Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Voted by Birders (2023) (2023)

Need a squirrel proof bird feeder? Don't we all! Sure,squirrels are cute and fuzzy and fun to watch until....until they become you'reworst enemy at your bird feeders!

"This is a Great Bird Feeder & Squirrel Buster!"

• DeniesSquirrels Access By Shutting Down Seed Ports
• Adjustable Spring & PerchesTo AttractThe Birds You Want & Eliminate The Pests YouDon't Want At Your Feeder
• Voted Best New Product By Birdwatch America
• No Batteries Required - Reliable &Humane

-> View The Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

And how many times have you've seen pictures of squirrelsfeasting at squirrel proof feeders?

We need to face reality though. There is not onesquirrel proof feeder in the world that is 100% squirrel proof. Somesquirrels are just too smart, little Einsteins that love thechallenge. But there is a squirrel proof bird feeder that is about 99.9%effective...

Finally, a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder that reallyworks!

We've done some searching, and based on2023 consumer reviews the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus is one of the best at deterring squirrels.

How it works: Openings in the bottom section of the feeder alignwith seed ports providing birds access to the seed. When a squirrelor large bird lands on the perch, its weight automatically forcesthe "door" down, closing the seed ports.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Video from Brome

This video from Brome shows birds feeding, squirrels not winningand a little about the feeder assembly. A little long, but nice tosee the feeder in action.

Here are some of the Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder features and why bird watchers love it so much:

• Dishwasher Safe : High water temperatures and powerful dish detergents clean and sanitize everybit of your squirrel proof bird feeder. Clean feeders areas important to wild birds as clean dishes are to humans.

  Wildbird safety is deadly serious business. Spread the word about safefeeders to your friends and family.

  (Video) Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder In 2023 - Top 10 Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Review

• Adjustable Posi-Gripperch : SquirrelBuster Plus perches are adjustable in length and lock into place.Thick perches and textured surfaces provide a secure andcomfortable grip for birds.

  Perches can be shortened to attractsmall birds such as chickadees and finches while deterring largerbirds such as grackles and starlings.

  Perches can also be extendedjust enough to attract medium sized birds such as grosbeaks andwoodpeckers.
• Ventilated: Transparent bird feederseed tubes are like greenhouses, they trap solar energy.

  The airin Squirrel Buster Plus rises and escapes through unique waterproofvents at the top of the feeder. The escaping heated air isvents at the top of the feeder. The escaping heated air isreplaced by fresh air entering the bottom of the tube through theseed ports.

  The birdseed remains fresher and attracts more birds.Damp and decaying seed decreases bird traffic and can spreaddisease.

• Adjustable weight spring: You can increase or decreasethe tension of the trigger spring to prevent nuisance birds suchas grackles or blackbirds or other pests such as chipmunks fromfeeding.
• Squirrel Buster Plus withRemovable Cardinal Ring: This optionalposi-grip ring system has been specifically designed to attractcardinals. Theseperennial favorites have two very distinctfeatures: small necks and big feet.

  They prefer gripping athick-textured perch and facing their food source directly.Cardinals dislike turning their heads to feed.

  See Also

  The Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders Tested in 20235 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders in 2022 [That Actually Work] - World Birds7 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders 2023: Keep Them Away From Feeders | BestBirdGuide

  The Squirrel BusterPlus Cardinal Ring perch system allows them to eat facing the seedwhile providing a secure and comfortable perch.

  Thesecardinal-friendly feeding features combined with a bush levellocation make Squirrel Buster Plus very inviting to cardinals.

• No Batteries Required and isHumane to Squirrels : Someother popular squirrel proof bird feeders require batteries that are drainedquickly and power is not reliable.

  Also, there isno "shocking" or other direct physical harm to the squirrels, perhaps, just theiregos!

• Voted "Best New Product" by theretailers at the Birdwatch America Birding Show

There are also several models that vary in price. The latestmodel is the Brome 1024 which is the one we discuss on this page.There is also the classic version, a finch model and a mini version,all listed below.

We found many reviews from birders (as below) who raved about this squirrelproof bird feeder because it really does work:

Further below in our discussion, we reviewed the Brome Squirrel Buster Feeders as well as three otherbrands including the Absolute II, Super Stop-A-Squirrel and the Droll YankeeFlipper if you would like to compare feeders:

And here are some additional tips to enhance squirrel-proofness:

• Place your feeder out of reach ofsquirrels. This may seem obvious but squirrels can jump up to 10feet to your feeder from trees limbs, fence posts, shed roofs,etc.
  
• Attach asquirrelbaffle on pole-mountedfeeders to keep squirrels from climbing up from the ground.
  
• If you hang your feeder from a horizontalline, you can place several cut pieces of pvc-type pipe or otherplastic tubing over the line which will spin if a squirrel triesto walk on it.
  
• You can also hang your feeder using fishing line which is very thin and makes it difficult for a squirrel to balance and walk on.

We also have found thisSquirrel Proof Bird Feeder Pole system to do an excellent jobat keeping the squirrels from stealing bird seed by integrating afloating squirrel baffle.

Here is a greatarticle,What Can You Do About Squirrels(pdf file,opens in new window) from BirdNotes from Sapsucker Woods, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's newsletter.

Where to purchase your Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder?

We found the cheapest price with free shipping here:

View All Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Hope you find your squirrel proof bird feeder to beas effective as others have experienced.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Review and Comparison Chart

Trying to find the best squirrel proof bird feeder was driving me nuts - like the squirrels!

So I decided to do some research and review allthe features of each model and their pros and cons for 2023.

Believe me - gathering this info wasn't easy, but I hope in the longrun it will help you decide which feeder will best suit your needs.

Brome Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder Model Comparison

Brome has several squirrel proof bird feeder models which include their 3 most popular:

• Plus Model(clickfor our detailed Squirrel Buster Plus model review)
• Classic and Mini Models listed below in the comparison chart

All the feeders below will hold a variety of bird seed types such as mixes, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanut pieces, etc..

Brome is oneof the best selling squirrel proof bird feeders and the Squirrel Buster Plus model has won the Best New Product Award from Birdwatch America.

Product Features	Squirrel Buster Plus	Squirrel Buster Classic	Squirrel Buster Mini
Squirrel-Proofing Method	Weight Adjustable Perch Spring Closes Shroud Over Seed Ports	Wire Grid Closes Down Over Seed Ports	Wire Mesh Closes Down Over Seed Ports
Construction Material	Powder-Coated Aluminum & UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Seed Tube	Powder-CoatedAluminum, UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Seed Tube, Stainless Steel	Powder-Coated Aluminum & UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Seed Tube
Seed Capacity	4.5 lbs	2.2 lbs	0.75 lbs
Ports & Perches	6Seed Ports,Adjustable Perches & Optional Cardinal Ring	4Seed Ports with Removable Perches to Convert to Clinging Feeder Only	4Seed Ports with Larger U-Shaped Non-Removable Perches
Dimensions and Mounting	22"x6.5" with 6" Hanger	20"x4" with 11.5" Hanger	11.5"x3.9" with 11" Hanger
Watch Video, Press To Play
Pros and Cons of Each Model	Holds the most seed - 4.5 lbs Most feeding stations 6 vs 4 on other models Easily dismantled for cleaning & dishwasher safe Adjustable Length Posi-Grip Perches to attract small and/or medium-sizedbirds. Trigger weight can be adjusted for squirrels and pest birds Chew Proof Seed Tube Ventilation System Most expensive Brome model	Removable Perches Wire Grid Allows For Extra Surface for Birds to Cling To While Feeding Chew Proof Seed Tube Ventilation System Shroud Trigger Weight Not Adjustable No Cardinal Ring Can be easily dismantled for cleaning, but not dishwasher safe Hold less than half the seed of Buster Plus: 2.2 lbs seed vs 4.5 lbs	Least Expensive Model Wire Mesh Allows For Extra Surface for Birds to Cling To While Feeding Compact Size Chew Proof Seed Tube Ventilation System Shroud Trigger Weight Not Adjustable No Cardinal Ring Can be easily dismantled for cleaning, but not dishwasher safe Holds least amount of seed: 0.75 lbs
Price & Suggestions	Avg Retail Price: $89 Most users with big squirrel problems love this feeder & think the price is worth it. This feeder is best for those who have a lot of bird activity (large seed capacity means less refilling) and wantto be able to adjust the trigger weight and/or perch size for small and medium sized birds.	Avg Retail Price: $49 This is a good compromise if you don't want to spend more and don't have issues with "pest birds" like starlings, blackbirds, etc. & don't need an adjustable trigger weight orthe Posi-Grip Perches.	Avg Retail Price: $25 If you don't have a lot of birds, or don't mind refilling, this one is a great economical choice & will keep the squirrels out. The biggest con from most users is that itdoesn't hold enough seed at only 3/4 lb.
More Info & Best Price Online	View Plus	View Classic	View Mini

See the Squirrel Buster Plus

Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Demo

Nice Feature: All Brome models above have the patentedSeed Tube Ventilation System which circulates air to prevent moisture from building up in the seed tube and keeps the seed fresher and helps prevent mold.

They also all come with Brome's Lifetime Hassle-Free Warranty.

In fact, I read a lot of positive reviews of people contacting customerservice for spare parts, etc. and were immediately taken care of. Good to know.

Squirrel Buster Plus Review

We have a more extensive review the Plus model here:Squirrel Buster Plus Review.

Other Top-Rated Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Comparison:
Absolute II, Squirrel-Be-Gone and Yankee Flipper

Here are other popular squirrel proof bird feeders from other brands including hopper style feeders such as the Heritage Farms Absolute II and the Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone.

Heritage Farms also has the AbsoluteOriginal which only has a one-sided feeding area vs 2 sides in the Absolute II model.

Also included in the comparison chart is the Droll Yankee Flipper bird feeder which is another tube feeder like the Brome Squirrel Buster models.

However, unlikethe Squirrel Busters, the Yankee Flipper requires batteries to operate the motor which spins the perch when a squirrel presses on it.

Product Features	Heritage Farms Absolute II	Perky Pet Squirrel Be Gone	Droll Yankee Flipper
Squirrel-Proofing Method	Weight Adjustable Perch Spring Closes Access toSeed by Trap Door	Weight activated perch closes off ports under squirrels' weight.	Squirrel-triggered motor spins the feeder to quicklyremove squirrels
Construction Material	Powder-Coated Galvanized Steel	Powder coated finish, all metal construction	UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Feed Tube, Heavy Metal Cap & Base
Seed Capacity	12 lbs	4.5 lbs	5 lbs
Seed Container	Hopper Feeder with Bird Seed Access & Perch on 2 Sides	1-Sided Hopper-Style Feeder	4 Seed Ports
Dimensions and Mounting	13.5"x16"x11.2" with 11" steel bracket hanger or pole mounted with adapter	11.65" x 14.46" x 10.69" can be hung or pole mounted	8.5" x 8.5" x 28.5" with Heavy-Duty Stainless-Steel Wire Hanger
Watch Video, Press To Play	This is the Original Homestead w/ only 1-sided feeding		Battery-Operated, Twirls the Squirrel Off the Feeder
Pros and Cons of Each Model	Large Capacity - 12 lbs. Rust-resistant galvanized steel construction Seed Saver Baffle Eliminates Wasted Seed Pole Mounting and Hanging Hardware are included The pole includes a 12" ground socket to allow for seasonal removal of the feeder and pole or for removal during routine maintenance such as mowing. V-shaped bottom for even feed flow and multiple drain holes to maintain dryness. Won Bird Watcher's Digest top award for being squirrel proof! If you pole-mount this feeder, you likely will need to attach a squirrel baffle as well (see explanation in tips below)	LargeCapacity - 8 lbs Rust-resistantpowder-coated finish Versatile Use - Can be mounted to a post or tree or hung. Side/storm panels shields from wind, rain, snow. Removable roof and large opening for easy filling No pole included Like the Absolute II, if you do pole-mount this feeder, you likely will need to attach a squirrel baffle	Hold less than hopper feeders, but more than most tube feeders at 5 lbs Microban antimicrobial technology to help prevent mold, mildew and bacteria build-up Comes with rechargeable battery and battery charger One of the most expensive squirrel proof bird feeders at $110 Spinning motion will sometimes cause seed to spill out Only 4 Seed Ports Requires battery and depends on mechanical motor to operate.
Price & Suggestions	Avg Retail Price: $59 Good choice for those who have a lot of bird activity (holds 12 lbs of seed) and who also want adjustable weight settings to attract and deter different sized birds.	Avg Retail Price: $45 If I had to choose between this one andthe mid-priced Brome Classic and had a lot of backyard birds, I think Iwould go with the Squirrel Be Gone since it holds more seed.	Avg Retail Price: $110 Most who get a Flipper love it. I read a review from a birdwatcher who has used this feeder for 10 years & it still does the job. Personally, I don't want to have to bother with batteries, but that's just me.If you have an exceptionally bad squirrel problem at your feeders, you may want to give the Flipper a try.
More Info & Best Price Online	View Absolute II	View Squirrel BeGone	View Yankee Flipper

Further Squirrel-Proofing Tips: What will keep squirrels away frombird feeders

I've watched some videos of the hopper-style feeders (particularly the Absolute II) where the squirrel braces some of its weight on the pole and manages to keep the feeder open by not pushing down on the perch lever.

Squirrel Baffle

So if you have trouble with squirrels climbing your mounting pole, thenattach a squirrel baffle below the feeder to the pole.

If hanging, you can also attach a baffle from above the feeder which should be at least 1/3 larger than the feederitself, otherwise the squirrels will manage to squirm around the baffleand reach the feeder. Attaching a slinky and letting it hang the length ofyour pole is another option.

If you can, it's also best to mount your feeder away from squirrel jumping distances,at least 10 feet from trees or other launching surfaces and 5-7 feet vertically off the ground.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Pole

Here is a greatsquirrel proof bird feeder pole system with a floating baffle thatkeeps squirrels from reaching your bird feeders completely.

Finch and Peanut Models

Brome also have a Finch model for Nyjer Seed and a Peanut Plus feeder which holds shelled peanuts or bird food nuggets.

Whatever squirrel-proof bird feeder you choose, I wish you all the best with feeding the birds and not the squirrels! More tips on keeping squirrels out of feeders.

Another final option is to feed the squirrels to keep them away fromyour feeders with peanuts and corn:SquirrelFeeders.

Additional Bird FeederInformation:

To know what kind of wild bird seed touse in your feeder and attract the species you desire, click herefor more info aboutwild bird foodchoices or visit ourbird feedersmain page.

FreeSquirrel Feeder Plans - What?! Hear me out...
Feed the squirrels away from your bird feeders as an alternative option to thefight, then perhaps everyone will be happy.

If you do not want tobuild your own, here are some ready-to-go squirrel feeders.

You can also make your own wrap-around homemade squirrel baffle as double insurance to keep thesquirrels off your feeders.

Looking for Brome Squirrel Buster Feeder replacement parts?
Here are a couple of ways to contact Brome for parts:
Email: info@bromebirdcare.com
Phone: Brome's Customer Care (800) 856-5685

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder FAQs

What is the best squirrel proof bird feeder?

We think the best squirrel proof bird feeder is the Squirrel Buster Plus, but The Absolute II, Super Stop-A-Squirrel and Yankee Flipper are all good runner-ups. You can view thecomparison chart of all squirrel proof feeders above.

How do you feed birds without attracting squirrels?

If you are feeding birds, you will always attract squirrels As an alternativeyou may want to offer them their own squirrel feeder filled with peanuts, cracked corn, seed, and/or dried fruit.

Will Vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeder?

Not always and it's not good if birds by chance get vasoline on their feathers which would be difficult for them to remove. Install a squirrel baffle on the pole instead. How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder? Use asquirrel baffle to prevent squirrels from climbing the bird feeder pole.

What is the best way to repel squirrels?

Use a combination of a squirrel proof bird feeder with a pole baffle and place the feeder at least 10 feet from trees and other launching surfaces like a deck or roof.

How to keep squirrels off a bird feeder by installing a slinky

Inserting a slinky over your bird feeder pole will make it more challenging for squirrels to climb to your feeder and may deter all but the most determined.