Squirrel Feeders

Squirrel feeders give backyard wildlife a designated spot to grab a bite while letting you enjoy a closer look at their daily activity. Whether you’re watching squirrels along a wooded fence line or near the edge of your yard, a feeding station can make wildlife watching part of your everyday routine. As you compare squirrel feeders, think about how much space you have, how easily you can reach the feeder for refills and how simple it will be to empty and clean. Feeder capacity matters, too: A larger feeding area isn’t always better if food sits out long enough to get wet or spoil. Look for a setup that suits the squirrel activity around your property and allows you to offer small portions at a time. Squirrel food should supplement natural foraging rather than replace it, so choose food intended for squirrels and follow its feeding directions. Skip salty snacks, sweetened foods and anything moldy, and keep feeding amounts modest. Choosing a spot for your squirrel feeder takes a little planning, especially if you also keep backyard bird feeders. A separate squirrel feeding station may help draw some attention away from birdseed, but it won’t keep every squirrel out of your bird feeders. Place it away from your house, attic access points and garden beds you want to protect, with nearby natural cover that lets squirrels retreat. Keep the feeding area clear of busy walkways, roads and places where pets roam, and follow local wildlife feeding rules before setting it up. For routine squirrel feeder care, remove leftover food and fallen scraps, check for damage and clean the feeder regularly according to its care directions. Let it dry before refilling, and avoid leaving piles of food that could attract rodents or other unwanted visitors. With thoughtful placement and steady upkeep, backyard squirrel feeders can offer a handy place to observe wildlife without letting the feeding area take over your yard.