Well, after several years of fighting them, I have finally found a bird feeder that squirrels and chipmunks cannot get to. I’ve been through the cylinder type feeders, the “squirrel proof” ones and several others. Not only is it frustrating to lose out to the four-legged critters, it’s a real pain in the back. The feeder I have created is 100% guaranteed to be squirrel proof. Here is a photo of the Isobardave Platform Feeder in my yard in Michigan. It’s been in operation since last fall, so I’ve proved it’s success in the fall, winter and spring. Yeah, it ain’t pretty but it works.
Isobardave Platform Feeder
There are two key things that you must do to make a feeder squirrel proof. First, you have to place the feeder away from trees and high enough off the ground so critters cannot jump onto it. Second, the post has to be covered with 4″ PVC plastic tubing. You must use at least 4″ tubing.
Doing these two things will greatly enhance your success rate. The benefits of this feeder are that you can attract all kinds of birds, even the larger blue jays. Another benefit is that there is virtually no seed wasted, so it keeps the cost of feeding birds to a minimum.
Want to build one? It’s really easy. Here’s what you need.
-6 feet of 4″ PVC tubing
-2 feet of 1 1/4″” PVC tubing
-10 feet (or one full section) of 1″ galvanized piping with threads on each end
-1 three-inch galvanized platform mount with threads
-10 feet of 1″ x 3″ pine (or 2″ x 4″)
-6 feet of 1″ x 1/2″ strips or other thin pieces of wood to secure the screening on the wood box
-Screening – like you’d use to replace a screen window on your house
Here’s how to build it;
-Cut the PVC tubing to specified sizes. A hack saw works great.
-Cut the galvanized pipe so that about 18″ goes in the ground (6′ feet plus 18″)
-Build the box by cutting the wood into 18″ long pieces. Nail them together at the corners to form a square.
-Cut another piece of wood to fit inside the center of the box and nail/screw it in place
-Mount the galvanized platform mount to the center of the inside board
-Cut screening material so that it hangs over the edges of the box by about 2″ on all sides
-Use screws or tacks to hold the screening in place by fastening the pine slates on all four sides, making sure to pull the screening tight across the top of the box.
-Dig a hole about 18″ deep
-Place the 1 1/4″” PVC pipe in the hole and fill in the remaining dirt. Make sure the pipe is exactly vertical.
-Screw the long length of galvanized pipe to the mount on the feeder box.
-Slip the 4″ PVC onto the galvanized pipe.
-Put the galvanized pipe with everything attached into the 1 1/4″ PVC pipe in the ground
-Push the 4″ PVC into the ground and surround with dirt (so the devils cannot climb up inside the PVC)
Platform Feeder Box
Here is a closer shot of the galvanized mount.
Platform Mount
The Isobardave Platform feeder has had a huge impact on the number and type of birds visiting my yard. It’s a constant buzz out there. There are so many birds that now there are two Coopers hawks that have made a home in my neighborhood as the food supply has sharply increased. I guess this is the only downside to my new feeder . . .it feeds the hawks too.
I am providing the plans for free because the birds deserve it (and so do the squirrels!). Do me a favor and comment on my feeder plan so we can hear what others are experiencing. And also, spread the word by emailing to your friends a link to this post. If anyone has any improvement suggestions, please post them here.
I know, it’s pretty ugly. But it works!
