Squirrel proof bird feeder

Great idea! What is the best diameter of the cylinder ?

And how far away, pray tell, is that?

Please, forget to feed the rats. They'll find plenty of food on their own.

min 12' from the side and 8 - 10' from ground

YMMV

BRuce, 87 tree rats down and count> >

The proverbial 'it depends' applies.

Among other things, on how the feeder is mounted. One that is rigidly attached to the top of a pole requires more horizontal clearance than one that is hung (via flexible support) from overhead.

It also depends on what kind of a 'launching platform' they have to work with -- if there is only a vertical surface available, much less clearance is necessary, compared to when a near-horizontal point (such as the crotch between limb and trunk) can be utilized. Even more space is required, if they can get a running start along that horizontal surface.

Lastly, _what_kind_ of critters you have to deal with can make a big difference. Red/grey squirrels are one thing. "Flying" squirrels, who actually 'glide' rather than fly, are a whole different ball-game.

For the squirrels encountered in central Iowa, a wire-suspended feeder -- at a height of about 5' above ground, hanging about 8' out from the trunk of the tree, on a limb that was about 11' off the ground, and with a 'hat' (as previously described) about 18" above the feeder -- had a 25+ year track record of withstanding all attempts by the resident squirrel population.

A lot of 'free entertainment' was provided by their ongoing attempts, however.

Since those unsuccessful attempts _did_ interfere with the desired bird's use of the facilities, the teen-aged boys *were* known to use the afore- mentioned "super-soaker" to 'discourage' the squirrels. With limited success

Hi folks,

Try to build your planter out of galvanized steel. This shall moderate their chewing habit :)

Jean (Johnny) Lemire from Richelieu, Quebec, Canada.

Hi Robert, hi folks.

Your idea of the wadding pool made me LOL.

Cool idea :)

I also read about using old vinyl records (12 inches of course) abbuted against a stopper (a big knot) on the line holding the feeder. Its slippery enough to discourage the squirrels. I dont know if they are wide enough though. Good way to recycle old records.

Jean (Johnny) Lemire from Richelieu, Quebec, Canada.