there are SO many sites online advising about which squirrel-proof feeders to get. wouldn't a simple google search be more timely than posting here first?

Just wait until the rats come. OR get a new rodent-proof birdhouse. This one isn't bad: http://www.wildbirdsmarketplace.com/Classic-Feeder-w-Squirrel-Baffle-and-Pole-p131.html

I have a mean squirrel that lives around my living room windows, but so far the egg feeder has kept him out:
http://dwr.com/product/tools/egg-birdfeeder.do?search=basic&keyword=bird feeder&sortby=ourPicks&page=1

I've actually watched him a few times jump on and dangle there.

It's pretty pricey though ... I wouldn't have it were it not a gift.

I have tons and tons of squirrels and safflower seed seems to work best for me. The squirrles aren't interested in it. That and thistle are all I use in my feeders.

Now, if only I could convince them to leave my tulips alone. I wouldn't be so bad if they actually ate them, but they just bite the flower off, search through it and toss it on the ground. A crime!

Probably your best bet to keep squirrels out of your feeder would be to keep it on a pole, far enough away from trees (so they cant jump down on it) and then put a baffle on the pole.

Just Google 'squirrel baffle' and you will see tons of products keeping them from climbing the pole and getting to your bird feeder.

Good luck!

you must get the <A HREf="http://www.yankeeflipper.com/droll/index.cfm">yankee flipper</A>

illustrative youtube video <A HREF="http://youtube.com/watch?v=NocRG3r2zBw&feature=related">here</A>

Squirrels also like cat food.

Jen C,
Squirrels do the same thing to my camelias. They remove the flowers, rip off the petals, and gnaw on the bulb/ovary before tossing it on the lawn.

Just a simple solution- Lowes sells rodent proof bird feeders. They're set up so that if the critter is too heavy, they are cut off from the food.

Try here. They sell others, but this is just an example.

Embrace the squirrels! My mom tried for years to find bird feeders the squirrels couldn't get into and gave up.
She got some squirrel feeders (they'll go for the easier food).

She can still birdwatch, but now she has a squirrel named Earl who comes when she calls and eats peanuts on her lap.

(did I mention my mom is weird)

I will make your life a ALOT better. Buy any birdseed you want, but make sure it has NO PEANUTS in it. None. Nada. That is a squirell that KNOWS there are peanuts in there. I know. I can read his mind.

Seriously. Leave it empty for a few days, then replace the seed with a combo of millet (the little yellowish round ones) and thistle and/or safflower. I'd wait another week or so before i even dare put in sunflower. Depending on where you live, the finch seed might be really fun to see the visitors.

The problem is the squirel thinks this is HIS feeder. Take away his favorite peanuts and it'll get way easier.

I think a baffel won't help because my guess is he is dropping down from the tree above. If you move the feeder, move it out from under the tree.
If all else fails, put up a hummingbird feeder. Lots of fun to watch and nothing for the squirrels.

Though I did have a racoon grab mine last week....

good luck and don't give up!!!!!!!

I'll echo t-dawg and say you really ought to check out the http://www.drollyankees.com, particularly the dipper, whipper, tipper and flipper feeders.

If you're not in the market for a new feeder, you ought to watch their videos anyways. They belong on YouTube.

LOVE THIS TOPIC! Anyone with a yard can relate. Everyone has the same issue. I spent hundreds trying to find one. The best option I found was two-fold.

First, purchase a birdfeeder with a metal grid encasement that is on a spring. Basically, the squirrel steps on the grid to climb down to the seed hole and his weight lowers the grid and covers up the hole. You can set the tension of the spring and can even block out larger birds (e.g., cardins, doves, etc.) Genius product. I personally found these to be more attractive than the big lampshade shield that some stores sell. Found mine at Lowes.

Garden Treasures ® "Squirrel-Be-Gone" Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=193409-507-936&lpage=none

Second step is to provide the squirrels their own box. Lowes (again) has this item that is about half the size of a flip-top mailbox with a grid on the front (fixed grid, not springs - cross between a mail box and a suet box). You lift the top and insert treats (peanuts or corn usually but they also make some type of premade corn cake). Squirrels try to pull it through the holes in the grid. They loved that. Also, try to place it at least 10 to 15 ft away from the bird feeder that way they learn they have there own area. (Another option would be a plain suet basket.)

Suet Baskets
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=92547-000001488-16730&lpage=none
Cedar Works
Garden Suet Feeder

Harmony at last!

You guys are great....thanks for all of the fantastic links and advice! The "native backyard birds of California" card will not be meeting the basement storage box afterall....we'll let you know how it goes!

-Shayna

I have birdfeeder and I use safflower seeds in one. There's a squirrel that has no problem chowing down on those seeds, so, although safflower seeds are not their favorite, they will eat them. I've also tried the baffle on one of the poles, and they can get around that, too. Squirrels are very resourceful critters. I just resigned to the fact that they have to eat, too. I just end up buying more seed.... :( Some of the suggestions are good ones and I'll have to try them. The squirrel twirler feeder is something I'll look into, even if it's pricey. The video is hysterical! It'll provide entertainment as well as keeping them out of the feeder. :)