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Question about using a Mandarin Hanging Squirrel Baffle-Green or a Brome 1024 Squirrel Buster Plus Wild Bird Feeder or a Brome Squirrel Buster Feeder CLASSIC Birdfeeder to keep the squirrels out of the bird seed.

Answer: Squirrels are a nuisance to some and a pleasure to others. For example, we sell squirrel feeders such as the Adirondack Chair Squirrel Feeder, Green that holds an ear of corn and the Duet Diner Squirrel Feeder which holds an ear of corn in the middle of a picnic type table! You can even buy a feeder that holds peanuts like the Heritage Farms Squirrel Feeder - Diner 2

If your goal is to keep the squirrels out of your birdfeeder as opposed to attracting them elsewhere, there are the options of baffles that cover the top of the feeder and feeders such as the Brome ones and others where the feeding ports for the birds are covered when the squirrel climbs onto the feeder. Remember that there is always some bird seed scattered on the ground below feeders and that attracts regular squirrels, chipmunks and other hungry pest animals, that is if you consider tham pests!

To choose a baffle, look for either one that pole mount like the Liberty Universal Squirrel Stopper Baffle which fits a pole and moves up and down and side to side to keep squirrels off or a more traditional looking baffle like the Heath - Squirrel Baffle Make sure you measure the diameter of the pole before you purchase to make sure the baffle will fit it. Also remember that squirrels are great at jumping from trees, roofs, etc. For example, we currently sell a pole mount baffle that fits a 4 inch by 4 inch square post, the Woodlink Audubon - Green 20 in. 4x4 Mount Baffle

Birdfeeders that are not squirrel resistant are hung from baffles such as the Arundale Hummer Hat Squirrel Baffle in Red which is also widely used to keep pigeons off hummingbird feeders. The Woodlink - 16 in Clear Hang/Mount Weather Shield/Sq Baffle is a larger clear one that also protects the bird feeder from the weather.

The easier route, especially if your feeders need replacing anyway, is to go to a Squirrel Proof feeder such as the Brome 1024 Squirrel Buster Plus Wild Bird Feeder or a Brome Squirrel Buster Feeder CLASSIC Birdfeeder One unique feeder is the Hiatt Manufacturing Grande Squirrel Proofwhich has the seed tube within a cage that has a locking system to keep the squirrels from opening the lid to get at the food. The Perky-Pet Fortress Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder also uses the squirrel weight to close off the feeding ports.

If you are into high tech and can afford it, the Squirrel Boss Bird Feeder is solar powered and shocks the squirrel who dares to attempt to steal seed from it. And you get to push the remote and deliver the static charge!

So the bottom lines are 1. do you want to keep your current feeder? 2 Is your feeder mounted on a pole or hanging from a tree? or 3. do you want a replacement feeder with squirrel proofing? #4 might be do you want to feed the squirrels somewhere away from the bird feeder in the hope that a full stomach might keep them out of the seed?

If you need help, please write or phone us. Go to our website to see the many options you have.

Thanks again for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Duncraft Cardinal Feeder and the Duncraft - Super Songbird One Way Mirror Window Bird Feeder.

Answer: The Duncraft feeders mount with suction cups. Both units have mirror film installed so you can see the cardinals or other birds and they won't be scared by seeing you! These are currently the most popular holiday birdfeeders that we sell. The first unit is 12 inches long by 4 inches high by 5 inches deep and holds about 2 pounds of mixed seed. There is a one way mirror film that lets you birdwatch as they feed. Two heavy duty suction cups attach the bird feeder to window glass. Easily filled and cleaned, too.  The second unit is 8.5”H x 11.5”W x 3.5” L and has two seed containers and a larger mirrored viewing area. There is a special cardinal bird seed mix. We recommend sunflower seeds as the most popular and less messy seed to use.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about suet cakes, suet feeders and seed feeders.

Answer: Paul, views have changed about feeding birds suet. Adding suet means adding more of the clinging type birds for your pleasure. Yes, squirrels can get into suet. There are squirrel resistant suet feeders, too.

Now many bird lovers offer suet all year around. Nesting birds need more energy in the spring. Suet provides it.  For insect eating birds in summer, suet can substitute for insects especially in years when insects are in short supply.  Suet helps birds store fat needed for energy to migrate or to prepare for the cold winter weather and to survive winter in colder climates.

Most suet is made from meat fat, Some regard beef fat from kidneys as the best suet. Suet can also be made from vegetable fat. Suet can be flavored, mixed with seeds, peanuts, peanut butter, berries, etc. or just plain. Suet comes in many forms, netted bells to hang directly from trees, blocks, plugs, pellets which birds can carry back to their nests to eat,etc. There are suet feeders available that are made from coated wire to which birds can cling or perch. Most suet loving birds are cling feeders like woodpeckers. If you plan to feed suet, be well-supplied as once birds discover it, it is eaten quickly.

The birds most seen eating suet are chickadees, woodpeckers, warblers, titmice, kinglets, nuthatches, jays, and wrens. Starlings can be a real pest in some areas: you may want to use a starling resistant suet feeder. that is suited primarily for birds that hang upside down to feed. Likewise, pest squirrels can be better kept away by a squirrel resistant suet feeder.

I recommend that if you buy suet on-line, that you buy a minimum of 6 to 12 blocks, bells, etc. Otherwise your shipping costs will void out any savings or convenience as shipping 6 to 10 pounds cost very little more than shipping 2 pounds.

The choices are too numerous for me to add to this blog. I suggest you search for suet and you'll see the choices we offer.

Thanks for your questions and enjoy your backyard birds.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the bluebird houses and how to attract bluebirds to my yard.

• Song Bird Essentials Bluebird Birdhouse with Plexiglass Viewing Top.
• Songbird Essentials Flat Top Bluebird House
• Woodlink Audubon - Coppertop Bluebird House

Some suggested bluebird feeders:

• Song Essentials Bluebird Feeder. Bluebirds soon learn to reach inside this feeder for the meal worms & treats you provide. Designed for easy three step training. 1) Leave the lid open, held by the cable and remove one plexiglas side. 2) Insert plexiglass side. 3) Close the lid so only bluebirds can use the feeder.
• Protected Bluebird Jail FeederThis feeder is made to discourage larger birds from feasting on meal worms and blue bird food.

Suggested food:

• Bulk Dried Mealworms average count 176,000
• Unipeck - Value Tub Dried Mealworms average count 10,000

Thank you for your question. Enjoy your bird-watching.
Sincerely, Barbara