S/S bird feeders?

[Nod]

Plenty around, albeit more expensive than the mild steel versions BUT, I'm after squirrel proof ones and have given myself a headache looking for them!

By S/S, I mean Stainless Steel by the way!

Fed up with having to replace rotted out feeders after a couple of years. Ideally, the seed "tube" should be stainless mesh rather than plastic - the plastic ones seem to rot in UV light.

 

[Tringa]

We have two feeders that are squirrel proof.

One like this - https://peckishbirdfood.com/products/peckish-all-weather-suet-peanut-feeder-60053039 is squirrel proof in that it does not stop the squrrels eating from it but we have had it a few years now and the little dears haven't destroyed it. I had to make some changes to it as the bits that connect the handle to the top of the feeder are plastic and the squirrels ate through it in an afternoon. I replaced the bits and the handle with stout wire.

I know you asked for stainless steel but one like this - https://roamwildproducts.co.uk/coll...MIo-zi77rAiQMVUZJQBh0tNwRGEAAYASAAEgI-N_D_BwE is also good. The squirrels haven't destroyed it and its mechanism also stops the squirrels from feeding from it, so they don't hog it and prevent the smaller birds from feeding.

Good luck.

Dave

 

[srichards]

I've got the squirrel proof fat ball feeder. It's plastic coated metal. It keeps out bigger birds as well.

All of the ones I've had seem to last a couple of years then die to UV or being thrown on the ground. Some of the worst ones only last a few months. I just assume now they will only last a short time so avoid buying expensive ones as they don't seem to last much longer than the cheaper but well designed ones.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders - Garden Wildlife Direct

Our range of squirrel proof bird feeders ensure your bird feed will not be stolen. With a variety of innovative designs, including the guaranteed 100% 'Squirrel Buster' feeder which ensures no squirrels will get near the bird feed!

www.gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk

 

[Nod]

Thanks to both.

It annoys me that products that are apparently designed to be used outdoors are made from materials that are unsuitable for such use! I'd be happy to pay more for a good, long lived product if it existed! SS = no problem. Squirrel proof (or even resistant!) - loads of choice! SS AND squirrel proof - looks like the idea hasn't occurred to anyone! Might drop an e-mail to gardenwildlifedirect and see if they can source them.


ETA...

Used their Contact Us button and asked the question.

 

[Brentor]

I bought one of these last year. It is well made but not all stainless steel and does mention squirrel proof, but not 100%.

 

[Nod]

Thanks for that, Steve. I've already seen those on the big river and looks to be fairly robust (once a couple of issues are sorted, according to many reviews!) Looks like I might need to find a sheet of either SS or galvanized mesh to make anti-squirrel cages to go round them!

Hopefully, Garden Wildlife Direct will get back to me with some suggestions...

 

[Tigger.ufo]

Gardman Heavy Duty Squirrel proof seed feeder

Heavy duty Squirrel proof seed feeder from Gardman. A great value product designed to feed your garden birds and not the Squirrels.

www.britishbirdfood.co.uk

I have had these for the last 3 years and although rusty are still squirrel proof much to their disappointment!

I do have to wire the lids on and wire them to branches as they are determined little b*****ds!

 

[Nod]

Fingers crossed!

I have a stock of copper wire that I use to wire the feeders closed and to the feeder hooks.

 

[BillN_33]

I've tried all kinds and ended up with a "big" stainless steel one but I have never been able to keep the Jackdaws and Starlings off - the small birds never get a chance - plus a rat appeared feeding underneath from the stuff that had fallen out ...........

 

[Nod]

Rats are everywhere - it's just seeing them that's unpleasant! And squirrels are just hairy tailed rats (with slightly better manners!!!)

We used to get hordes of starlings when we put a couple of feeders full of mealworms out but they're not so fond of the sunflower hearts we now feed. It's pigeons and squirrels (along with some dunnocks) that clear up under the feeders and serving chopped sunflower hearts seems to reduce what the goldies drop.