25 Best Squirrel Feeder Plans And Ideas
There’s a unique charm to watching squirrels go about their daily activities, whether it’s feeding or socializing. If you’re fortunate enough to be in an area where these bushy-tailed critters roam free, setting up a squirrel feeder is a thoughtful gesture that can benefit both you and the local wildlife.
Not only will it discourage them from seeking out alternative sources of food, such as your home or pet food, but it’ll also encourage them to stay away from bird feeders and other potential snacking spots. And let’s not forget the simple pleasure of watching them enjoy their meals from a distance. If you’re convinced that squirrel feeders are a great idea, I’ve got some innovative plans for you to explore.
How do you make a cheap squirrel feeder?
To create a budget-friendly squirrel feeder, start by collecting some scrap wood or using a string and hook. A simple DIY project can be accomplished with just these basic materials.
Begin by securing a piece of good quality wood against the tree trunk or chosen mounting location. Once stable, cut a smaller plank and attach it to serve as a deck. Space out nails or spikes on this deck to accommodate corn ears, effectively using them as skewers.
Regularly check the feeder to ensure a steady supply of corn.
Alternatively, consider crafting a hanging squirrel feeder for ease of use. Start by selecting a sturdy branch from a low-hanging tree and suspend nylon fishing wires from it. Create loops at the wire ends to hold the hook in place. Attach the corn cob to the hook, ensuring it’s securely fastened as squirrels will rely on the upper cob portion to support their weight while feeding.
How high should a squirrel feeder be?
While squirrels are indeed known for their impressive jumping abilities, with some breeds able to leap up to 10 feet in height, there’s a general guideline to consider when setting up your squirrel feeder. A good rule of thumb is to place it at least 4 feet above the pole of a bird feeder, taking into account the remarkable agility of these bushy-tailed creatures.
Where should you hang a squirrel feeder?
Squirrels are drawn to your surroundings for a variety of reasons, but one of the most noticeable is the abundance of food, particularly if you have bird feeders that never run out. The location of squirrel feeders depends on the behavior of the squirrels in your area. If they only visit when hungry, consider using mountable feeders that can be easily replenished.
For nesting squirrels, it’s best to place the feeder directly in their tree so momma squirrel can keep a watchful eye over her babies from predators. Additionally, when choosing a site for your squirrel feeders, remember to prioritize visibility and placement at least 20 feet away from bird feeders to ensure harmonious coexistence between both species.
What food should you put in squirrel feeders?
To provide a well-rounded diet for your squirrel friends, it’s essential to go beyond the classic acorns and sunflower seeds. In addition to these staples, consider offering a variety of other nutrient-rich foods. These may include corn cobs, squash seeds, and an assortment of nuts like peanuts, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, beech nuts, hazelnuts, and macadamia. You can also supplement with fruits such as apricots, avocados, apples, and oranges.
For a tasty and healthy treat, try adding some broccoli to the mix.
25 squirrel feeder plans
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s explore some creative and functional squirrel feeder plans that you can easily implement in your backyard or nearby outdoor spaces.
Mason jar squirrel feeder
To create this DIY squirrel feeder, you’ll need a few simple materials: a mason jar, a paint stir stick, some wire, and of course, nuts. Start by selecting a suitable location to mount the mason jar, taking into account the surrounding environment and ensuring it’s accessible for the squirrels. Next, glue the stir stick horizontally beneath the mason jar, making sure it extends far enough to accommodate the squirrels’ approach.
Secure the mason jar in place using fishing wire, then fill it with nuts. Once complete, your squirrel feeder is ready to provide a tasty treat for these bushy-tailed friends.
Squirrel chair feeder
Consider adding a thoughtful touch to your outdoor space by creating a cozy squirrel feeder area. Simply attach a miniature chair to a tree branch or wooden fence, ensuring the squirrels have a comfortable spot to enjoy their corn cobs. To make it functional, drill a small hole on one side of the chair and insert a nail or hook where you’ll place the corn cob. This clever hack is as simple as it is effective in providing a delightful experience for your furry visitors.
Milk jug feeder
Transform an ordinary milk jug into a unique feeder for your backyard squirrels. You can create either a hanging or mounted feeder by repurposing the empty container. Find a suitable location near a low-lying tree or along the fence in your yard. Cut a square hole on the side of the jug, leaving enough space for two to three squirrels to feed comfortably at the same time. Add a tiptoe stick to allow them to move about and get some fresh air.
Fill the milk jug with a variety of seeds and nuts to attract these bushy-tailed visitors.
Slinky squirrel feeder
A clever and budget-friendly way to sustain squirrels is by utilizing a slinky and rope combination. To create a squirrel-friendly snack holder, simply suspend the slinky in a half-circle shape. Secure the rope to the slinky by tying a knot, then position it near tree branches. This ingenious setup allows the squirrels to easily access the nuts within the slinky and enjoy their treats at their leisure, right next to the branch.
Large squirrel food station
Imagine a miniature telephone booth, but instead of human operators, it’s home to a lively squirrel community. To create this whimsical setup, you’ll need transparent acrylic partitions that can be mounted in a stable location. Fill the booth with an assortment of tasty treats to keep the squirrels engaged and entertained. For inspiration on how to bring this unique installation to life, check out [link] for guidance.
Tree limb squirrel feeder
For a low-cost and hassle-free bird feeder setup, try using a sturdy tree branch as your base. Simply select the thickest and most robust branch, then use a knife and scraper to create a deep enough well or cup in the wood. This will provide a perfect spot to fill with your chosen bird food. The process is remarkably quick, taking just minutes to complete.
Squirrel picnic table
Imagine witnessing squirrels sitting pretty on a custom-made squirrel picnic table perched on a tree branch or fence post. The whimsical sight of these furry friends dining on a corn cob feast, surrounded by matching seats and table settings, is sure to bring a smile to your face. It’s one thing to observe squirrels going about their daily business, but it’s quite another to envision them enjoying a leisurely meal in a carefully crafted setting that’s both functional and adorable.
Windmill squirrel feeder
Imagine creating a whimsical treat-dispensing contraption that will delight flying squirrels and their agile antics. A unique, eco-friendly squirrel feeder inspired by traditional windmills is just the thing to spark joy in these bushy-tailed creatures.
To build this charming device, you’ll need some recycled PVC pipes, sturdy fasteners, and a wooden pole that will serve as the foundation for your miniature windmill.
The design features four fans that will create a delightful corn cob competition at any time. For a step-by-step guide on how to bring this imaginative project to life, follow the link provided.
Platform squirrel feeder
Optimize Your Backyard Feeding Station with This Unique Squirrel Feeder Alternative This innovative feeder takes a cue from hanging squirrel feeders but swaps out the traditional hook for a tray that holds nuts and other treats. To set it up, simply repurpose scrap wooden trays and some wire to suspend it from a tree branch.
While this DIY approach does have its perks, keep in mind that it may inadvertently attract a broader range of wildlife than just squirrels, particularly if you’re generous with the snack supply.
Squirrel hut
To take your squirrel feeder game to the next level, consider crafting a woven squirrel hut feeder. Start by using a repurposed milk jug or water container and wrap it in thick rolls of yarn. This will create a cozy structure that can be attached to a tree trunk. For the roof, you can use dried pine needles, carefully weaving them into the design. Make sure to leave enough space for the squirrels to enter and enjoy their new abode.
Feel free to get creative with your design, but prioritize functionality so your furry friends have a comfortable place to call their own.
Squirrel house
To create a haven for squirrels that provides shelter during inclement weather, consider building a full-fledged squirrel house that can be mounted near a tree. This cozy abode will not only keep the squirrels dry but also offer them a comfortable spot to retreat to during storms or heavy rainfall. You can either purchase a pre-made squirrel house online or get creative and construct one using scrap wood.
The design can resemble this plan, offering a sturdy and functional structure for your furry friends.
Bench type squirrel feeder
Transforming an old tree stump into a squirrel feeder bench requires minimal materials and effort. To create this unique feeder, collect wood scraps and shape them to form a bench. Secure the wooden structure to the tree stump using glue, ensuring a sturdy base. Place the feeder at a distance from bird feeders or under a shaded area, such as beneath a tree branch. This setup will provide an inviting spot for squirrels to gather and snack.
Train squirrel feeder
Imagine a whimsical touch to your backyard with a vibrant, suspended, or mounted train squirrel feeder that invites squirrels to dine in style from a mason jar. A wide enough entrance allows these bushy-tailed friends to enjoy the ride and collect their nutty treats from within the glass confines. If you’re eager for the full scoop on this clever idea, simply click here to access the comprehensive guide.
Pinecone squirrel feeder
Create a memorable experience with your kids by crafting this simple yet engaging squirrel feeder plan. You’ll need several large pinecones, beading wire, peanut butter, and various nuts and bird seeds. The process involves dipping the pinecones in a generous amount of peanut butter, then rolling them in the nutty mix before hanging them from a branch.
Not only will you be providing sustenance for these bushy-tailed critters, but the feeder’s edible design also makes it an attractive decoration for fall and holiday celebrations.
If pinecones aren’t readily available, you can easily substitute old cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls. The steps remain the same: coat the tube in peanut butter and seed it before hanging it on a tree.
This fun project is a great example of how to engage your kids in outdoor activities while promoting wildlife conservation.
See-through squirrel feeder
A more complex yet fascinating use of glass jars involves attaching them to a wooden frame mounted on a tree. To create this squirrel feeder, you’ll need to drill a hole on the side or front of the wood frame for the nut-seeking critters to enter and access the jar filled with nuts. While the instructions can be found here, a visual representation of the finished project is as follows:
Saloon squirrel feeder
Create an immersive experience for your squirrel friends by building a whimsical saloon in the Midwest. Inspired by the classic university bulletin board, design a structure with a carved-out deck or counter where squirrels can gather to enjoy their treats and snacks. Imagine the adorable scene of seated squirrel friends socializing at their very own saloon! To bring this idea to life, follow along with our video tutorial that will guide you through every step of the process.
Recycled suet cage squirrel feeder
To effectively keep squirrels out of your bird feeders, consider repurposing an old suet cage where you once stored bird food. Its large holes can be utilized to bind seeds and nuts together with peanut butter, creating a squirrel-deterrent treat. Position the cage at ground level, but maintain a safe distance from your bird feeders. Placing it beneath a nearby tree is also beneficial, as this will prevent squirrels from harassing birds perched on the feeders while they’re foraging for food.
Wine bottle squirrel feeder
To create a unique and functional bird feeder, start by shaping wooden scraps into a wine rack design, similar to those found in wine cellars. Next, secure the rack to a tree trunk. Fill an empty wine bottle with an abundance of birdseed, then place it within the wooden holder, ensuring the bottle’s opening faces downwards. This creative approach not only provides sustenance for local birds and squirrels but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space.
Squirrel stand feeder
Another innovative design, reminiscent of squirrel feeder platforms, incorporates cedar wood, hinges, and screws. The clever mechanism relies on the inclined platform’s trigger effect: when a squirrel stands on it, the lid of the food box opens.
This straightforward yet ingenious concept not only provides a simple solution but also cleverly conditions squirrels to associate standing on the platform with the reward of food, a feat that would surely impress Ivan Pavlov, pioneer of classical conditioning theory.
Old espresso squirrel feeder
In a unique twist on upcycling, this project takes an ordinary junk espresso machine and gives it an extraordinary new purpose. By mounting it onto an old bicycle seat, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind coffee-themed display that’s sure to spark conversations. To bring this idea to life, you’ll need some basic tools like welding equipment, scrap wood for the base, drills, screwdrivers, and a few creative touches.
One clever touch is using nuts instead of coffee beans – it’s a small detail that adds a lot of character to your finished project.
Oil can squirrel feeder
Create another effortless and budget-friendly squirrel feeder by dedicating mere minutes to its construction. To start, you’ll need a sturdy, square piece of scrap wood serving as the base. In addition, gather an old oil can, nuts and bolts, a drill with matching bit, and wrenches to secure the oil can in place. This ground-level feeder design allows for easy filling of the oil can with a generous food supply, attracting a hoard of squirrels to gather and feast.
Porch swing squirrel feeder
Create a whimsical squirrel wonderland by combining a swing set with hanging feeders. As squirrels naturally oscillate on hanging feeders, why not enhance the experience with a sturdy and fun structure? To build this delightful feature, you’ll need poplar boards, light-duty chain, screws, nails, hooks, screen, and basic woodworking tools. If you’re interested in the full instructions, you can find them here. The end result should resemble the following design: [insert design details].
Old arcade squirrel feeder
Reviving Retro Fun: Turning Pac-Man Arcades into Squirrel MazesFor those lucky enough to still have an old Pac-Man arcade cabinet gathering dust, why not turn it into a unique and entertaining experience for kids and wildlife enthusiasts alike? By drilling a hole on the side of the arcade, you can create a mini-maze that invites curious squirrels to navigate their way through the familiar Pac-Man landscape in search of food.
This creative hack offers a fun and quirky way to relive the nostalgia of retro gaming while also providing an engaging spectacle for kids to watch without scaring off these furry critters.
Melted bottle squirrel feeder
The suet feeder is a unique bird-feeding option that uses a melted bottle transformed into a bottle-shaped plate. Once drilled and bolted to a wooden pole, it resembles a plate with a cylindrical shape. Filling it with nuts and seeds, then placing it under a tree creates an inviting spot for birds to visit. Not only is it functional, but its rustic design also adds a decorative touch, making it a worthwhile addition to any garden.
Conclusion
While observing squirrels outside can be a delightful experience, it’s essential to set boundaries and prevent them from entering your home. These bushy-tailed creatures play a vital role in maintaining local biodiversity, making them an excellent teaching tool for young children. Fortunately, crafting squirrel feeders is a relatively straightforward process that doesn’t require complex designs or extensive materials.
However, if you’re passionate about squirrels and have the time, resources, and inclination to get creative, you can take your feeder-making skills to the next level by incorporating various materials and design elements.
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