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Squirrel-proof bird feeders are a smart way for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy watching their feathered friends have a snack without unwanted guests detracting from the experience. Given their ability to jump, squirrels can be a persistent problem that deters birds from accessing feeders. To keep squirrels off bird feeders, using a special type of feeder that prevents them from accessing the food inside can be helpful.
To aid you in deciding between the dozens of squirrel-proof bird feeders available, we put eight popular options to the test to see which worked best. Our favorite was the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder, thanks to its effective performance, easy setup, and ventilation system that helps bird food stay dry. Most of the others we tried also impressed us—though for different reasons. Keep reading to learn more about the products that made our list of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders, then review which features matter most when choosing the right one for your garden or patio.
- BEST OVERALL: Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Brome Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Jump to Review - BEST LARGE: Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Feeder
Jump to Review - BEST CHEW-PROOF: Brome Squirrel Solution 200 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Jump to Review - BEST FOR SUET: More Birds Squirrel-X Double Suet Caged Bird Feeder
Jump to Review - BEST POST: WoodLink Absolute Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeder
Jump to Review
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The best squirrel-proof bird feeder can take many forms, from tension-spring units to spinning and chew-proof options. Those that made our list stand out for their durable material constructive, effective design features, and range of seed capacities.
Best Overall
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Photo: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Walmart
Buy at Target
What We Like
- Adjustable maximum weight allowance keeps unwanted animals from feeding
- Ready to hang right out of the box
- Vents let humidity escape so seed stays fresh and dry
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive compared to similar options
- Optional Cardinal ring is cumbersome to attach
Specs
-
Type:
Tension -
Capacity:
3 quarts -
Material:
Metal, plastic, and resin
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
The Squirrel Buster Plus bird feeder from Brome holds more than 3 quarts of seed and uses a tension spring that keeps squirrels and other unwanted guests from accessing it. Should an animal that exceeds the adjustable maximum weight capacity land or jump on the feeder, the feeding ports automatically close. This design lets you enjoy smaller birds in your yard while keeping big birds, like crows, and agile mammals, such as squirrels, away.
This feeder has six feeding ports perfect for small- and medium-sized birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and finches. It’s ready to use right out of the box, other than securing an optional ring that turns it into an excellent bird feeder for cardinals by allowing them to perch comfortably while they eat. Be warned: Installing this ring is a bit tricky, and since most bird lovers delight in seeing cardinals, it’s odd that it doesn’t come preinstalled.
Still, we really like this pick for its sturdy construction, which is primarily RoxResin, a type of epoxy resin that prevents damage from determined squirrels’ chewing. It also has a ventilation system that lets air flow through the feeder, helping prevent birdseed from going bad. Yes, the Squirrel Buster Plus is a tad pricey, but its solid build and smart design should bring enjoyment for multiple years.
What our tester says: “We love Brome’s feeders because they are well built and do a good job of thwarting squirrels. This particular one is our favorite because it’s ready to hang right out of the box and accommodates a wide range of birds.”—Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus squirrel-proof bird feeder at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Best Bang for the Buck
Brome Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Photo: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Walmart
Buy at Brome
What We Like
- Durable steel, plastic, and resin construction
- Ventilation system keeps seed fresh
- Slides easily onto a shepherd’s hook for quick assembly
What We Don’t Like
- Requires frequent filling
Specs
-
Type:
Tension spring -
Capacity:
0.6 quarts -
Material:
Metal, plastic, and resin
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Deterring squirrels needn’t be a pricey proposition. This budget-friendly Brome Squirrel Buster Mini bird feeder holds about a pound of birdseed, is made from durable steel, and features four metal perches. Like our top pick, it uses a tension spring to automatically close feeding ports when a squirrel’s weight hits the perches. So long as it’s hung with clearance, we found the tension spring design worked reliably time and time again.
The Squirrel Buster Mini is designed for all types of seed for a variety of birds, and in testing, it attracted all songbirds, including cardinals and titmice. It has the same ventilation system, easy assembly, and RoxResin components as the full-size model, just in a smaller size. While that does equate to a reduced capacity that required us to refill it a couple of times per week, that also means there isn’t much area for a squirrel to grab onto—making it even more pest-proof.
Get the Brome Squirrel Buster Mini squirrel-proof bird feeder at Amazon, Walmart, or Brome.
Best Large
Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Feeder
Photo: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Lowe’s
Buy at Ace Hardware
What We Like
- Large capacity requires infrequent refilling
- Innovative design flips squirrels off
- Durable UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube and powdered-coated metal base
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be charged regularly
Specs
-
Type:
Tension springs with spinning mechanism -
Capacity:
5 pounds -
Material:
Powder-coated metal and UV-stabilized polycarbonate
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
This 21-inch spinning squirrel-proof bird feeder from Droll Yankees holds 5 pounds of birdseed and features a motorized perch ring that runs on rechargeable batteries. Though it accommodates both small and large birds, when a squirrel jumps onto it, it spins under the squirrel’s weight, flipping the animal off the feeder. For additional deterrence, this feeder features a metal cap that’s too tight-fitting for squirrels to budge and a feeding tube that’s too difficult for them to hold onto.
The Yankee Flipper has four feeding ports and an internal baffle to prevent seed clogging at the bottom. Its metal and UV-stabilized plastic construction is durable and won’t discolor over time. In testing, it was the most robust model in our lineup, and it worked extremely well to keep squirrels off. But it’s heavy, especially when filled with seed, so it caused our shepherd’s hook to droop—you’ll need a sturdy hook secured to a strong base to keep it upright. The only other potential downside to this pick is that the motor must be charged regularly (depending on the amount of squirrel activity) with the included AC adapter for it to work.
Get the Droll Yankees squirrel-proof bird feeder at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best Chew-Proof
Brome Squirrel Solution 200 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Photo: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Walmart
Buy at Target
What We Like
- Seed funnel makes it fast and easy to fill
- Durable and attractive design
- Holds multiple smaller birds at the same time
What We Don’t Like
- Small perches might not be big enough for some larger songbirds
Specs
-
Type:
Cage and tension system -
Capacity:
2 quarts -
Material:
Metal, plastic, and resin
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Especially persistent squirrels can ruin feeders by chewing to gain access to food. The Squirrel Solution 200 aims to stop those stubborn pests with the protection of RoxResin, an epoxy resin the company claims is 100 percent chew-proof, waterproof, rustproof, and UV stabilized to prevent discoloration.
This attractive midsize feeder uses a tension spring that reacts to the weight of the squirrel to prevent it from feeding. Birds can hold onto its six feeding ports as well as the green metal cage that encloses the feeder, which holds 2 quarts of feed and features a ventilation system that keeps it dry. It works best with black-oil sunflower seeds, which can attract a wide range of birds, including goldfinches, chickadees, woodpeckers, and blue jays. However, we did notice that larger songbirds like cardinals and titmice seem reluctant to feed on its smaller perches.
What our tester says: “This was our chew-proof pick for best bird feeders because of its squirrel-proof design and overall bird attraction features. In testing, it successfully foiled squirrels with its tension-spring system, while its size and design regularly lured nuthatches, finches, and chickadees.”—Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Brome Squirrel Solution 200 squirrel-proof bird feeder at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Brome.
Best For Suet
More Birds Squirrel-X Double Suet Caged Bird Feeder
Photo: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Blain’s Farm & Feet
Buy at Perky Pet
What We Like
- Double-sided design to feed multiple birds at once
- Cage simply but effectively keeps squirrels
- Easy to fill and clean
What We Don’t Like
- Larger bird species, like woodpeckers, can’t feed
Specs
-
Type:
Cage -
Capacity:
2 suet cakes -
Material:
Steel and aluminum
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Best for insect-feeding birds, the More Birds squirrel-resistant suet feeder holds two cakes of suet and is surrounded by a cage to bar squirrels effectively. The design of the rust-resistant powder-coated steel cage also houses seed cakes for smaller birds, allowing them to slip inside, while larger birds simply reach in to access the suet. The top fits so securely that squirrels can’t work it off to gain access.
In testing, this pick performed well, keeping squirrels out with its small cage openings and top baffle. However, It’s designed to be hung and can’t be pole-mounted, so we weren’t able to set it up where we initially intended. Also, this suet feeder only accommodates smaller songbirds—in fact, the small openings in the cage are designed to deter “bully-bird” species. The trouble is, woodpeckers are one of the most common suet feeders, and they aren’t any more aggressive at feeders than most of their smaller songbird counterparts. We think it’s a pity that this feeder does not allow access to woodpeckers and other larger suet-feeding birds.
Get the More Birds squirrel-proof bird feeder at Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Perky Pet.
Best Post
Woodlink Absolute Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeder
Photo: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Tractor Supply Co
What We Like
- Comes with a 5-foot mounting pole and installation hardware
- Keeps squirrels and larger bird species away
- Holds up to 12 pounds of birdseed
What We Don’t Like
- Weight demands a heavy-duty hook and sturdy frame
Specs
-
Type:
Weighted perch with baffles -
Capacity:
12 pounds -
Material:
Alloy steel and polycarbonate
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
This squirrel-resistant bird feeder from WoodLink is made of powder-coated steel and comes complete with a 5-foot mounting pole and all necessary hanging hardware. Designed with a tension spring that collapses the seed port under a squirrel’s weight, this feeder keeps squirrels out effectively. The spring is adjustable to light, medium, and heavy settings to accommodate small to large birds. It also has a chew-proof locking top, a double-sided design, and a massive capacity of up to 12 pounds of birdseed.
In testing, the WoodLink Absolute kept squirrels at bay most of the time and attracted many bird species. We did have a couple of tenacious squirrels that managed to swipe a few handfuls, but we did not consider that a deal breaker. We liked that it holds a large amount of seed and requires infrequent filling. However, this feeder is heavy and large, so it should be pole-mounted as opposed to hung for security.
Get the WoodLink squirrel-proof bird feeder at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.
ALSO TESTED
We liked the transparent acrylic design of the Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder With Suction Cups so we could watch birds unimpeded. Unfortunately, it fell short in testing since it doesn’t have any specific features to repel squirrels and only kept them at bay when hung far away from jumping-off points.
How We Tested the Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 1 week |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $25 to $150 |
There are many types of bird feeders on the market, varying greatly in design and features. After researching dozens of options claiming to be squirrel proof, we tested eight popular feeders to evaluate their capacity, materials, ease of cleaning and filling, overall aesthetics, how well they attracted birds, and how well they deterred squirrels.
To test each squirrel-proof bird feeder, we started by cleaning and filling them. We examined their hanging mechanisms, sturdiness, and squirrel-deterrent features. To see how well they performed, we installed each option and observed how well it attracted birds, how easy it was for them to feed, and how well it helped get rid of squirrels.
The bird feeders that made our list are durable, easy to assemble and hang or mount, and able to accommodate a variety of different birds and seeds. They are aesthetically pleasing and prevent squirrels from accessing food, whether via protective cages or adjustable tension springs.
What to Consider When Choosing a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when seeking the best squirrel-proof bird feeder, including style, size, type, and ease of use. The following are some of the most essential features for keeping squirrels out of bird feeders.
Type
Since many nature lovers would rather not resort to squirrel traps, choosing a bird feeder with a squirrel guard—such as a baffle, cage, tension springs, collapsible perches, and rolling mechanisms—can be an effective alternative.
- A baffle is a type of dome, usually made out of plastic or metal, that goes over the actual bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing down onto it and accessing the seeds. Baffles may also be used on a squirrel-proof bird feeder pole to prevent squirrels from climbing up to the feeder.
- Cage bird feeders have cages surrounding the actual feeder, allowing birds to access food with their beaks or by slipping through the cage bars while making it difficult (if not impossible) for squirrels to nab the food.
- Some bird feeders use tension springs, which close the feeding area when too much weight is applied. While birds can sit on a perch and eat, a squirrel’s weight will cause the spring to restrict the feeding area, preventing it from accessing food.
- With collapsible perches, a bird can safely sit and eat, while the squirrel’s weight will cause the perch to bend, dropping the squirrel to the ground.
- A bird feeder with a spinning mechanism will turn completely when a squirrel drops on it, which will throw the squirrel off while birds simply fly away. It rights itself immediately and automatically so birds can come back to feed while squirrels are deterred.
Size/Capacity
Different bird feeders hold different amounts of food. Suet bird feeders are smaller and designed exclusively for suet food, while others hold several pounds of birdseed. Which size and capacity is best depends on the circumstances.
While smaller feeders will need to be refilled more often if there are a lot of birds feeding, a smaller size can be ideal for only a few visitors. For others, a large bird feeder that doesn’t need to be filled with birdseed as often makes the most sense.
Size can also determine how many birds can feed at one time as well as which kinds of birds come. Cylinder-shaped feeders, for example, typically contain between four and six feeding ports. Cardinals and finches like cylinder feeders, while woodpeckers often go for larger platform feeders.
Size may also affect your decision when thinking about places to hang a bird feeder. Larger feeders typically need more support when hanging or mounting, while lighter feeders or window feeders offer more locational flexibility.
Material
While squirrel-proof bird feeders can be made of different materials, they aren’t typically made from wood. Squirrels have tough front teeth that can gnaw at wood, making other materials a better option. A few popular materials used to construct these feeders include metal, plastic, acrylic, and epoxy resin.
- Metal, such as powder-coated steel, can be very durable. However, these weatherproof bird feeders can get hot in higher temperatures, which may not be ideal for warmer climates or sunny areas.
- Plastic feeders are generally durable, easy to clean, and relatively resistant to breakage when dropped. Ultraviolet (UV)-stabilized plastic is a popular material for bird feeders, as it prevents discoloration from the sun over time.
- Acrylic is transparent, allowing for unobstructed bird-watching, so it’s great for window feeders and other areas where humans congregate to observe feathered friends.
- Epoxy resin is a synthetic resin material capable of preventing damage from squirrels chewing on feeders. Since they’re so durable, epoxy models are great for feeding birds in winter.
Feeders can also be made from multiple materials, such as metal and plastic, to combine the benefits of each.
Bird Species
Most bird feeders are designed to attract a variety of birds, but some are better suited to specific species. For example, squirrel-proof suet feeders with a surrounding cage are ideal for birds with long beaks, like woodpeckers, while window feeders tend to work best for smaller birds, such as wrens and finches.
In addition to design differences, some squirrel-proof feeders are made to hold specific types of food, like suet or sunflower seeds, which may limit the variety of birds they attract. Insect-eating birds, such as woodpeckers, prefer suet, while sunflower seeds are a favorite among a wider range of species. Many feeders accommodate seed mixes, making them attractive to birds with varied dietary preferences.
Ease of Use
The best squirrel-proof bird feeders are the best for a reason: They prevent squirrels from getting birdseed. However, they can be tricky to operate, as the design features meant to throw off squirrels may also make it more difficult for humans to fill them with food.
Some squirrel-proof bird feeders are easier to use than others. Most are designed to be filled through the top. Some come with mounting equipment if they’re pole- or window-mounted, while others offer the option of hanging the feeder from a tree or a stand.
If the bird feeder can hold a large amount of seed, the bottom can become clogged with seed. Some squirrel-proof bird feeders contain internal baffles that can help evenly distribute the seed to feeding ports, which prevents clogging.
Additional Features
Squirrel-proof bird feeders often have additional features that make them a good investment, such as a ventilation system to keep birdseed from spoiling, chew-proof features to stop stubborn squirrels from ruining a feeder, and domes to protect a feeder from the elements and provide additional squirrel protection.
There are also different styles and designs, including feeders shaped like houses, those with decor-matching decals, and even bird feeders with cameras. Which additional features will be the most beneficial depends on the particular location, which types of birds will be feeding there, and how aggressive the local squirrels are about getting food.
FAQs
You now know more about squirrel-proof bird feeder types and features, but may still have a few lingering questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about these devices.
Yes, squirrels can climb metal poles, but plastic or metal baffles can help prevent them from doing so successfully.
Bird feeders don’t attract rats. However, spilled seed from a bird feeder that’s left on the ground has the potential to attract them.
Many birds are attracted to feeders near natural shelters like trees, but placing feeders near trees can also give squirrels easier access. Putting a feeder in an open space can help deter squirrels.
The main concern is installing a bird feeder near a window, where collisions could occur. To prevent this, mount your feeder at least 3 feet away from windows.
Birds can fly, so they don’t mind a feeder that’s higher up, especially if it means they are further away from any predators on the ground. Hanging feeders higher up also helps them avoid any contamination from pesticides you may be using in your garden or lawn.
Having a dirty feeder is one of the most common bird feeder mistakes people make. While the exact steps for cleaning a squirrel-proof feeder will vary by model, the general approach is as follows:
1.Empty out the old seed.
2.Disassemble the feeder, removing any detachable parts.
3.Wash all parts with mild dish soap and warm water or a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. 4.Be sure to clean feeding ports, perches, and crevices where mold or bacteria might accumulate.
5.Rinse well and allow to air dry completely.
6.Reassemble, refill, and rehang.
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