12 Bird Feeders That Will Thwart Even the Craftiest Squirrels

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Even the best bird feeders face a singular mortal enemy: squirrels. These fluffy rodents may be cute, but they'll also chew through plastic and wood to get their little paws on delicious seeds. And hey, you didn't give pet names to all the birds in your yard just to have the food stolen right out from under their beaks, did you? Of course not; that's why we combed reviews to find the best squirrel-proof and squirrel-resistant bird feeders available.

Our picks include sturdy bird feeders armed with weight-triggered mechanisms that will hide seed ports or, in one case, send squirrels flying into your neighbor's yard. We found the best tube feeders shaped like little country homes, feeders with a high capacity for pounds upon pounds of seeds, squirrel-proof hummingbird feeders, and even an option that'll keep squirrels away from suet cakes. Once you have one of these set up by your window, you can get back to bug-proofing your beautiful garden. Oh, and don't forget to complement your feeder with a nice bird bath — they'll love your yard.

Squirrel Buster Plus

If you can swing more than $100 for a bird feeder, Brome's Squirrel Buster Plus is the obvious choice. It has a high seed capacity (over five pounds), a ventilation system that allows humid air to escape, and six feeding ports to cater to a variety of birds. Amazon reviewers are thrilled with its ability to thwart hungry squirrels; when they step down onto the landing area to nose around in the ports, the perch slides down and covers the exposed seed. You can easily adjust the trigger point if you find it's not preventing lighter squirrels from stealing food.

Squirrel Buster

While it's not quite as foolproof as the Plus model, Brome's standard Squirrel Buster is also a beloved product. With a seed capacity of just over a pound, it's actually the smallest feeder on our list. It comes with four ports and four corresponding metal perches. Like the Plus model, squirrels will push the perch area down with their weight, forcing a shroud to shut over the seed points. Thousands of buyers have given the Squirrel Buster five stars, saying that it really does keep squirrels out. In fact, several reviewers say this feeder is so effective that they've purchased several of them to put around their yards.

RELATED: Small Garden Ideas to Transform Your Space

Metal Mesh Tube Bird Feeder

The many five-star reviews on Kingsyard's mesh feeder are particularly impressive, given its reasonable price. No wood or plastic here — this heavy-duty feeder is all metal, baby. Unlike some of the other feeders on this list that are triggered by weight, this feeder is squirrel-proof by basic design; squirrels can't get food out of the tiny mesh holes. You know what can get food out? Goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees, and more common birds with small beaks. It's great for clinging birds because of the mesh, but it also comes with a tray for those who prefer to perch.

Yankee Flipper

Sure, you like watching birds delicately peck at seed, but do you like watching squirrels fly around in circles like a sad Barbie doll attached to an indoor fan? That's how the Yankee Flipper works! Squirrels trigger the motor at the base of the feeder with their weight, then the perch starts spinning in a circle and sends them flying. It might sound silly, but it's a proven and humane way to get squirrels away from the seed. A number of reviewers rave that their local squirrels don't even attempt to get into this feeder, having learned their lesson the hard way.

Large Capacity Bird Feeder

So a couple pounds of bird seed isn't enough for you, eh? Meet Icreer's Large Capacity Bird Feeder, a tube that can handle up to five pounds and five ounces of seed. This behemoth is weight-triggered, so it'll slide closed as soon as a squirrel so much as clings to the mesh wire side of the tube. Reviewers find this one to be durable, long-lasting, and are especially impressed by the value. Take note that while this feeder holds a lot of seed, it'll be relatively heavy (over seven pounds) once it's full. That means you need a very sturdy branch or gutter to support this one!

Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House

For bird enthusiasts who would like to have something decorative in their yard, Perky-Pet's Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House is a cute and functional option. Available in red or green, this windowed house can hold up to eight pounds of seed. While a variety of birds can safely sit on the perch and eat, heavy-bodied squirrels will trigger the perch to cover the food area. (Pro tip: This quaint home would make a perfect gift for the gardener in your life! Just make sure to include a big bag of bird food so they don't have to pay to fill it up themselves.)

X-1 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

The sleek design of the X-1 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder ensures that it will seamlessly fit into any backyard or porch area. But does it work? Yup! The four perches on the feeding ports are weighted and the doors will slide shut when they sense a squirrel's weight. Hundreds of reviews say squirrels are "baffled" by the feeder and that it even prohibits larger birds from stealing food from songbirds. It's difficult to tell from the photo, but this feeder actually has three separate areas for seeds: the bottom is the largest, and there are two openings that flank the top. This is a great feature because you can put different types of seed in each and see if they attract different types of birds.

RELATED: Best Bird Feeders

Woodlink Absolute

There are bird feeders, then there's the Woodlink Absolute from Heritage Farms. This jumbo-sized feeder houses up to 15 pounds(!) of seed and can be hung using the included metal hangar or mounted with included pole. (Most brands make you purchase those accessories separately, so it's a bonus that they're included.) It's easy to refill using the lockable top and easier to install than you might imagine. Reviews say this one keeps away squirrels and pesky pigeons while keeping all the seed dry, even in a downpour. Like most of the other spring-loaded feeders, the weight-trigger mechanism can be adjusted.

Glass Hummingbird Feeder

Squirrels pose a threat to seed feeders, but they're also attracted to the sugary water kept in hummingbird feeders. (Who wouldn't like a little sweet treat?) Because squirrels tend to chew up plastic feeders, a feeder made of metal and glass is the best defense against their sharp teeth. With its tiny openings made for small beaks and built-in ant moat, this feeder is also ant- and bee-proof. It holds up to two cups of nectar, and reviews say it's easy to fill and clean. They also love the retro look of the feeder, with some buyers saying they purchased a few extras to put around the yard.

Stokes Select

For those hoping to attract woodpeckers and winter warblers, suet is a better option than seed. Unfortunately, it's also tougher to keep suet cakes safe from the prying paws of squirrels. Of all the suet feeders on Amazon, this double-caged one has the best track record for keeping squirrels away. Made of steel and aluminum, the wire openings are large enough for chickadees and bushtits but small enough that squirrels can't fit through them. Woodpeckers can get to the suet with their long beak, but larger birds won't be able to steal the cake.

RELATED: Birds and Their Meanings as Powerful Symbols for Luck, Love, and More

PestOff 2.0

Songbirds, rejoice! Roamwild's redesigned PestOff 2.0 holds up to four pounds of seed, requires no adjusting, and is built to last through years of storms. It stands over two feet tall and is made with heavy-duty metal and a "riot-grade" polycarbonate tube. The spring-loaded perches will shut off access to seed if squirrels so much as hang on them. While other tube feeders rely on ventilation systems to keep seed dry, this feeder also has a weather shield right above the ports, so seed remains untouched even throughout winter weather and spring showers.

Squirrel-Proof Caged Bird Feeder

Let the small birds in but keep the bully birds and squirrels out with this caged feeder from Squirrel-X. The reviews on this feeder are filled with pictures of perplexed squirrels attempting, unsuccessfully, to get to the feed located within the cage. Birdwatchers say this product lasts for years of "intense squirrel attacks" while satisfying all the songbirds. While most feeders have ports bunched together on the bottom, this one has two ports halfway down the tube, so more birds can eat at varying levels. It may seem extreme, but the great thing about the cage is that it also keeps out bully birds like pigeons and doves.

FAQs

What type of bird feeder is resistant to squirrels?

Tube feeders, caged feeders, and feeders that come equipped with a weight-triggered mechanism are best for getting rid of squirrels. Avoid tray and platform feeders, as squirrels and rodents can easily feast on the exposed seeds. Ensure your feeder is hanging far from tree branches or, ideally, mounted on a pole.

What kinds of birds will be attracted to squirrel-proof bird feeders?

Bird seed will attract all types of birds, but because so many squirrel-proof feeders are triggered by weight, larger birds like jays, blackbirds, and grackles won't be able to eat. That leaves room for the more petite species, like various finches, chickadees, and sparrows.

What's the best kind of seed for squirrel-proof bird feeders?

Unfortunately, there's no type of seed that squirrels don't like — they'll try to get anything. Instead, fill the feeder with whatever seed you're hoping will attract the birds you want. Black-oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, and wild seed mix are all good options.

Can I make a DIY squirrel-proof bird feeder?

Technically, sure. Would you want to buy all the specialized equipment? Probably not.

How do I clean a squirrel-proof bird feeder?

Each bird feeder is different, so follow the directions accordingly and use something unscented like Castile soap to cleanse.

You Might Also Like

• Oprah’s Favorite Things Of 2022 Is Here—Gift These 20 Amazing Finds This Year

• 40 Best Sentimental Gift Ideas for Loved Ones

• Jennifer Aniston‘s Secret to Glowy Skin On-Screen