You can attract squirrels and keep them away from bird feeders with purpose-built squirrel feeders. Squirrel feeders exist, and they let you feed and watch squirrels without losing seed meant for birds.
If you want to enjoy backyard wildlife, a squirrel feeder gives squirrels a clear spot to eat while protecting your bird feeders and lawn. People choose them for all kinds of reasons, and different styles work best depending on what you want.
You’ll spot classic wooden trays, quirky head- and jar-style feeders, and weatherproof metal designs. Some are just plain fun, honestly, and you can pick one that suits your yard and your sense of humor.
Are There Squirrel Feeders And Why Use Them?
Squirrel feeders hold foods squirrels love and change how they use your yard. You can pick designs that cut down on mess, protect bird feeders, or just make squirrel-watching easier.
What Is a Squirrel Feeder?
A squirrel feeder holds nuts, corn, or special squirrel mixes. Some look like simple trays or caged towers. Others go for novelty—logs, wheels, or clear tubes. Squirrels chew like crazy, so most feeders use tough materials.
You’ll also find squirrel-proof bird feeders that keep birds’ seed safe by shutting access when a squirrel’s weight triggers a mechanism. That helps if you want both birds and squirrels around but not fighting over food.
Look for feeders with drainage holes, metal parts, and pieces you can clean easily. These features stop mold, prevent chewing, and make cleaning quick. How you mount the feeder matters too. Pole-mounted, tree-hung, or ground platforms all change which animals can reach the food.
Reasons to Use a Squirrel Feeder
Many people use a squirrel feeder to protect bird feeders and gardens. If you put food in a dedicated squirrel spot, squirrels usually leave bird seed and bulbs alone.
A feeder also lets you feed squirrels without attracting scavengers like rats. Stick with foods like unsalted peanuts, corn cobs, or squirrel mixes. Just refill in small amounts so leftovers don’t bring in pests.
Watching squirrels can be pretty entertaining and even a bit educational. You get a front-row seat to their antics—caching, chasing, or just being weird little creatures. Clean the feeder every few weeks to keep things healthy and avoid disease.
Attracting Squirrels to Your Yard
Set up the feeder where squirrels feel safe—near trees or shrubs, but not right next to your house. Try to keep it about 10–15 feet from bird feeders to avoid drama.
Height helps too. If you mount it 5 feet or higher, you’ll keep most dogs and cats from bothering the squirrels.
What you put in the feeder matters. Squirrels go nuts for nuts (go figure), corn, and sunflower seeds. Change things up sometimes, and skip salty or sugary snacks. Use a feeder that’s actually built for squirrels, so birds don’t take over.
If you want birds as well, space things out. Put the squirrel feeder on one side of the yard and bird feeders somewhere else. Add a baffle to poles if you’re tired of surprise guests. Keep the feeder filled and clean, and squirrels will keep coming back without messing up the balance in your yard.
If you want more tips, check out this practical guide to squirrel feeders and best practices for placement and maintenance.
Types and Designs of Squirrel Feeders
You’ve got options. Pick feeders that match your yard, how many squirrels you want, and how much work you’re willing to put in. Material, size, and how you mount or refill it all play a part.
Classic Squirrel Feeder Box
A classic squirrel feeder box looks like a rectangular wooden or cedar box with holes on the sides and a landing pad. You attach it to a tree or pole. Cedar models last longer and blend into the yard better—brands like Pennington or Kaytee make solid options.
These boxes usually hold 2–4 pounds of nuts or seed, so you don’t need to refill them all the time. The clear front panel on many lets you check the seed level quickly.
Install the box 4–6 feet high to keep raccoons out. If you want something that lasts, get one with weatherproof fasteners and panels you can replace.
Picnic Table Squirrel Feeder
A picnic table squirrel feeder looks like a tiny table with a roof and a flat tray for food. It gives squirrels a spot to sit and eat, and it’s honestly kind of adorable to watch.
This style works well on posts or low platforms. Most hold about 1–3 pounds, which is enough for a busy morning. The table shape means less spilled seed compared to open trays.
Pick one with a sloped roof or drainage holes to keep food dry. If you want a “squirrel picnic table feeder,” look for sturdy wood or metal legs and trays that are easy to clean.
Horse Head and Funny Squirrel Feeders
Horse head and novelty feeders put food inside a shaped mask or head that squirrels have to reach into. They’re really just for your entertainment, but the squirrels seem to enjoy them too. Popular types include horse head and unicorn designs that make squirrels stand up and stretch for their snack.
These are usually plastic or vinyl, so they’re light and easy to hang from a tree or hook. They keep birds out and focus squirrels on their own food, but plastic doesn’t always hold up under sun and chewing.
If you want a funny squirrel feeder, pick one with strong hanging hardware and parts you can swap out. These feeders don’t hold much food, so you’ll need to refill them more often.
Wooden and Metal Squirrel Feeders
Wooden feeders—especially those made from cedar or treated hardwood—add a natural touch to your yard. They also help insulate stored seed.
Cedar models stand up well to rot and insects, so lots of people prefer them for long-term use.
Metal feeders, on the other hand, use powder-coated steel or aluminum. You’ll find these hold up against weather and hungry squirrel teeth.
Some metal lunch-box styles, like the Stokes Select Lunch Box squirrel feeder, blend a sturdy metal lid with a landing pad. They come with secure mounting hardware, which is honestly pretty handy.
You can clean metal feeders more easily than raw wood ones. Plus, they do a solid job keeping out the rain.
If you’re worried about squirrels chewing or your area gets rough weather, go with metal. But if you want something quieter and more natural looking, cedar works well and lasts a decent while.
