There are times when I like raccoons and squirrels, but they can empty a bird feeder very quickly, like in seconds. Worse, once they are on the feeders the birds stay away.
There are lots of birds around these days. We are still seeing migratory birds that are just passing through, and the regular birds are already building nests and wooing us. They love the feeder when there is no squirrel.
The animals haven’t figured out how to get to the top of the feeder yet, but one smart little squirrel did. He learned how to jump from the house to the feeder. He quickly taught his brother and sister, and soon all the squirrels in the area knew how to do it too. It took him 4 years before he figured it out though.
Raccoons, opossums, skunks and other local wildlife cant go up the feeders. Squirrels are another story. Trying to curb their damage I set up a couple of meshed feeders. They work quite well to discourage squirrels. A bird or squirrel can reach in and get a seed, but a squirrel gives up too soon because they’re too impatient. They can still get to the platform feeder and the white bowl of jelly that I keep for the orioles. I figured out how to make my squirrel proof peanut butter feeder and the birds can. Here is a link.
I finally chose to make another bird feeder stand and put it somewhere away from tall trees and the house so no one could jump on it.
Installing bird feeders is a rewarding way to help our feathered friends and enjoy them up close. However, hanging them properly is key to attracting birds and keeping them safe. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn expert tips on choosing feeders, selecting locations, installation methods, safety considerations, and maintenance.
Pick the Right Feeder for Your Bird Species
Choosing a feeder suited to your target bird species is the first step. Select from:
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Platform feeders – Open, flat design suits ground birds like doves. Elevates food above ground.
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Tube feeders – Enclosed design with perches and feeding ports for birds like finches, chickadees.
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Suet feeders – Tailored for woodpeckers nuthatches and other insect-eaters. Holds fat/seed blocks.
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Nectar feeders – Features nectar ports for hummingbirds and orioles
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Hopper/house feeders – Enclosed, with large seed capacity for various birds.
Match the feeder to birds you wish to attract. Offering multiple feeder types provides options and increases activity.
Pick the Right Location
Location impacts safety and how attractive your yard is for birds. Follow these tips:
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Visibility – Choose a spot where you can view the feeder easily
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Access – Ensure simple access for refilling/maintenance.
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Cover – Place near trees/shrubs for quick escape from predators.
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Shade – Helps prevent food spoilage and provides shelter from elements.
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Safety – Avoid windows to prevent collisions. Keep away from predator hiding spots.
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Height – 5-6 feet high deters squirrels and cats. 10 feet needed for full protection.
Consider bird behavior and preferences too. For example, suspend feeders from branches to draw chickadees and woodpeckers.
Set Up With Proper Hanging Methods
Once you’ve selected the site, use proper materials to hang the feeder securely:
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Rope/chain – Affix an S-hook on one end to attach feeder. Include squirrel guard.
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Pole/post – Freestanding option allowing multiple feeders at different heights.
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Tree hooks – Hook over branch to hang feeder. Get long hooks for better stability.
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Brackets – Affix to walls, posts, etc. Choose weight-bearing type.
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Bolts – Screw eye-bolts into wooden structures to hang feeders.
Check feeder weight limits and use sturdy hangers. For high branches, use pole hooks to safely lift feeders into place.
Prioritize Safety
Bird safety is a top concern when hanging feeders:
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Predators – Place away from hiding spots. Use squirrel-proof feeders.
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Windows – Prevent collisions by keeping 3 feet or 10+ feet from glass. Apply decals.
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Cats – 5-6 feet minimum height to deter jumping. 10 feet best for full protection.
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Wind – Sheltered areas reduce swaying/damage. Add wind chimes to deter larger birds.
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Ground predators – Exclude raccoons, etc. with baffles on poles or hang very high.
Follow bird feeding best practices like cleaning often and using quality food to keep birds safe and healthy.
Perform Proper Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures a well-functioning feeder:
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Cleaning – Remove waste, sanitize periodically to prevent disease. Use 1:9 bleach solution.
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Refilling – Restock promptly when low. Routine filling encourages bird visits.
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Inspecting – Check for damage frequently. Fix or replace damaged feeders.
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Weatherproofing – Move feeders to covered areas in extreme weather if possible.
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Predator proofing – Keep squirrel baffles/guards in good shape.
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Pruning – Trim any obstructing branches around feeders.
Consistent care promotes feeder longevity while making your yard as bird-friendly as possible.
Utilize Additional Bird-Attracting Tips
Use these extra strategies to bring more birds to your feeders:
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Water – Install a bird bath or drippers nearby for drinking/bathing.
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Shelter – Allow some overgrown areas with brush for ground feeding birds.
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Diversity – Offer various feed types like suet, nuts, fruits. Cater to mixed species.
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Natural foods – Avoid pesticides so birds can access insects/seeds in your yard.
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Lighting – Position feeders away from artificial lights that could deter birds.
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Distance – Keep feeders 10-15 feet from trees/brush to prevent ambushes by predators.
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No noise – Pick quiet, tranquil spots away from loud machines, vehicles, etc.
Ensure Safety With Window Feeders
Window feeders let you observe birds up close but require precautions:
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3 feet rule – Collision risk is lower within 3 feet of glass.
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10+ feet rule – Keep 10 feet away if not super close.
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Positioning – Mount near picture windows for best viewing.
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Protection – Add decals, screens, one-way film to prevent crashes.
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Predator protection – Site near trees or shrubs birds can quickly escape to.
Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat
Landscaping choices greatly impact backyard bird visitors:
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Native plants – Provide natural food sources like seeds, berries, nectar.
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Shelter – Use trees, shrubs, brush piles. Hang feeders 10-15 feet from cover.
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Water – Install a birdbath or small pond. Include sloped edges for access.
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Safety – Avoid pesticides/herbicides that could sicken birds.
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Cleanliness – Use pavers or gravel under feeders to discourage pests.
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Predator deterrence – Remove hiding spots near feeders, install deterrents.
With research and proper setup, you can make your yard an appealing, nourishing sanctuary for birds. Proper feeder hanging and care will keep them returning for years.
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Screw the crosspieces to the posts
It’s hard to make sure that the posts are straight and that the crosspieces are square to the posts. I positioned my 2 heavy posts on the ground. I had cut them to the height I wanted. For me it was 7 1/2 feet plus the 15 inches underground. Since I’m not very tall, I didn’t want to need a ladder to get to all the feeders.
I measured, and measured again. I used the square, and checked that the diagonals were the same length. Finally, I was pleased to see that the two posts were level and stacked next to each other. I screwed my first crosspiece. I only used one screw and made sure everything was straight and that the space between the two posts was even. Then I added a few more screws. I had already marked where the posts were, so all I had to do was line up with them. Make sure your posts are lined up the same way. I had 3 1/2 inch x 4 inches posts.
4 screws in each crosspiece held it solidly to the posts. To turn the holder over, I gently lowered the long pieces over the crosspieces and then swung them up again. This let me screw in the other crosspiece. A helper would be useful to turn the hanger over. As best you can, line up the two crosspieces, and then screw the second one in place with the posts in between them. Your 2 crosspieces are now screwed to the posts. Put the separator pieces where you want to hang the suet holders and bird feeders, and then screw them in place. I put one at each end and evenly spread the others. They will add a bit of stability and give you a place to place your hooks or eyes. The photo shows the crosspieces with the separators blocks. If you didn’t cut the blocks straight, you may need to lightly hammer them into place or even loosen some screws to get them to fit.
There is a fancy way to make the bird feeder holder look bigger and stronger: cut a bunch of 2×4 pieces and screw them across the top. If you do that you can cut a similar twiddle in the pieces to make them more decorative.
You can drill pilot holes and screw in the hooks while the bird feeder rack is on the ground if you want to. If you prefer you can do this after its upright.
Cutting the parts of the bird feeder rack.
Decide where you want to locate your feeders. Not too close to the house or tall trees, but close enough that I could watch the birds from the house. I put a camera on a tripod, open the door, and take pictures of birds because this works so well.
I dug one hole to see how deep I could go. I only had 15 inches before I reached rock. I would have preferred a couple of feet to anchor the posts solidly. There are many ways of anchoring your posts. Look up deck posts if you are not sure. I put the post into the holes added some gravel around while it was braced in position. I then tapped the gravel till it was settled. Finally, I filled the hole with a few inches of concrete mix after making sure the rack was in the right place.
Dimensions are your choice. My cross pieces are 79 inches across. This allows 2 feeders on each arm and 2 in the middle section.
The middle part is 27 inches wide, and I marked that. The posts fit on either side of the mark. This leaves 26 inches for each arm.
NOTE: MY POSTS WERE 3 1/2 BY 4 INCHES. THEY WERE NOT PERFECTLY SQUARE. MEASURE YOURS AND ALWAYS ALIGN THEM SO THEY ARE THE SAME THICKNESS FACING THE SAME WAY.
I cut a little decorative twiddle at each end. I just worked it out on a piece of cardboard and marked it on the wood. Cut both ends of your first cross-piece then use it as a pattern for the second crosspiece. Dont push the jig saw otherwise it will go off the mark. Take your time and let the blade do the work. The twiddles are decorative only. The bird feeder rack will still work if you cut it off straight.
I used scraps from the posts to make blocks to separate the two crosspieces, but you could also use scraps from the ends of the 2x6s. No matter what you choose, you will need at least six pieces that are the same thickness as your posts to sit between them and screw in your hooks. Remember that your posts might not be square, so pick the side with the right thickness for each one.
How to Hang Bird Feeder out of Squirrels reach
FAQ
What is the best way to hang up a bird feeder?
Where is the best place to hang bird feeders?
What is the 5 7 9 rule for bird feeders?
Do birds like feeders high or low?
How do you hang a hummingbird feeder?
To hang a bird feeder from a high branch, you can utilize a ladder and bird feeder hangers for trees or a tall bird feeder pole with a pulley. A pulley system allows you to reach otherwise out of reach locations. Can you put a hummingbird feeder next to a bird feeder?
How do you hang a bird feeder on a deck?
Remove any potential hiding places. Hanging a bird feeder in the yard from a deck, or from other fixed constructions is generally pretty easy. Use a deck hangar such as the Gray Bunny Deck Hook shown here, to attach a hook to your deck, railing, or baluster.
How to hang a bird feeder safely?
Hanging a bird feeder safely and securely is essential for both the birds and bird watchers. Tree hooks for bird feeders are an excellent way to hang feeders in a prime feeding location – trees!
Where should a bird feeder be hung?
Trees can also serve as a good place to hang your bird feeder. Try to hang it somewhere high, ideally between two trees, and away from activities that might disturb the birds. Remember that preserving the natural feeding habits of birds is essential.
Do hanging bird feeders need hooks?
Readily available at hardware and outdoor supply stores, hooks add stability and robustness to hanging bird feeders. Decks can be an excellent space to attract birds. They provide the perfect location for viewing your feathered friends as they visit your hanging bird feeder.
How do you hang a suet bird feeder?
The best way to hang a suet feeder is alone and away from other feeders. Birds that thrive on suet are often shy birds that will appreciate the solitude. How do you hang a bird feeder from a high branch? To hang a bird feeder from a high branch, you can utilize a ladder and bird feeder hangers for trees or a tall bird feeder pole with a pulley.