The 4 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

A bird feeder is a popular way to bring feathered friends to your yard—but you’ll quickly find out that birds aren’t the only ones interested in snacking on seed.

Squirrels are known for going to great lengths to access the seeds inside of a bird feeder, and they’ll empty it quickly.

If you want to save the seeds for your feathered friends, it’s worth investing in a squirrel-proof bird feeder specially designed to cater to birds while deterring squirrels and other pests.

What To Look for in a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

A bird feeder squirrel guard, also known as a baffle, is one of the most common and simple ways to block a rodent’s access to your seed.

“Baffles come in cone-shaped or dome-shaped [varieties] and they block a squirrel's access to the bird seed,” explains Aaron Carlson of Trutech™ Wildlife Service.

While keeping squirrels off the feeder and away from the seed reservoir are the most essential aspects of an anti-squirrel bird feeder, you should also consider the overall safety of the feeder.

“One thing to look for is that the baffle or squirrel-deterring aspect isn’t something too complex that birds could get stuck in [it],” says Emma Greig, PhD, leader of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch.

The Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

In short, the best squirrel-proof bird feeders will be designed to keep squirrels out without hindering a bird’s access to the feeder. Here are the top options to consider. 

1. Droll Yankees® Yankee Whipper® Collapsing Curved Perch Bird Feeder

Droll Yankees makes a handful of anti-squirrel bird feeders, and the Yankee Whipper is one of the most effective options.

The key to its success is spring-loaded perches that collapse under the weight of a squirrel, depriving them of easy access to the feeder’s 17-inch seed tube.

On the other hand, lightweight birds including chickadees and cardinals will find the curved perches offer a convenient landing spot for eating seed.

Unlike some squirrel spinning bird feeders that require regular battery replacement, there’s no power supply needed for the Yankee Whipper.

Over time, however, the springs may require replacement and may collapse under the weight of heavier birds—which for some people is a bonus, since it limits larger birds like grackles from monopolizing the seed supply. 

2. Nature's Way® Bird Products Squirrel Shield Hopper Bird Feeder

Keep squirrels out of bird seed with the effective design of the Squirrel Shield Hopper Bird Feeder. The whimsical farmhouse aesthetic might be the first thing to catch your eye, but a closer look reveals three features that make this one of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders:

• A tamper-resistant feed reservoir

• A weight-sensitive seed shield

• Collapsing perches

For the sake of durability, this bird feeder has a powder-coated metal roof, base, feed ports, and perch rails. The roof comes off easily for refilling the seed reservoir. Once it’s full, a locking mechanism keeps it securely shut so squirrels or raccoons can’t help themselves to the bird seed. Windows on either side allow you to monitor remaining seed levels. 

Birds like titmice and cardinals can easily feed from either side, and the larger dimensions of the feeder, coupled with a total of 16 seed ports, make this an ideal feeder for backyards with frequent bird activity. Heavier guests—like a squirrel—will cause the perch to collapse and the seed shield to cover the feed ports. 

3. Perky-Pet® Panorama Bird Feeder 

Squirrels are known for being determined enough to gain access to a bird feeder’s seed tube by chewing through the top of a feeder or prying its lid off.

The Perky-Pet Panorama Bird Feeder solves this problem by outfitting the feeder with a proprietary Sure-Lock™ cap system, which ensures that the metal lid fits tightly in place and can’t be tampered with by squirrels, raccoons, or other common raiders of the bird feeder. 

This anti-squirrel bird feeder is designed to be hung from a hook and has a metal ring that circles the 2-pound seed reservoir and serves as a comfortable perch for several birds at once.

Because the seed automatically dispenses into a tray at the base of the seed tube, it’s best to choose a location that is isolated enough that a squirrel can’t jump from a nearby launching point and land on the tray, where he can eat his fill of seed. 

4. Droll Yankees® Jagunda® Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

The Jagunda Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder by Droll Yankees is one of the most durable squirrel-proof bird feeders on a pole.

It includes a 5.5-foot black steel pole with a no-tilt auger for easier and more secure installation that lasts for years. Although it’s one of the more expensive anti-squirrel bird feeders on our list, it has a reputation for effectiveness and longevity.

In addition to the slick pole that keeps the feeder out of reach, the Jagunda features another popular defense against squirrels at the bird feeder—a large, 18.5-inch baffle.

“Baffles are the most effective method [of blocking access to the seed],” Carlson says. “They can be installed either on top of the bird feeder or under it, depending on whether it is hanging or on a pole.”

In this case, the dome-shaped baffle blocks a squirrel’s access to the seed from below and doubles as a feeding tray above, giving birds a spot to land at any of the eight ports around the perimeter of the bird feeder. You can control how quickly or slowly the seed dispenses by adjusting a built-in seed valve.

How Do I Keep Squirrels Away From My Bird Feeder?

Choosing a model with a squirrel guard isn’t the only way to keep squirrels off your bird feeder. Here are some additional tips for squirrel-proofing your bird feeder:

1. Make the Bird Feeder Inaccessible

While the complexity of a squirrel-proof bird feeder is a top strategy, don’t underestimate a squirrel’s determination or acrobatics. “Install a bird feeder away from anything a squirrel can climb!” Carlson says. “Squirrels are great jumpers and can clear 6 feet horizontally.”

2. Feed the Squirrels Separately

Another idea to keep squirrels away from bird feeders is to provide them with an alternative of readily available food.

“Provide easy access to an inexpensive food for the squirrels in your yard—for example, cracked corn,” Dr. Greig says. “Sometimes, if you can’t beat ’em, just feed them something less expensive than your pricey sunflower seeds.”

3. Pick a Less Appealing Bird Seed

Reduce the enticement to break into your bird feeder by swapping out the food inside. “Use milo or millet seed,” suggests Carlson. “These small hard seeds are less attractive to squirrels than sunflower [seeds] or corn.”

4. Contain Spilled Seed

Carlson says that you should consider adding a hopper (a tray) to your bird feeder to collect spilled seeds. In addition to causing sprouts under your bird feeder, Carlson points out that spilled seeds “will attract squirrels and other pests to your yard, [and] then they'll start looking for other food sources.”