“There he goes!” From his studio window, Cliff observed a squirrel stealing birdseed from our new feeder. Again.
I rushed outside into the lanai, and saw the squirrel scarfing down the contraband, the feeder swinging back and forth from its weight. A squirrel had invaded a bird feeder intended for the avian life in our preserve.
Apparently, the rodent climbed up the pole and jumped up to the roof and started chomping on the food. “That little rascal!” I complained. By now, ole squirrel had scampered up the oak tree nearby. I noticed some seeds left on the ground, which he would probably come back to nibble on later.
This lovely feeder was a Father’s Day present from our kids, the gift complete with a huge supply of birdseed. On June 15, a new bird-feeder appeared in our back yard: cherry-red and fully stocked with bird feed for the birds in our neighborhood.
Watch how the birds flock to the feeder for a meal or a snack. Oh, happy day!
https://youtube.com/shorts/yjU-F-fG-A4?feature=share
However, an enemy had invaded, so Cliff, ever the problem-solver, was rigging up a solution to thwart more squirrel theft, stringing up Slinky toys to prevent them from scaling the pole. Would a Slinky toy strung up the pole help prevent the squirrels from stealing food?
You remember Slinky toys. Yes? In fact, you may have played with the tricky toy that can travel down a flight of steps end-over-end, stretching and then reforming itself with the pull of gravity and its own momentum.
SLINKY TOY
So, a Slinky toy in hand, my husband went to work, attempting to foil the scoundrel. Gathering tools, he sat in the lanai, figuring out a way to secure the Slinkies to the birdhouse pole. He means business!
After a short reprieve, we were foiled again! The squirrel climbed up the Slinky “trap” and hopped off to the birdhouse rooftop, slick as a trapeze artist, and went at it, even though Cliff had subsequently attached a second (and a third) Slinky to the pole!
https://youtube.com/shorts/TH2JmA0IoSc?feature=share
Now, birds still use the bird-feeder as their cafeteria, but so do squirrels, pesky and unwanted. What to do? Bird-loving friends have suggested a few fixes:
- Buy special bird seed tailored just for birds. It contains ingredients that squirrels don’t like.
- Replace the bird-feeder with one that responds to weight applied. When a squirrel attacks the feeder, its extra weight causes an imbalance, so that the squirrel loses its grip and can’t access the bird seed. The feeder is probably efficient, but it’s extra long, and not very pretty.
We, of course, could allow the squirrels to co-habit the bird-feeder.
Your Thoughts please
Have you had a similar problem, maybe with another pest? How have you handled it?
Can you identify the birds at the feeder?
Good morning, Marian! I didn’t think Slinkies would keep a squirrel away. They are very agile and acrobatic! I’d probably just let them coexist, or try a different birdseed mixture.
We used to have a bird feeder attached to our kitchen window, but we got rid of it because I think the spilled seeds attracted mice who then got into our house.
The instinct of squirrels and birds refutes the expression “bird-brain,” I think.
I like both of your suggestions, Merril, first responder once again! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian!
The more I read about bird brains (and other creatures), the more I’m amazed!
A Slinky you say? That keeps squirrels from getting to the birdseed? Interesting. Wonder if it would keep raccoons away too? We have both, hence no bird feeders.
Cliff is the type to keep trying for a “fix,” but I’m not too optimistic about keeping squirrels away. I think a raccoon would upend the feeder. Thanks for telling us your take, Ally! 😀
Wow, that squirrel looks so big for the feeder. Little thief! Lazy creature! I hope you find a solution soon, Marian. Maybe you need a separate pole and feeder just for the squirrel with more attractive squirrel food? 🙂
Did you hear me chuckle, Liesbet? “A separate pole and feeder just for the squirrel with more attractive squirrel food?” No one else has mentioned that yet, Liesbet! 😀
I think the holes are too big on your feeder!
What a lovely sunroom you have!
You’re probably right about the holes on the bird feeder. Elfrieda.
Thanks for the compliment about the sunroom. Lately it’s too sunny and hot, but I do have breakfast there if it’s early enough. Thanks again for commenting here! 😀
That squirrel is incorrigible! No shame, no shame whatsoever. We don’t put out bird feeders, as they attract bears.
Now bears would be an entirely different set of circumstances. I agree about the shameless antics of those squirrels. Thanks, Liz! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian!
A baffle. They are intrepid, the little rascals.
BTW did you know that Slinkies were invented by someone in PA and are still made here
Thanks for adding to the Slinky history, Carol. No, I did not know the toy was invented by a Pennsylvanian. Way to go, Keystone State. 😀
Oh my goodness! So sorry! We’re not allowed to hang bird feeders here in the apartment complex because of the squirrels. I hope you can figure out a good solution!
Right now we are letting the “cohabitating” option take effect. I can certainly see the wisdom of the management in your apartment complex.
Thanks, L. Marie! 😀
I handled this issue by coating the bird seed with a small amount of vegetable oil and adding a liberal sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Mix well. Squirrels hate cayenne although it doesn’t hurt them, but birds don’t mind it at all. It worked! The squirrels moved on and the birds stayed.
Elaine, this is the best advice I’ve read yet. Best of all, “the squirrels moved on and the birds stayed,” I like that and will give it a try. Huge thanks! ((( )))
Oh dear. You have to admire the tenacity of the squirrel. I think letting them share is a good idea.
That’s my inclination although Elaine’s suggestion (just above) sounds sensible too. Thanks, Darlene, for checking in! 😀
I am no help whatsoever, but Elaine’s advice sounds good to me. Good luck!
Elaine lives in rural New York, bordering the Finger Lakes National Forest, so I trust her judgment on wildlife. Thanks for the good wishes, Shirley! 😀
Oh Marian, we have the same problem, although it’s much better than it used to be! Squirrels ruined our first bird feeder. Then I got a little wiser. Now I only buy feed with hot pepper flakes in it. In the beginning, the squirrels stayed away completely, but now they are more tolerant of the hot peppers. The only difference is that they aren’t destroying the feeder and they are not taking it over either. I was hoping Cliff had the solution with the Slinky. Too bad, but it did bring back memories of trying to get the Slinky go down the stairs. Loved your videos – such a nice gift too!
Barbara, you sound like a true veteran of the bird-feeder blues. Elaine, above, also suggested bird feed with hot pepper flakes in it. That sounds sensible and probably won’t break the bank either. I’m glad you enjoyed the story, the Slinky, and the videos. Thanks! 😀
Well, we aren’t lucky enough to have squirrels in our neighborhood and I’ve always like them. I can’t give good advice because I’d allow the squirrels ( just like I allow the spiders 😂)
You are kind-hearted to both man and beast: lions, tigers, and spiders. In fact, I remember you recently posting about spiders and sending us photos too.
In principle, I do like squirrels, but not when they push out birdies. For now, though, I will happily let them co-habit. Thanks for your input, Robbie! 😀
Marian — I just saw this “trick” online the other day. Google “bird feeder inside a dog crate ideas.”
Laurie, intriguing tag line. I’ll google that in a minute.
Thank you! 😀
Those squirrels are little rascals for sure. What I want to know is where did Cliff even find Slinkies? 🙂 x
Amazon has everything. If you want to amuse yourself–or find inspiration while writing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQQY64B?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
You may have had one as a kid. If not, then spring for it–ha!
Dear Marian and Cliff, Bob has just put up a hummingbird and a birdfeeder for other varieties of birds. He suggests Cliff apply grease to the pole. Best wishes and good luck!
Sherrey, I was thinking about you this week, and now you (magically!) appear. So good to see you.
Thanks for the advice here. We are trying the pepper/bird-seed mixture at the moment. If that fails, maybe grease the pole. Thank you, Bob! 😀
Hi Marian. I’ve been out of town and am way behind on my blogs, but your post attracted my attention. I admire Cliff’s resourcefulness. I’m guessing you’ve been on YouTube to watch the incredible feats that some have gone to outwit squirrels with little success. If you haven’t, check them out. You won’t feel so bad, give the squirrels’ amazing acrobatic agility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LueiUkb9c
Cliff and I chuckled all the way through the YouTube link you sent. Squirrels are nothing if not agile and acrobatic–true trapeze artists.
So far, the bird seed mingled with bits of crushed red pepper seems to be working. I like it because it doesn’t harm the birds. Thanks for commenting, Pete. There may be a follow-up! 😀