I have had success with these ones: From my experience if they can't reach through to the nuts they then start on getting it open - I used to tie them shut with unfolded paperclips but they still got through. The lids on these are too stiff for them to open.
We invested in a spring loaded seed feeder, which completely baffles the squirrels. They had totally destroyed 3 new ‘squirrel proof’ feeders!
We got a spring loaded feeder. Think it's called a 'squirrel buster.' Cost a fortune, used it since April and it has been 100% effective.
My mother just invested in one of these and it works perfectly to keep the squirrels at bay. The true test will come in the spring when the black bears come out of hibernation. I have yet to see a bear-proof feeder!
edited to add photo of said contraption
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
I have said this many times on various threads. Lace the feed with very hot chilli powder. Squirrels can't stand it birds positively love it, they lack the heat receptors that mammals have. It puts other rodents off too.
My bird feeder has some many ‘attachments’ to stop squirrels and rats … it has a squirrel baffle which has stopped both squirrels and rats, it’s also got hanging trays underneath to stop bird feed falling to the floor which rats were feeding on.
I’ve also put up a dedicated squirrel feeder which the squirrels use, they stick to their feeder and my bird feeders don’t get chewed and broken anymore. I know lots of people dislike squirrels because they can take birds eggs but I can’t help love them and because they’re so well fed in my garden perhaps they don’t need to take birds eggs 🙏 . I’m also happy to report that I haven’t seen a rat for a couple of months now.
Starlings are my problem ,they’re so greedy the small birds haven’t a chance! They descend in a drove and gobble everything in sight, I quite like them and don’t mind them having a feed —— oh dear they eat everything——— nothing much left for the other wee birds
We've recently been invaded by a flock of starlings, too! I fill the feeders for my mother and within an hour they're empty. I put out soaked kibble for my crows and the starlings are even chasing them away and eating their food. They're a complete menace.
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
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From my experience if they can't reach through to the nuts they then start on getting it open - I used to tie them shut with unfolded paperclips but they still got through. The lids on these are too stiff for them to open.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
May have to move further from Conifers, 6ft at present ?