Top 5 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

Just because you love birds doesn’t mean you have to love and feed all animals. Try telling that to squirrels though.

Squirrels are so persistent and annoyingly good at getting the seed from inside bird feeders that the old joke among birders is that there’s no such thing as a squirrel-proof feeder, there’s only squirrel-resistant ones.

If you’ve tried and failed to squirrel proof your feeders with baffles and everything you can think of, we have some options for you. Here are the top 5 squirrel-proof feeders available from Backyard Chirper that consistently get the highest marks for their squirrel-stopping abilities. If you have a feeder you’d like to recommend, let us know in the comments.

5. Songbird Essentials Super Spiral Sunflower Feeder/Twirl A Squirrel Combo

This product is actually a combination of a Twirl A Squirrel Baffle with a classic bird feeder. The Twirl A Squirrel from Songbird Essentials is a battery operated baffle you can attach to any feeder that twirls when more than a pound of weight is on the feeder. The feeder is not perfect, but it’s very effective in preventing squirrels from stealing seed.

Here’s a demo video of what happens to a squirrel when it tries to get on the feeder.

Buy here.

4. Squirrel-Proof Blocker Selective from Duncraft

Some of the feeders featured later on the list have moving parts that keep squirrels at bay, but this feeder from Duncraft uses an old fashioned cage to keep them out. The upside is that this feeder is very durable and doesn’t have any moving parts that can break. The downside is that you can’t adjust the entrances, so only smaller birds will be able to fit inside.

Still, it is very effective at leaving your squirrels out in the cold.

Buy here.

3. The Bouncer from Vari-Crafts

The Bouncer is a finely made squirrel-proof feeder that uses its structural design to its advantage. It works by having long sleek sides that don’t have anything a squirrel can grab onto if it’s coming from above. There are perches, but they’re weight sensitive, so if a squirrel grabs onto it, it’ll seal the feeding ports and shut out squirrels. No matter how hard or often squirrels try, they’ll never be able to get seed from inside the Bouncer.

Here’s a video that shows you how it works.

Buy here.

2. Heritage Farms Absolute II Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

The spring controlled perch finally uses the squirrel’s weight against itself. When a squirrel rests on the perch to grab some seed, a door seals the entrance to the food and it can’t reach in. Lighter birds can still rest comfortably on the perch when no squirrels are around and happily eat. The feeder itself holds 12 pounds of seed and is simple to refill. Since the perch is adjustable, you can also keep out unwanted pest birds who might be trying to eat the seed. This is a very solid squirrel-proof feeder.

Buy here.

1. Yankee Flipper Feeder from Droll Yankees

Droll Yankees has a series of squirrel-proof feeders, but the Yankee Flipper sets the standard of what a squirrel-proof feeder should be. Although it’s fairly pricey, the feeder has a squirrel-triggered motor that twirls the rodents in circles until they fly off. Not only is the mechanism on the feeder effective but it’s also very fun to watch. You finally get to see all those squirrels who raided your feeders over the years flip off and fail. Aside from the ability to stop squirrels, the feeder also holds five pounds of seed and even has an internal baffle. If you want the best, this is it.

Here’s a video that shows you how it works.

Buy here.