Does any body know how to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeders? I can't afford this much longer.

Birds are losing weight as we speak!

FarmerBrown

From a really neat website:
http://www.urbanwildliferescue.org/evict/squirrels/#bird

Easier-said-than-done solutions:

Suspend the feeder from a wire.
Buy a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
Spread Vaseline. on poles that squirrels may climb on.

NOTE: Trapping and relocation of squirrels is not recommended as a solution. Since squirrels are territorial, your squirrels will also keep other squirrels out of the area, keeping the population to a minimum. If you remove the squirrels, others will simply move in and your problem will continue.

Used to have white tail, fox, raccoons, chipmuncks, squirrels and all sorts of other beasties drag their flea-bitten carcass over to my gardens. Dawg was too laid back to do more than look at them, so I finally decided to live and let live. Squirrels can really turn a simple feeder into a battle of wits, make it a contest!

John from Ecologicals

The easiest and cheapest semi-solution I've seen is to attach a sheet metal collar to whatever is supporting the bird feeder. It looks similar to the collar you put around a dogs neck if they have an injury you don't want them to lick. Like a teepee. Attach the collar so that the narrow end is closest to the feeder so the squirrels have to go up and around to continue on to the feeder. If you can somehow suspend it so it turns and the little guys can't get a firm purchase on it to climb over it- all the better. Also try putting a squirrel feeder somewhere away from the bird feeders in another part of the yard. I've yet to see anything foolproof. Sqirrels are very innovative and persistent.
Good Luck!
Keli

Farmer John,
You need to get a backyard dawg. One of the potentially preditory (but loveable) kind. Put the feeder in the middle of the yard on a pole, not hanging from a tree (where the squirrel can simply go higher and "bark" (aka "taunt") at your dog. My dog (half Basenji, half G. Shepherd), on the slightest inkling of a furry animal immediately charges. In fact, she knows "SQUIRREL!", as a command and she shoots first. Believe me, those squirrels KNOW she's there and they NEVER come into my yard. Animal Lovers: keep in mind, she's NEVER caught one; squirrels are QUICK, and smart. But a dog, looking for a little action is the best solution. P.S., I have chickens in my backyard too and she ignores those, and ALL birds. P.S.S., the squirrels love it too, at least the ones that sit on my back fence do (just out of reach) and bark, LOOKING for my dog.

On the terms of getting back to the land. Living off the land. One solution is high powered pellet gun. two cans whole or diced tomato. 2lbs potatoes, one large onion, one can cream style corn, 3 quarts water, one can carrots, and a bean or pea of your choice. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
Forgive me bunny huggers but here in East Texas where the economy is just a hair above Ethiopia, we dont waste nuttin.

A friend told me putting crushed red pepper in the bird food will keep the squirrels away. I tried it last week and so far the squirrels are getting on the feeder but not sticking around

I've used the ground cayenne pepper trick for several years now - buy the cheap stuff at the local CVS or whatever, and mix into your seeds. If you have a seed tub like I did, be careful mixing - getting a snoot-full of airborne hot pepper isn't fun! Bird supply places get big $$ selling "squirrel deterrent" in little packages, and all it is is cayenne.

You must keep the feeders away from anything they can jump from (trees,etc.) Then get some tinfoil pizza pans and attach them part way up on your feeder pole. Good luck.

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. We are going to set up a squirrel feeder this weekend.I am going to try one or two of the other ideas and see what works.I'll let you know how it works out.

FarmerBrown

Bobby,
Thanks for the recipe. Sounds good (now if I can only get my dog to catch it and bring it back to me!)
P.S., I'm with you!
P.S.S., In Georgia we like dumplin's with 'em

Scott,
Just make sure you add the corn last, just before the stew is ready, or it will go to the bottom, stick, scorch, and the stew will be compost.

We eat 'em here in coal country Pennsylvania, too! I like to fry the legs, breaded with ground nuts; has that sick touch of irony that appeals to me.