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How do I protect my feeder?
Home » Outdoor Decor » Bird Feeders » How do I protect my feeder?Depending on what kind of food you use, you might not only attract different kinds of birds; you might attract different kinds of animals as well. Suet mixtures that include beef kidney fat are especially popular with animals; even bears may compete with your birds for feeder space.
The most notorious birdseed thief, of course, is the squirrel. Squirrels can jump up to ten feet, climb poles and cross telephone wires to reach the forbidden seed. Some homeowners have surrendered to the squirrels and either purchased additional squirrel feeders or simply accepted the fact that squirrels will take some of their food.
Other homeowners, however, have developed a vast array of creative strategies to protect their feeders. You can put hot pepper spray on your seeds to deter squirrels or put grease on the pole leading up to the feeder. Many bird stores sell squirrel-proof feeders or squirrel deflectors that supposedly can keep your food “for the birds.” Perhaps the best option, however, is simply to carefully pick a location. If you place your feeder as far away from trees and buildings as necessary, you may be able to deter the squirrels. Even if it doesn’t work, though, you still get to be amazed by the genius of the squirrel.
Sources:
http://ehow.com
http://birding.about.com
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