5 Easy Steps to Build a Squirrel Feeder

Squirrel feeder made of wood

Do you like the playful antics of squirrels? Witnessing their agile leaps and vigorous chattering can carry immense pleasure. For those who want to draw these charming creatures to your yard, crafting a squirrel feeder is a superb technique to welcome them. By offering a devoted feeding spot, you’ll be able to observe their amusing behaviors up shut and foster a harmonious relationship with nature.

Developing a squirrel feeder is a straightforward and rewarding challenge that may be accomplished in a matter of hours. It not solely supplies a dependable meals supply for squirrels but in addition reduces the mess related to scattered nuts and seeds round your yard. Moreover, it may function an academic software for kids, permitting them to study in regards to the habits and preferences of those enchanting animals.

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To start the feeder building course of, collect the mandatory supplies reminiscent of wooden, screws, nails, and a drill. Select a sturdy design that may face up to the weather, guaranteeing that your feathered associates can take pleasure in their meals in consolation and security. As soon as the fundamental construction is assembled, connect a perch or platform the place the squirrels can comfortably sit and feed. Lastly, add a hopper or container to carry the nuts and seeds, guaranteeing a gentle provide of sustenance in your yard guests.

Selecting the Proper Feeder

Choosing the perfect squirrel feeder will depend on a number of vital concerns. The kind of seed or meals you propose to supply, the scale and exercise degree of the squirrels you want to entice, and your private preferences all affect your best option in your wants. Listed below are some key components to remember:

**Materials:** Squirrels might chew on feeders, so selecting a sturdy materials like steel or handled wooden is essential. These face up to chewing and potential injury higher than plastic or untreated wooden.

**Measurement:** Contemplate the variety of squirrels you wish to entice and the quantity of meals you want to present. Select a feeder that gives sufficient house for the squirrels to feed comfortably with out overcrowding.

**Perches:** Some feeders embrace built-in perches, permitting squirrels to take a seat whereas they eat. This function is especially helpful for bigger or much less agile squirrels.

**Capability:** Decide the quantity of meals you want to provide and select a feeder with an applicable capability. You might choose a bigger feeder for those who plan to draw many squirrels or a smaller one for a extra focused feeding.

**Design:** The design of the feeder ought to deter theft from different animals like birds or raccoons whereas permitting quick access for squirrels. Search for feeders with exclusion gadgets or weight-activated triggers.

**Weight:** A heavier feeder is much less prone to be knocked over or moved by squirrels. Contemplate the burden of the meals you propose to supply when choosing.

Feeder Kind	Really useful Seed/Meals	Benefits	Disadvantages
Hanging Feeder	Sunflower seeds, peanuts	Simple to fill, accessible to squirrels	Can swing and transfer, tempting squirrels to climb
Platform Feeder	Corn, cracked corn, birdseed	Supplies ample house for a number of squirrels	Might be cumbersome and will entice non-target animals
Log-Type Feeder	Entire corn, nuts	Naturalistic look, sturdy	Could also be dearer, requires frequent filling
E-Z Fill Feeder	Sunflower seeds	Simple to fill and clear, weather-resistant	Might require particular adapter for mounting

Choosing the Greatest Supplies

Choosing the proper supplies in your squirrel feeder is essential for its sturdiness and effectiveness. Contemplate the next components:

Kind of Wooden:

Choose weather-resistant hardwoods reminiscent of oak, cedar, or redwood. These woods are naturally proof against rot and decay, guaranteeing the feeder lasts longer in out of doors circumstances.

Thickness of Wooden:

Use lumber with a thickness of at the least 1/2 inch to supply stability and forestall squirrels from chewing via the feeder. Thicker lumber additionally affords higher safety towards harsh climate and potential predators.

Different Supplies:

For the feeder base, think about using a sturdy materials like plywood or OSB. Screws, nails, and wire mesh can be utilized to safe the construction and forestall squirrels from disassembling it. Moreover, take into account including a roof made from weatherproof supplies reminiscent of galvanized metal or polycarbonate to guard the feeder from the weather.

Materials	Advantages
Oak	Sturdy, weather-resistant, pure rot resistance
Cedar	Naturally insect and rot-resistant, enticing look
Redwood	Distinctive sturdiness, naturally weather-resistant, low upkeep
Plywood	Sturdy base, proof against warping
OSB	Reasonably priced, moisture-resistant, supplies stability

Reducing and Assembling the Elements

Upon getting all of your supplies, it is time to begin reducing and assembling the components of your squirrel feeder. Listed below are the steps:

Reduce the wooden: Reduce the items of wooden to the next dimensions:

Half Dimensions

Base 12″ x 12″

Sides 12″ x 6″

Roof 12″ x 8″
Drill the holes: Drill holes within the base and sides of the feeder for the perch and dowels. The holes needs to be barely smaller than the diameter of the perch and dowels.
Assemble the feeder: Assemble the feeder by attaching the edges to the bottom with wooden screws. Then, connect the roof to the edges with wooden screws. Lastly, insert the perch and dowels into the holes.

Half	Dimensions
Base	12″ x 12″
Sides	12″ x 6″
Roof	12″ x 8″

Including Drainage Holes

Drainage holes are essential for stopping water from accumulating contained in the feeder, as moisture can result in mould progress and meals spoilage. So as to add drainage holes:

Find the underside of the feeder.
Utilizing a drill or sharp object, rigorously drill small holes (roughly 1/4 inch in diameter) within the backside.
Be sure that the holes are evenly spaced to permit for correct drainage.
Relying on the scale and form of the feeder, you could must create extra drainage holes on the edges or again.
Drill a number of small holes (roughly 1/8 inch in diameter) within the roof or prime of the feeder to permit for air flow and forestall condensation from forming inside.

Really useful Variety of Drainage Holes

The suitable variety of drainage holes varies primarily based on the scale of the feeder. As a basic guideline, use the next desk:

Feeder Measurement	Variety of Drainage Holes
Small (lower than 12 inches)	4-6 holes
Medium (12-18 inches)	6-8 holes
Massive (over 18 inches)	8-10 holes

Attracting Squirrels with the Proper Meals

Nuts:

Squirrels adore nuts, and a wide range of choices can entice them to your feeder:
– Acorns: Squirrels’ pure meals supply, offering important vitamins.
– Walnuts: Excessive in fats and protein, making them a favourite amongst squirrels.
– Pecans: Wealthy in minerals and antioxidants, providing well being advantages.
– Almonds: supply of vitamin E and fiber, supporting the squirrels’ total well-being.

Seeds:

Sunflower seeds are a well-liked selection for squirrels, offering ample vitality.
– Pumpkin seeds: Wealthy in zinc and magnesium, supporting the squirrels’ immune system and metabolism.

Fruits:

Squirrels benefit from the sweetness of fruits, particularly:
– Apples: supply of antioxidants and fiber, aiding in digestion.
– Bananas: Excessive in potassium and magnesium, offering vitality and muscle help.
– Grapes: A refreshing deal with, providing hydration and nutritional vitamins.

Greens:

Greens can present important vitamins for squirrels:
– Carrots: Excessive in vitamin A, supporting eye well being.
– Broccoli: Wealthy in nutritional vitamins and minerals, aiding in total well-being.
– Squash: supply of fiber, supporting digestion and weight administration.

Corn:

Squirrels love the starchy goodness of corn, but it surely needs to be provided sparingly as a result of its excessive sugar content material.

Mixtures:

Pre-mixed squirrel meals is a handy possibility, containing a wide range of nuts, seeds, and fruits to fulfill their dietary wants.

Meals Kind	Dietary Advantages
Nuts	Excessive in fats, protein, and important vitamins
Seeds	Wealthy in vitality, zinc, and magnesium
Fruits	Candy and refreshing, offering antioxidants, fiber, and nutritional vitamins
Greens	Important vitamins, supporting eye well being, digestion, and total well-being
Corn	Starchy and sugary, needs to be provided sparingly
Mixtures	Handy and nutritionally balanced, containing a wide range of components

Correct Placement for Success

1. Elevated Location

Place the feeder at the least 6 toes above the bottom to stop tampering by pets or predators.

2. Clear Visibility

Place the feeder in an space the place squirrels can simply spot it. Keep away from inserting it close to bushes or shrubs which will impede their view.

3. Away from Water

Maintain the feeder away from water sources, reminiscent of ponds or sprinklers, to stop mould progress and contamination.

4. Ample Shade

Select a location that gives partial shade in the course of the hottest hours of the day to stop the meals from spoiling shortly.

5. Protected against Wind

Place the feeder in a sheltered space to attenuate the chance of seeds or nuts being blown away.

6. Contemplate A number of Areas

Present a number of feeders in several areas to extend accessibility and keep away from overcrowding.

7. Close to Pure Meals Sources

Place the feeder in shut proximity to areas the place squirrels naturally forage for meals, reminiscent of oak or hickory bushes. This may encourage them to make use of the feeder as a complement to their pure weight-reduction plan.

Here’s a desk summarizing the important thing placement components for a profitable squirrel feeder:

Placement Issue	Suggestion
Peak	At the least 6 toes above floor
Visibility	Clear and unobstructed view
Water	Away from water sources
Shade	Partial shade throughout hottest hours
Wind	Protected against robust winds
A number of Areas	Present a number of feeders in several areas
Proximity to Pure Meals	Close to areas the place squirrels naturally forage

Troubleshooting Widespread Issues

When making a squirrel feeder, varied points might come up. Listed below are some widespread issues and their corresponding options:

Squirrels Avoiding the Feeder

Purpose: Incorrect placement or uncomfortable design
Repair: Relocate the feeder to a sheltered space with ample visibility. Make sure the feeder’s design accommodates squirrels’ measurement and agility.

Seed Spilling

Purpose: Outsized holes or unsuitable feeder measurement
Repair: Modify the scale of the seed holes or choose a extra applicable feeder measurement. Contemplate inserting a tray beneath the feeder to catch any spilled seeds.

Seed Clogging

Purpose: Moisture or insufficient drainage
Repair: Make sure the feeder has correct drainage holes. Clear the feeder often to stop seed accumulation and moisture buildup. Think about using seed that’s much less vulnerable to moisture absorption.

Squirrels Chewing on the Feeder

Purpose: Boredom or lack of alternate chewing choices
Repair: Present squirrels with various chewing supplies, reminiscent of pine cones or wood blocks. Keep away from utilizing feeders made from supplies which might be simply chewed, reminiscent of plastic.

Mildew or Rot

Purpose: Moisture or improper cleansing
Repair: Clear the feeder often with bleach or a vinegar answer. Make sure the feeder is well-ventilated and permit it to dry completely earlier than refilling.

Unstable Feeder

Purpose: Inadequate help or insufficient mounting
Repair: Reinforce the feeder’s base or use a safer mounting methodology. Make sure the feeder is secure and might face up to robust winds.

Seed Waste

Purpose: Poor feeder design or extreme seed provide
Repair: Use a feeder with applicable seed holes or modify the quantity of seed supplied. Cowl the feeder to stop rain from damaging the seeds.

Pest Infestation

Purpose: Unclean feeder or contaminated seed
Repair: Clear the feeder often and discard any spoiled or contaminated seed. Retailer seed in an hermetic container to stop pests from getting into.

Extreme Motion

Purpose: Unstable feeder or overexcited squirrels
Repair: Safe the feeder extra firmly or present a secure platform. Permit squirrels to turn into accustomed to the feeder earlier than introducing an excessive amount of motion.

How To Make A Squirrel Feeder

Squirrels are fascinating creatures that may carry plenty of pleasure to our lives. They’re enjoyable to look at, and they could be a nice technique to train kids about nature. Making a squirrel feeder is a good way to draw these animals to your yard, and it is also a enjoyable and straightforward challenge that you are able to do along with your children.

To make a squirrel feeder, you’ll need the next supplies:

A wood block or a log about 6 inches lengthy
A drill
A 1-inch drill bit
A 1/2-inch drill bit
A hammer
A nail
A handful of nuts or seeds

Directions:

Utilizing the 1-inch drill bit, drill a gap within the heart of the wood block or log. The outlet needs to be about 2 inches deep.
Utilizing the 1/2-inch drill bit, drill 4 holes across the fringe of the wood block or log. The holes needs to be about 1 inch deep.
Hammer the nail into the middle of the wood block or log. This may create a perch for the squirrels to take a seat on.
Fill the opening within the heart of the wood block or log with nuts or seeds.
Hold the squirrel feeder from a tree department or a fence submit.