The Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

A day existed when I would not use the phrase squirrel proof bird feeder. Rather, I coined the phrase “squirrel control feeder.” However, there have been significant improvements in squirrel proof feeders, and that term is not so off-base as it once was.

There are many models of the squirrel proof feeder. Rather than review every model on the market, I will describe to you what I have found to be the most effective.

Hopper Style Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

Heritage Farms Absolute II Heritage Farms manufactures a hopper style squirrel proof bird feeder called the Absolute that is quite effective under most conditions. The Absolute squirrel proof bird feeder uses the weight of a squirrel against it. Weight sensitive perches on each side of the feeder close when stepped on, thus shutting off access to the seed.

The tension can be adjusted on the perches, thereby granting you even greater control over what eats from the feeder. For instance, the lightest setting will not only prevent squirrels from accessing seeds, but large birds as well including grackles, starlings and blue jays.

Strengths of the Absolute

  • Lifetime guarantee
  • A pole and hanging hardware included
  • Locking lid for easy filling
  • Lid “trigger” prevents squirrels from lifting
  • Holds 15 lbs of seed (2 ½ gallons)
  • Adjustable weight settings
  • Lots of birds can eat from the feeder at once

Weaknesses of the Absolute

  • Squirrels sometimes defeat the feeder. Here's how:

    • Squirrels will learn to stand atop the feeder and reach downinto the seed, thereby bypassing the weighted perches.

    • I've also witnessed a squirrel hang underneath the feeder and reach up into the cavity housing the seed while bypassing the weighted perches. Amazing feat of agility, really!

If your squirrel problem is not bad (you have one or two squirrels around), this feeder will effectively solve your problem.

However, if you’ve got a serious squirrel problem, there may be better options.

ASPECTS 368 Roller Squirrel Proof Feeder Another hopper-style squirrel proof bird feeder is designed by Aspects. They have aptly named their squirrel proof bird feeder The Roller. The outer casing of this feeder is weight sensitive and spins when a squirrel lands on it. The inner housing holding the seed is fixed and so the seed is stationary.

You can even adjust what birds can eat from the roller by adding or removing a series of ball-bearings that cause the feeder to turn.


ASPECTS369 Roller Feeder This is a really innovative design, but I've not yet tested it. However, I have received feedback from birders who love it, claiming the feeder to be quite effective.

But, they do mention a couple of disadvantages:

  • It is a bit difficult to fill and clean.
  • It has a rather small capacity.

I plan to test this feeder soon, and when I do, I'll update this page with my results. In the meantime, this pic above shows a squirrel's unsuccessful attempt at accessing the food. Seems pretty cool to me!

Tube Style Squirrel Proof Feeder

Droll Yankee Whipper Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Droll Yankee, Vari-crafts and Brome Bird Care all manufacture effective tube-style squirrel proof feeders.

Droll Yankee has 4 models—the Flipper, Tipper, Whipper and Dipper Vari-crafts manufactures the Bouncer. Brome Bird Care manufactures the Squirrel Buster.

There are two factors that make these feeders effective.

  1. The length of the tube forces squirrels to slide down the tube to reach the seed. Make no mistake, they will attempt to hang from the top and reach down to the ports in an attempt to scoop out the seed. They will not be able to reach and therefore must slide down the tube.

  2. Collapsible perches then cause the squirrel to slip from the feeder. Very effective.

Droll Yankee Models

Droll Yankee Squirrel Proof Squirrel Proof Feeder Let's start with the squirrel proof bird feeder called the Yankee Flipper. The feeder boasts a motor driven, battery powered, weight activated perch ring. When squirrels access this feeder, the perch ring spins. The motion is intense enough to toss the squirrel.

Make no mistake, this feeder is a very effective squirrel proof bird feeder. And immensely entertaining, too! However, expect mechanical problems at some point.

Droll may be aware of this as they guarantee the motor for only one year. This from a company that warranties all of its polycarbonate tube feeders for life! Hmmm. Trust me when I tell you that the motor is not up to par! We should note that the remainder of the Flipper feeder is covered by a lifetime warranty.

It's fun to watch the divergent reactions of men and women to the Droll Yankee Flipper video. Despite my warnings about mechanical problems, guys just can't help themselves. They see a squirrel tossed into a bush and BAM! They gotta have the feeder.

Women, on the other hand, seem to know better. They hear and accept my advice, and often opt for the cheaper and just as effective Whipper, Tipper or Dipper.

Let's talk about the other 3 Droll Yankee tube models.

I have had marvelous success with these models. Each has its own purpose.

  1. The Whipper squirrel proof bird feeder has curved perches that cardinals prefer.
  2. The Dipper squirrel proof bird feeder utilizes small perches and so this squirrel proof feeder is best for small birds.
  3. The Tipper squirrel proof bird feeder utilizes a collapsible tray which holds more birds.

All three of these models have lifetime warranties. Buy it once, and you are done. And remember, Droll is great about honoring the guarantee.

I have tested all 3 of these models and let me tell you, they work! However, be careful not to hang the feeder too close to the ground or you may end up with the issue shown to the right!

Vari-crafts Model

Vari-crafts Squirrel Proof Bouncer Vari-crafts Bouncer model uses the same technology as the 3 Droll Yankee models. There is one significant difference, however.

The perches on the Bouncer are calibrated to boot not only squirrels, but grackles, starlings and blue jays as well.

The only Droll model capable of this is the Dipper, which uses tiny perches to control big birds. The Bouncer is my preferred method of control for big birds like Grackles, Starlings, Blue Jays as well as squirrels.

However, keep in mind that the Northern Cardinal will really struggle to eat from the Bouncer. It would be a great evolution of this feeder to adjust the perches in such a way that the Northern Cardinal will more readily dine. To date, I've not seen a Cardinal on my Vari-crafts Bouncer squirrel proof bird feeder.

Brome Bird Care

Squirrel Buster Classic The squirrel proof bird feeder called the Squirrel Buster is built by Brome Bird Care. This feeder utilizes the same technology as squirrel proof hopper feeders. The bottom section of the feeder has openings that align with the seed ports. This is where the birds access to the seed.

When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the bottom shroud down, closing the seed ports. Squirrels are foiled.

Brome Bird Care offers two feeder styles:

  • Squirrel Buster Classic
  • Squirrel Buster Plus

I prefer the Squirrel Buster Plus for its adjustability. Set the tension so that you may keep out just squirrels while allowing even larger birds to eat. Or, adjust the setting to permit nothing heavier than a cardinal to feed.

This squirrel control bird feeder is effective, indeed. I have seen cardinals eat from it, but have had some customers complain that they do not. My suspicion is that the reason for this is linked to preferences. If there is a hopper feeder available, the cardinal is choosing that over the tube feeder. It is simply a matter of preference. A lack of cardinals is not a reason to forgo consider this feeder as a component of your bird feeding station



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