No matter where you live, critters and wildlife of some kind likely hang out in your backyard. Sometimes, you’ll even have visitors from the local ecosystem on your windowsills or front porch, especially squirrels. They are one of the most common natural charmers out there, and if you want to extend an olive branch to the squirrels in your neighborhood, I highly recommend installing a squirrel feeder! I set up the Woodlink Squirrel-Go-Round Squirrel Feeder and I’ll never go back. It’s sturdy and vast enough to store plenty of food for the squirrels in my area.
Our Top Picks For Squirrel Feeders
The Best Squirrel Feeders
Best Overall
The Woodlink Squirrel-Go-Round Squirrel Feeder is an innovative way to feed squirrels while offering a little stimulation. The feeder can hold five corn cobs and spins around like a Ferris wheel. The motion is eye-catching and attractive to local squirrels, who are bound to come and investigate.
In fact, this product isn’t only eye-catching to squirrels but to everyone. Both children and adults alike can enjoy this feeder as an addition to your garden decorations. Even better, the mounting hardware needed to attach the feeder to a deck, post, or tree is included. With such a charming yet effective design, this squirrel feeder easily tops our list.
Pros
- Charming design makes your garden look fun
- Gives squirrels some stimulation
- Turning motion helps attract squirrels
Cons
- Only suitable for use with corn cobs
- Too wobbly for some
Most Unique
The Archie McPhee Unicorn Squirrel Feeder will bring a little magic into your garden. When a squirrel eats food from your feeder, it will look like it has the head of a magical unicorn. Simply place squirrel food in the unicorn’s nose and your furry garden companions will sniff it out. And, with such a unique, magical design, this squirrel feeder is a great way to get your children involved in nature! Just don’t be surprised if you see a unicorn casually strolling around your yard sometime soon.
Pros
- Magical unicorn head design
- Accommodates a variety of food
- Easy to hang from a tree
Cons
- Squirrels may eat through the nose
Most Variety
Stimulate your visitors with this adorable picnic table squirrel feeder. Designed to look just like a picnic table, this feeder is a cute way to attract some furry friends to your yard. Even better, this product is available in two sizes: regular and jumbo. If you want the squirrel to stand on the bench part of the feeder, you should opt for the jumbo design. But, if you want to save a little space in your garden or yard, go for the regular size instead. Aside from its two sizes, this squirrel feeder is both durable and long lasting thanks to its cedar wood build, which will age nicely in the face of various weather conditions.
Pros
- Charming picnic table design
- Robust, weather-resistant cedar build
- Available in two different sizes
Cons
- Only works with corn cobs
- A bit flimsy
Most Durable
The Wildlife WoodCrafts Picnic Table Feeder is large enough for a squirrel to eat whilst “sat” at the table, rather than standing on top of it. For added stability, the mounting board is attached to both the tabletop and the legs of the feeder.
Most importantly, you can rest assured that this product is well both made and durable becausw it’s made of cedar, which will weather well outdoors. As the cherry on top, this squirrel feeder is made in the USA and has a cool flag burned onto the mount to prove it!
Pros
- Pre-built and pre-drilled
- American flag is burned onto the mount
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only works with corn cobs
- Not great for larger ears of corn
Most Simplistic
The Kaytee Corn Cob Squirrel Feeder is an very practical squirrel feeder that can hold one corn cob. What stands out about this feeder how it doesn’t take up much space while being very simple to use. With a simple spiral design, this is a great addition to a small garden or for those who appreciate minimalism. Overall, this product proves that you don’t need a huge outdoor space to attract wildlife. Work with what you have got and purchase this compact squirrel feeder today!
Pros
- Minimalistic spiral design
- Easily hangs from a hook or branch
- Doesn’t take up much space
Cons
- Not very decorative
Most Long-Lasting
Made from high-quality cedar wood, The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Squirrel Feeder is the perfect way to attract furry backyard friends. Imagine sitting in your garden with a lovely picnic whilst watching some visiting squirrels enjoy their own picnic at a tiny, squirrel-sized picnic table — adorable, right? If that sounds like heaven to you, you should buy this handmade product today! Simply attach a corn cob to the nail at the top of the table and divert all the squirrels from your birdfeeder to their new designated spot.
Pros
- Handmade, decay-resistant cedar build
- Cute picnic table design
- Helps deter squirrels from bird feeders
Cons
- Only accepts corn cobs
- Too small for some
Easiest To Install
If you liked the look of the previous picnic table-style squirrel feeders on our list, you might also like the Merhoff & Larkin Outside Squirrel Feeder. Made from good-quality pine wood and sturdy metal screws, this feeder is a reliable choice. In fact, the manufacturers are so confident in their product, they offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with it.
This squirrel feeder is also very simple to install, and can be attached to a tree or post via a hanging mount. Everything you need to hang this feeder is included except a screwdriver, too; simply attach a corn cob and watch your squirrel visitors enjoy their dinner at a tiny picnic table.
Pros
- Charming picnic table design
- Long-lasting pine wood build
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Can only be used with corn cobs
- Screw can come loose
Buying Guide: Squirrel Feeders
If you’re in the market for a squirrel feeder, you may want to do a little research so you know you’re getting the ideal product for your needs. Thinking about your ideal design and features before you shop will ensure you save a lot of time and energy browsing through unsuitable feeders. To help you out, we’ve put together this in-depth guide with everything you should know. Let’s take a look!
Squirrel Feeders Explained
A squirrel feeder is a product, usually made from wood, which you attach to trees and other objects in your garden to feed squirrels. Commonly, squirrel feeders will hold an ear of corn in place to feed your furry friends, but you can find others that hold seeds and grains.
It’s important to keep in mind that inviting squirrels to your backyard can have both positive and negative consequences. According to A.H David, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Pestcontrolweekly.com, one positive is that “feeding squirrels can help to support local wildlife populations, especially if they are struggling to find food due to environmental factors like drought or habitat loss.” That said, he also points out that “squirrels may become overly reliant on the food you provide and stop foraging for their own food, which can lead to long-term dependence and potential health problems.”
So, while having a squirrel feeder in your yard can be a fun way to bring some furry friends into your yard, be sure to think about the advantages and disadvantages before picking one up.
Things To Consider When Buying a Squirrel Feeder
Look for durable materials
Squirrels have two bottom teeth, and two front upper teeth called incisors. These teeth do not have roots, but instead continue to grow throughout the squirrel’s lifetime. Squirrels must grind these teeth down; otherwise, they can become long enough to penetrate the skull and damage the brain. This is why a squirrel, like other rodents, will chew through anything.
Some squirrel feeders are not built to last but have very entertaining designs. If you do not mind regularly replacing the product, this is not a problem. But, if you want to buy a squirrel feeder that will last a few years, looking for good quality, durable materials is important. For this purpose, it is a good idea to choose a squirrel feeder made from metal or hardwood.
Types of squirrel feeders
There are many styles of squirrel feeders to choose from. Here are a few example:
Box squirrel feeder
A box squirrel feeder is a cube that you fill with squirrel feed. It has a liftable lid that you lift to fill it and the squirrel lifts to gain access to the food. Not only does this lid provide access to food, but lifting it also offers the squirrel some stimulation.
Boxes often have a gap at the bottom so just enough food can reach the squirrel without falling to the floor. These feeders are usually attached to a tree or a post using a wall mount. For an added bit of charm, some of these feeders are even made to look like houses.
Picnic table feeder
Picnic table feeders create the illusion that a squirrel is sitting at a table to eat its food. This is cute to watch and will entertain the whole family. Similarly, you can get squirrel feeders that look like a singular chair and table. These feeders are often mounted to a tree or a post.
Hanging squirrel feeder
Hanging squirrel feeders are usually made from a wire cage and hung from a tree branch. A squirrel will pull the nuts through the gaps of the cage. Many hanging feeders are more functional than decorative but are often the cheapest option available. Some hanging feeders are made to look like the head of an animal like a horse or unicorn, which can make for hours of entertainment. Just keep in mind that these types of squirrel feeders will often attract birds, too.
Moving squirrel feeder
You may also wish getting a squirrel feeder with a moving design. This is entertaining to watch and will often provide a little more stimulation than a stationary feeder. If this appeals to you, look for squirrel-go-rounds or a bungee feeder so the squirrel swings with their food.
Feeding table
The previous squirrel feeders rely on a post or tree to hang from, but a feeding table is a stand-alone table made specifically to feed squirrels. Many feeding tables are two-tiered and let you provide water and food for your furry garden visitors. They are available in a variety of styles, the most common being a traditional renaissance style. Like hanging squirrel feeders, these types will also attract birds.
Puzzle feeder
Puzzle feeders are custom-made and require a squirrel to complete several tasks, like a maze or jumping through hoops, to access food.
Size
Your squirrel feeder must have enough space for squirrels to stand comfortably and eat. If it doesn’t, you may find that visiting squirrels will take the food elsewhere to eat it.
Supports a variety of food
Many squirrel feeders support a corn cob, but squirrels require a varied diet to remain healthy. Every little helps, so of course, a squirrel will appreciate a corn snack. But, if you genuinely want to help a squirrel thrive, you may want to buy squirrel feeders that can hold various kinds of food.
Price Range
Squirrel feeders can range in price from as little as $5 and as much as $35. The higher the price, the larger and more elaborate the feeder will likely be.
How We Choose Our Squirrel Feeders
We choose our squirrel feeders based on size, durability, feeder type, value for money, and customer reviews. Don’t worry, we’ll only ever recommend squirrel feeders that are perfect for attracting your local wildlife.
People Also Ask
What food should I feed squirrels?
To ensure your squirrels receive a healthy and varied diet, give them various nuts like acorns, peanuts, hazelnuts, or almonds. If possible, you should also give them some fruit and vegetables; squirrels enjoy chopped apples, spinach, carrots, bean sprouts, green beans, and celery.
What is the most common type of squirrel in America?
The most common type of squirrel in America is the eastern gray squirrel. It is indigenous to North America and is the most ecologically essential and prodigious natural forest regenerator. The second most likely squirrel to visit your garden will be an American red squirrel. These are similar to the grays, but are smaller and redder in color. Other species include the fox squirrel, Abert’s squirrel, the western gray squirrel, Arizona gray squirrel, Douglas squirrel, flying squirrel, northern flying squirrel, southern flying squirrel, and Humboldt’s flying squirrel.
Is getting a squirrel feeder a good idea?
It can be, depending on what you're looking for. For example, squirrel feeders keep squirrels away from your bird feeders. They also can help squirrels stock up on food for the winter, all while bringing some furry company to your backyard.
Can squirrels remember people who feed them?
Yes, squirrels can remember the people who have fed them. Remembering such people is a good way for squirrels to identify trustworthy, reliable, and safe food sources.
Is there anything specific that squirrels dislike?
Yes, there are a few aromas that squirrels strongly dislike. Some of these include garlic, peppermint, and both black and white pepper.
