather since it is usually placed outside.
Which Brands Make The Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders?
Brome Bird Care (Squirrel Buster™ Brand)
- Brome Bird Care, located in Canada, owns the Squirrel Buster™ brand, which a widely-trusted squirrel-proof bird feeder maker. All Squirrel's feeders feature their patents technologies, including the leading Seed Ventilation System, the leading RoxResinTM material, the leading Squirrel Buster System. Over 4 million customers have purchased and rated Squirrel's feeders very high.
- They are also famous for their lifetime care program, according to which they maintain your feeders regularly for free and replace you with a new one when the old one is broken - an unbeatable policy!
Perky-Pet
- Perky-Pet has a long history of making feeders for birds. With more than 60 years, they have become one of the leading brands in the industry. They make seed feeders, hummingbird feeders, oriole feeders, and other accessories like birdhouses, poles & hanging hardware, etc. Perky-Pet's bird feeders are known for their affordability and appealing design.
Droll Yankees
- Droll Yankees is an American brand, founded in 1960 with a passion for birds. Their bird feeders are made in the USA by American workers. Droll Yankees is well-known for the highest quality, and, high price as well. If you are a bird enthusiast, Droll Yankees is the brand for you.
FAQs
How do you squirrel proof a bird feeder?
You can pole-mounted the feeder with a squirrel-proof pole. You can find a squirrel-proof pole on Amazon or simply attach a wrap-around baffle on the top of your current pole.
What kind of bird seed will squirrels not eat?
Some seeds that birds love it but squirrels don't are safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet.
Is it OK to put cayenne pepper in bird seed?
It is perfectly OK since only mammals, including squirrel, feel hot by eating cayenne pepper while birds don't
What can you put in bird seed to keep squirrels away?
Squirrels don't like cayenne pepper and coffee ground while birds are not affected by them. So it is OK to put some cayenne peppers and coffee grounds inside the feeder to keep squirrels away.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
Squirrels don't like coffee grounds, so you can sprinkle a bit coffee grounds inside the feeder to keep squirrels away.
Conclusion
Squirrel Buster Standard and Squirrel Solution200 are my picks for the best squirrel-proof bird feeders because of their affordability, sturdiness, durability, and effective squirrel-proof mechanism. More options for different needs are listed above. Hope my review helps you choose a suitable squirrel-proof bird feeder.
