Using a Door Stop to Squirrel-Proof a Bird Feeder
With summer months fast approaching, you will want to start squirrel-proofing your bird feeders. One tried and proven method you may want to consider is door stops. Door stops actually do what the name says. They stop squirrels at the door of the bird feeder. You can get a variety of door stops to limit squirrels' access to bird feed. Bear in mind that squirrels weigh more than birds, so a door stop has to be triggered to seal access as soon as something heavier than an average-sized bird sits on it. Most door stops on bird feeders work in the same way. As soon as a squirrel or heavy rodent steps on the bar, the lip goes up or down, depending on the design, and closes off access to bird seeds.
The door or barriers are generally not heavy enough to harm the squirrels so they are safe to use. It is important to know however, that some commercially made bird feeders that come with door stops can give the squirrels a little electric shock or send them flying. If all else fails, or you decide against using a door stop to protect your bird feeder from squirrels, then give them their own little feed stash that is easy to reach.
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