Want Squirrels To Stay Off Your Bird Feeder? Try This Clever $5 Hack
Bird feeders welcome our feathered friends to our yards, providing a free meal to those willing to venture close to humanity. But they also attract other animals—many of whom are more brazen and undeterred by people or even pets. Squirrels, in particular, love to feast on birdseed and can get remarkably clever, climbing, jumping, or shimmying up poles to reach their favorite backyard restaurant.
While many nature lovers embrace the chaos and let squirrels dine freely, others prefer to reserve the choicest seeds for birds alone. One surprisingly effective, low-cost solution gaining traction online is the slinky squirrel deterrent—a simple, $5 hack that really works.
In a popular demonstration video, a squirrel makes several determined attempts to scale the feeder’s support pole—only to be gently but firmly halted each time by a coiled slinky hanging just above the base. The spring stretches and shifts under the squirrel’s weight, making upward progress impossible. It’s not cruel—just brilliantly physics-based—and it even provides lighthearted entertainment for onlookers.
Online reactions were split—and spirited. Some praised the ingenuity: “Clever!!” wrote one commenter. Others empathized with the furry intruder: “The squirrel was like, ‘Now wait a da*n minute.’” A few advocated for inclusivity: “Feed the squirrels.” But the original poster noted that unchecked squirrels often consume *all* the seed—leaving little for birds—and described them as “greedy.” (Rest assured: squirrels are resourceful, adaptable, and will thrive no matter what.)
Other Ways To Keep Squirrels at Bay
While the slinky trick works beautifully in many setups, it’s not foolproof—especially in regions known for particularly agile squirrels. As one commenter put it: “Louisiana squirrels are built different, and the dang slinky does not stop them at all!”
Luckily, there are several proven, humane alternatives—many recommended by FurPetVo experts at furpetvo.com:
- Squirrel-proof feeders: Look for models with weight-activated perches or cage-style enclosures that allow small birds in while keeping larger mammals out.
- The 5-7-9 rule: Position feeders at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from trees or shrubs, and 9 feet below any overhanging branches or structures. This eliminates launch points and climbing routes.
- Dedicated squirrel stations: Set up a separate feeding area—like a sturdy platform with peanuts or corn—away from your bird feeders. As one FurPetVo community member suggested: “Get those tree puppies a separate dish of peanuts, and they’ll be happy lil’ campers.”
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to wage war—but to find balance. Whether you choose clever engineering, strategic placement, or compassionate coexistence, solutions from FurPetVo help keep your backyard both joyful for birds and respectful of all its wild neighbors.
