If you’ve ever faced the frustration of squirrels emptying your bird feeders, this project is for you. In this engaging video, Mr. Patient from Heritage Ways shares a step-by-step guide to building a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
This project is perfect for bird enthusiasts like Miss Katie and Little Miss Homemaker who want to enjoy watching birds without the interference of pesky squirrels. Follow along to learn how to create this ingenious feeder right outside your kitchen window.
Materials Needed
- 8-foot 4×4 treated post
- 5-foot section of 5-inch diameter stove pipe
- Copper cap
- Bird feeder hooks
- Gravel
- Concrete mix
- Small nails or tacks
- Tools: shovel, tamping bar, level, stick or rod for mixing concrete, hammer, and drill
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before starting, collect all necessary materials. You’ll need an 8-foot 4×4 treated post, a 5-foot section of 5-inch diameter stove pipe, a copper cap, bird feeder hooks, gravel, concrete mix, and small nails or tacks.
Ensure you have tools such as a shovel, level, tamping bar, and a drill for pilot holes.
Step 2: Digging the Hole
Start by digging a hole two feet deep for the post. This depth ensures stability.
Once the hole is dug, add a layer of gravel at the bottom. Tamp it down to set a solid base. This gravel layer helps prevent water from rotting the post over time.
Step 3: Setting the Post
Place the post in the hole, ensuring it stands straight using a level. Mr. Patient suggests pouring dry concrete mix around the post and adding water gradually. This method allows the concrete to draw moisture from the ground, setting slowly and making it stronger.
After pouring in the concrete mix and water, use a stick to stir it around and ensure even distribution.
Step 4: Tamping and Backfilling
Once the post is set in the concrete, start backfilling the hole with dirt. Use a tamping bar to pack the dirt tightly around the post. This step is crucial for stability.
Continue adding and tamping the dirt until the hole is filled to ground level. Build up the last bit of dirt around the post to direct water away, further preventing rot.
Step 5: Installing the Stove Pipe
To prevent squirrels from climbing the post, slide the 5-foot section of stove pipe over the post. This smooth surface prevents squirrels from getting a grip.
If the fit is too tight, use a block of wood and a hammer to tap the stove pipe gently into place. The stove pipe should cover the post from the ground up, leaving about a foot of exposed post at the top for hooks.
Step 6: Securing the Cap
Next, secure the copper cap on top of the post. This decorative touch also prevents squirrels from climbing down from nearby branches.
If you don’t have construction adhesive, use small nails or tacks to fix the cap securely. Drill pilot holes in the cap to prevent it from crushing when nailing.
Step 7: Adding Hooks
Finally, attach bird feeder hooks to the exposed part of the post. You can choose a variety of hooks based on your preference for different types of bird feeders.
Mr. Patient shows different decorative hooks, ensuring there’s a suitable option for any feeder you want to hang.
Step 8: Enjoying Your Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
With the feeder completed, you can now hang your bird feeders and enjoy watching birds without the nuisance of squirrels.
This smart design ensures that only birds can access the feeders, making your birdwatching experience more enjoyable.
Conclusion
This DIY squirrel-proof bird feeder project is a practical and enjoyable activity for any bird lover. Not only does it keep the squirrels at bay, but it also brings more birds to your garden. So, grab your tools and get started on this rewarding project today!