HOA's and Backyard Birdfeeding:
Saying "NO" to Birdfeeding Bans
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 We’ve provided tips on squirrel-proofing your yard in a couple of previous articles, but here are the key points restated. The strategies for making your feeders unappealing and inaccessible to squirrels include the types of feeds offered, squirrel-proof birdfeeders, baffles, and selective feeder placement.Managing the types of feed which you offer is the simplest form of squirrel deterrent. You may be able to make your feeders, and thus your yard, unappealing to squirrels simply by feeding things that birds like, but squirrels don't. Instead of mixed bird seeds, try feeding only safflower seed. Safflower, a common element in many bird seed mixes, is well-liked by many songbirds, however most squirrels do not care for it. If it's all that's offered, many squirrels will not find your feeder worth bothering. Finally, if and when you do feed seed mixes, the solution often comes in the unexpected form of hot pepper. Though it may sound like a tall tale, it's a fact that most squirrels do not like the taste of hot pepper, while birds don't mind it in the least. Mixing finely-powdered cayenne pepper through your bird seed is usually a strong deterrent to squirrels. To prevent the pepper from settling to the bottom of your seed, be sure to give a good stir with your seed scoop each time you fill the feeder. Also, to avoid burning and irritation, make sure to wash your hands after handling the seed and before touching your eyes or mouth. Choosing to offer feeds disliked by squirrels may be all you need to do to send them off seeking friendlier feeding grounds. However in some cases, you may find that even if the squirrels aren't getting anything to eat from your feeders, they might be sticking around for other forms of destructive fun, such as chewing on feeders or knocking them down. If this is the case, you will need to consider further squirrel-proofing methods to safeguard your feeders and to keep the squirrels away. Most squirrel-proof birdfeeders, in addition to preventing access to the seed inside, address the potentially destructive antics of squirrels via their construction methods. They're usually built from metal, or from other tough materials resistant to chewing, such as PVC plastic or recycled milk carton material. Several companies back their feeders with lifetime replacement guarantees in cases of squirrel damage. And this doesn't mean that you'll be disgustedly sending off for a replacement feeder every few weeks! These are truly tough feeders, and the need for a replacement is a rarity. If you've had trouble with squirrels knocking down your feeders, try one of the larger, heavier models which can't be dislodged by a squirrel's weight. Squirrel-proof birdfeeders are made in several forms. Two common types are caged feeders and closing feeders. Caged feeders surround the feeder with a metal gridwork "cage" enclosing the entire feeder. The 1"-1.5" openings allow small songbirds to fly in and feed. Larger birds and squirrels are kept out of reach of the food. The metal construction is highly resistant to damage by any squirrels that might try to chew their way through the cage. Closing-type squirrel-proof feeders utilize a simple spring mechanism whereby the weight of a squirrel pulls down a cover over the feeding ports. The weight of feeding birds is not great enough to close the feeder. Squirrel baffles also come in several varieties, including cylinders, domes, and wide cones of very smooth plastic or metal. Baffles are made in both fixed sizes which fit standard wraught-iron poles and staffs, and in adjustable models for non-standard fixtures. Depending on the direction(s) from which squirrels are gaining access, feeders can be baffled from above, from below, or from both directions. Baffling above the feeder prevents squirrels from being able to jump down onto the feeder, while placing a baffle under a feeder prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole or staff on which the feeder is mounted. The material of the baffle is too smooth for the squirrels to grip and climb, and too wide for them to reach around. The one approach not easily prevented by baffling is direct horizontal reach to the feeder. Because squirrels are excellent jumpers, feeder placement still must be considered. To keep feeders out of the range of jumping squirrels, mount the feeder at least eight feet away from trees, fences, deck railings, or other squirrel-accessible locations. A squirrel-proof and/or well-baffled feeder hanging in the center of your yard will attract the birds while denying access to squirrels. Another effective placement technique is to suspend feeders from super-thin cord, such as high-weight-bearing nylon line. This creates a "tightrope" which not even the squirrels can manuever. If the feeder is suspended too high for the squirrels to jump up to it, too far from any other accessible positions for the squirrels to jump onto it, and hanging from a line too thin to allow the squirrels to climb down to it, you're covered from all directions, and the squirrels are out of luck. If they can't reach the feeder at all, they can't engage in any of their forms of potentially destructive or gluttonous behaviors! |
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