How to keep Squirrels off bird feeder in tree
Difficulty in deterring squirrels on bird feeder poles is one thing, while avoiding access within a tree location does come with its very own unique complications.
How to keep Squirrels off bird feeders suspended in a tree will rely on a squirrel baffle only, with bird feeders hung below this special baffle. With that, there's an opportunity to suspend bird feeders on a long length of steel wire, or use both wire and baffle jointly, to double up feeder defenses.
You'll find my favorite way to keep squirrels off bird feeders is too utilize a squirrel baffle, with my idea favorable to all suspended bird feeder locations - and not just a bird feeder hung up on a random branch in a tree.
Suspended squirrel baffles I am referring too, as oppose to pole-mounted squirrel baffles installed some way up on a bird feeding station or Shepherd's hook pole.
Heck, the suspend bird feeder under a baffle technique can apply to any enclosed or open to the elements' bird feeders.
It will apply to cage-like feeders for suet or difficult to access clear tube seed feeders.
Better yet, a nectar-filled Hummingbird feeder can be protected under a squirrel baffle, even though a Hummingbird feeder usually doesn't hang in a tree location - thus you'd need to protect the Hummingbird feeder hung up on the pole only.
Rely on a suspended squirrel baffle although to hang this baffle on a thin and therefore super sharp long length of wire will double your defenses.
Squirrel baffle cost or too much effort on your part can be avoided by utilizing a steel wire for bird feeders intended to be hung on a tree branch only - and must provide you space either side of the suspended bird feeders - while maintaining distance off the ground to avoid jumping up squirrels.
Its no good applying one or many of these techniques to keep squirrels off a bird feeder in a tree, if the squirrel can access bird feeders via a different route.
Suspend bird feeders with some distance all around and below, with tree branches possibly used as a bridge to reach feeders.
You'd want to slide the bird feeder as far down the end of the branch tip as possible - in order to avoid squirrels jumping from the tree trunk - which will provide a solid springboard for squirrels access to bird feeder.
Suspend under baffle
You know what if you find the most reliable solid plastic, clear dome-shape squirrel baffle you can buy, your squirrel troubles are over before it starts.
While a squirrel baffle that is made to hang above bird feeders has its issues when utilized on a bird feeder pole or bracket, to utilize this baffle within a tree will provide your bird feeders the protection it needs, and better than ever.
Why, because bird feeders suspended off a sturdy tree branch should provide you the space needed to hang a bird feeder under a baffle, which will hopefully maintain the distance needed to keep off reaching across or jumping up squirrels.
Of course tree size and shape matters thus a tall tree will be useful to suspend bird feeders on the lowest reachable branch.
Whereas small trees in your yard can still hold a bird feeder while keeping it out of reach of squirrels... although you'd have to be the judge of that.
Best way to hang a bird feeder in a tree to properly set up a squirrel baffle, is distance off the ground required above anything else. Lowest baring tree branch will do it as it will avoid access to the suspended bird feeders at a side angle.
Suspend a squirrel baffle on a suitable branch then, then suspend the bird feeder under the baffles hook at the underside, on a balanced center position.
All squirrels can do now is access the topside of the squirrel baffle while the bird feeder, and therefore the bird feeder food is out of reach on the underside.
Hang on wire to avoid squirrel baffle
Squirrel baffles that are used to hang bird feeders in a tree or on a pole beneath them don't cost that much really, with too much expense avoided with my next technique.
Before I go on, it is possible to make your own baffle by threading an empty plastic soda bottle on the rope or wire used to hang bird feeders - as the bottle or two will provide the width needed to deter descending squirrels.
With a focus on the must use steel wire regardless of which direction you go, this one but hopefully recommended two feet length of wire is a squirrels nightmare.
Wire used will be rugged steel wire that can cut your own hands just by holding it; now imagine a squirrel putting its weight on it in an effort to descend on the feeder - which can only result in the squirrel backing off as the wire will begin to hurt its delicate paws.
Want to squirrel proof a hanging style bird feeder of any size or shape, hang it with wire.
Safety is paramount thus the wire isn't intended to harm a squirrel in a way it will bleed, its used to make the squirrel recoil in shock at the sharp wire.
Length is important because a short wire will encourage squirrels to simply jump down on the suspended bird feeder. Whereas a 2 feet length of wire used to hang bird feeders will ensure the squirrel can't land on top of compact feeders.
Remember that, as a jumping down squirrel could land on accessible feeders, then it game up.
Instead, you'd want to seriously think about utilizing the hanging squirrel baffle, only it will be suspended using a super thin length of sharp steel wire.
Situate closer to branch tip end
I don't think I have talked about location of the bird feeder in the tree at this point, because there is sure plenty of ways for squirrels to access poorly positioned feeders.
As your bird feeder will be suspended on a tree branch of course, what branch is used to suspend any type of bird feeder must take into consideration available leverage surrounding the bird feeders.
Branches will allow squirrels to reach over or jump on feeders, but so can the tree trunk due to limbs or crevices on the trunk. Similarly, an old and abandoned birdhouse suspended on a tree limb, can assist squirrels accessing feeders.
Rather than sliding the bird feeder far too close to the trunk where it will provide squirrels full access - push the bird feeder the opposite way as far down the branch it will go.
Sturdy, strong branch must be used mind and some bending is expected; only its vital you pull the bird feeder down to the tip of the branch, as the end of it will make it even more difficult for squirrels to access the feeder.
Little spring in the branch will be made when a bird feeder is hung off near the end, thus its vital the bird feed doesn't spill as the feeder is hung.
Assisted branches to avoid
Name of the game when keeping squirrels off bird feeders in a tree, is avoiding access to the feeder from what can only be the nearest reachable branch.
Make no mistake about it, squirrels will clamber all over available branches - including some fragile twigs - in an effort to get to the bird feed.
Sometimes this will lead to full access by many routes or you may just need to make minor changes - rather than starting all over again by re-positioning.
Branches are the route to feeders only thus the space between the branches to the bird feeder is paramount.
Size and availability of tree branches matters a lot with too small trees - like up to 10 feet or so tall - will reduce the squirrel proof bird feeder possibilities.
What you can do if that applies to you is create a new suspended bird feeder location in your tree, with the bird feeder physically hung between two branches.
Bird feeders are hung between two trees on a length of wire to avoid squirrels and other pests - yet to tie both ends of the wire to branches in order to force a bird feeder into a clear open space within the tree - may just be the solution to lack of available to hang feeders, but with accessible branches to use.
How to keep squirrels off bird feeders in any scenario will always come down to steel wire saving the day.
Summary
Number one way to keep squirrels off bird feeders suspended in a tree, is with a squirrel baffle that is designed to keep squirrels on the topside only.
Suspended bird feeders in a tree come with its own issues but it isn't something that can't be overcome with a little creative thinking.
Thankfully, I have the solution for you if the squirrel baffle is a no go, as a 2 feet length of steel while is all you need.
Do away with rope or thick wire that comes with the feeder, as a super thin, sharp steel wire will replace it to guarantee to stop descending squirrels.
Squirrels can still drop or jump on to bird feeders hung within trees if the feeder is pulled up too close to the branch above; or if the feeder is suspended too close to a near by branch surrounding the feeder.
To hang bird feeders on the steel wire you'd really need a 2 feet length with up to 4 or 5 feet distance off the ground.
Utilize the lowest but hopefully more isolated tree branch that you can, as any style or size bird feeder can be protected if suspended on a super long steel wire.
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