The best anti squirrel bird feeder is one that actually keeps squirrels away for good, not just slows them down.
Sure we love squirrels here, but they’re hogs at the free buffet. Even if you can afford 10x the amount of birdseed, the bigger problem is that squirrels get in the way at the birdfeeder and their big, jerky movements are just too much for birds to handle.
If squirrels have taken over your birdfeeders or suet cage, all you need is a better design for keeping out the squirrels. They exist, they work….squirrels hate them.
Table of Contents - Click to Open
Suet – Best Overall
Squirrel Buster Suet by Brome
Not only does the Squirrel Buster suet cage keep out squirrels, it can prevent large birds, like crows and flock birds such as starlings.
How it works: A weight sensitive shroud gently covers the suet, and keeps it covered until the gluttonous squirrel gives up.
The best part about the shroud is that it is completely adjustable. Maybe you want to see the crows and jays. Simply raise or lower the tension so it only keeps away the squirrels.
Winning Features: You decide who eats! Tension is totally adjustable. Plus, this feeder is hot and handsome.
- 2 Suet Capacity
- Squirrel proof
- Anti Squirrel
- Attractive
- Easy to Clean
- Rain Canopy
- Reduces Suet erosion
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Doesn’t harm birds
- You decide who eats
Suet – Budget Friendly
Nature’s Way Upside Down Suet Feeder
The upside down feeder by Nature’s Way is both attractive and functional. For those wishing to attract only little guys and woodpecker types, this single cage, upside down bird feeder does a great job.
How it works: Squirrels and large birds will attempt this suet cage, but they simply don’t have the skills to hang upside down and claw away at the suet indefinitely. Even if they manage a few nibbles, I’ve noticed it doesn’t take long until they call it quits.
This fits one regular sized suet cake and perfect for small bird population feeding. 1
Winning Features: the suet stays nice and dry in heavy rains and doesn’t shrink or melt in direct sun.
- 1 Suet Capacity
- Squirrel proof
- Anti Squirrel
- Budget Friendly
- Attractive
- Feeds little birds
- Feeds woodpeckers
- Stays dry in rain
- Good in sun
- Fun to watch
- Keeps lots of birds away
- Cedar wood
- Easy to fill
Seed Mix – Best Overall
Squirrel Buster Classic
Squirrel Buster Classic is top of the line with thousands of happy customers. The dark green blends beautifully with nature.
This anti squirrel bird feeder is durably constructed and squirrels can’t gnaw through the cage.
How it works: Squirrels will jump on top and may try to hang upside down, but even that won’t work. The cage will slide down, and a tighter weave made of metal will cover the seed.
Winning Features: Staggered feed holes. Put the perches wherever you’d like or take them off and feed only clinging birds.
- 1.4 Quart Capacity
- Squirrel proof
- Anti Squirrel
- Sturdy construction
- Attractive
- Easy Assembly
- Easy to fill
- Removable perches
- Staggered holes
- Seed stays dry in rain
- Strong cable
Seed Mix – Budget Friendly
Metal Bird Feeder by WeeFeet
When squirrels eat all the birdseed, it impacts the budget. This squirrel proof feeder by WeeFeet will help keep dollars in your pocket.
How it works: When squirrels jump on top, the outer cage drops down to cover the seed feeding holes. Squirrels grow impatient and will soon move on and forage easier bites.
Seeds are protected from the elements so they stay dry. Simply take off the top, this feeder is easy to fill.
Winning features: Staggered perches mean no poopy heads. Plus, the perches fold up for slim storage (keep the box).
- 2 lb. capacity
- Squirrel proof
- Budget friendly
- Sleek design
- Keeps seed dry
- Staggered perches
- Folding perches
- Easy to fill
- Attractive
- Weight activated
Thistle (Nyjer) – Best Overall
Squirrel Buster Nyjer (Thistle)
Calling all lovebirds, there is a squirrel proof thistle feeder and it actually works!
The Squirrel Buster for thistle is the best choice when you have no desire to feed the masses. All other birds will have a hard time and of course, the typical 1-1.5 pound squirrel (2) will activate the movable shroud in no time.
How it works: Squirrels jump on, but the shroud gently covers the feeding holes. Squirrels can’t get to the thistle and the cage prevents gnawing the feed tube.
Winning Features: Finch lovers rejoice! This feeder is thistle only and you can attach the perches any way you’d like.
- 2.4 lb. Capacity
- Squirrel proof
- Anti Squirrel
- Easy fill
- 8 feeding holes
- Moveable perches
- Thistle stays dry
- Changeable layout
- Weight activated
- Attracts clinging birds
- Attracts perching birds
Nut & Fruit / Mealworm – Best Overall Anti Squirrel
Squirrel Buster Nutfeeder by Brome
Squirrels will form a picket line and demand you bring back the cheap nut feeder. Question is, will you give in to their fur-belly demands?
With over 500 reviews and almost perfect 5-star rating, this nut feeder blocks squirrels & may even prevent crows and ravens. Plus there are no perches which means flock birds can’t take over.
How it works: Squirrels will jump on. When they do, the shroud will cover the nuts. They will soon learn it’s a waste of time and resort to scouring the ground for scraps. Which is good because they will help keep the area clean.
Winning Features: Adjustable tension means you get to decide who eats. Plus with 2 mesh sizes, you can mix up the food. The large mesh keeps nuts and fruit in, while the small mesh allows for sunflower seeds or even mealworm treats.
- 1.3 lb. Capacity
- Squirrel proof
- Anti Squirrel
- Sturdy hanger
- Easy fill
- 2 mesh sizes
- No perches
- Nuts keep dry
- Weight activated
- Adjustable tension
- Attracts clinging birds
- Nuts & fruit
- Sunflower seeds
- Mealworms
There you have it. Get any one of these squirrel proof feeders and your days of DIY pepper sprays are over. Birds will be happy, squirrels…not so much. So how about buying a big bag of walnuts, in the shell, and offering the occasional treat. They’ll surely appreciate the gesture.