What is a garden without birds? They liven up the space and make us feel more in touch with nature. To attract our feathered friends a bird feeder is a natural addition to the garden. But along with birds many people will have to deal with uninvited guests, mainly determined squirrels. Although the squirrel has a small brain, they are very resourceful and creative at stealing bird food. Squirrel proof bird feeders are your best bet at winning the squirrel vs. man battle.

If your current bird feeder is regularly being raided by squirrels you'll want to do some investigating and troubleshooting to fix the problem. Whether your goal is to improve your current bird feeder or you plan on purchasing your first squirrel proof bird feeder, you'll need to consider a few things. These tips should help ensure that whatever bird feeder you have or decide to purchase will be effective.

Where are you going to place your bird feeder?

Hanging it from a tree is probably the worst place you can choose. Squirrels love trees, they can easily move around tree limbs and this is their natural territory. Squirrels are also great jumpers, so ideally you'll want to place squirrel proof bird feeders at least 10 feet away from any fence, wall or tree.

How are squirrels getting to the bird feed?

Again make sure you're not giving squirrels an easy jumping point. If you find they are climbing the pole that supports the bird feeder, try greasing the pole with some Vaseline or purchase a baffle. Climbing pole baffles look like an upside down dish or pot that prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole. Try to get a large baffle and place it half way down the pole. If your squirrel is jumping on top of the bird feeder, consider purchasing a dome-like baffle that will sit above the bird feeder. When the squirrel lands on the baffle, it will tilt sliding the squirrel off.

How are the squirrels eating the bird feed?

If they are sitting on a perch nibbling away, you might want to consider getting a caged model that will make it harder for the squirrel to dine. With an existing feeder, again try to stop the squirrel from getting to the perch with the above location tips. If your squirrel is tipping or spilling the bird feeder to get access to the food, consider getting a spill proof model or weight activated model that controls the release of food.

Remember a squirrel's brain is the size of a walnut; your brain is many times larger. If he can improvise and be creative so can you. You might have to do some surveillance to figure out your particular squirrel's technique to come up with a plan of attack. Try a few different options before giving up on your bird feeder. You can have a squirrel proof bird feeder and happy feathered friends.