Adding a squirrel feeder to your garden can be a simple yet thoughtful gesture to welcome those tiny little animals.
Whether it is a huge backyard you own or a small one, you can always pick a suitable squirrel feeder to add based on the space available. There are different designs that you can choose based on the mounting arrangement you have. You do not always have to spend a large sum of money to buy a squirrel feeder. There are many simple yet utilitarian designs that you can put together by yourself. Here is one such DIY version of a squirrel feeder that is easy to make with just a few tools at hand. Bonus: By building a squirrel feeder, you will also stop squirrels getting at your bird feeder.
It is a simpler version of the “squirrel under glass” feeder that you would find in pet stores. You can make it with any scrap wood piece lying around the house. A 6-foot fence wood would also be a good option.
Many squirrel lovers love to leave some treats in the garden for these animals. Open feeders might attract other large birds leaving nothing behind for the tiny squirrels. There is also the risk of the feed spoiling faster when exposed to moisture and heat. This closed feeder is all you need to make sure that you have the squirrels in your garden well-fed while also protecting them from bad weather. The closed design helps them sit conveniently inside the feeder and feed even when it is raining outside. The glass also makes it easy for you to know when to refill the feeder.
Materials needed
- 6-foot dog eared cedar wood fence board – 1inch by 6inch
- A glass jar – a large 1-gallon option would be ideal
The glass jar here should have a wide enough mouth that lets the squirrel enter the jar and feed comfortably.
Besides the above materials, you would need a compass for markings and saber saw to cut and assemble your pieces.
Procedure
- Measure out the dimensions of each piece and cut them from the 6-foot piece.
- For the curved piece where the jar rests, trace a semicircle, according to the diameter of the jar.
- In the middle piece, trace a circle that is slightly larger than the mouth of the jar. Leaving a ½ inch extra in the diameter would be an excellent way to do it.
- For the entry, holes measure a 3inch diameter circle in both the side pieces.
- Use the saw to cut the semicircle and circles that you marked on the different pieces to have them ready.
- Before assembly, makes sure that you use a sandpaper to smoothen the edges.
- The additional arch that you place in the front will prevent the jar from slipping outside. Calculate the placement of this piece based on the length of the jar. Position it such that it lets the right amount of clearance to tilt and remove the jar to fill it with treats for your furry friends.
- Start assembling the pieces aligning them to get the upper slope right. Make sure that the rear mounting board is large enough, extending on both sides to balance the weight. You can also alter the positions for mounting screws based on the length of this mounting piece.
- Use galvanized deck screws to fasten the pieces. Make sure that you drill the right sized holes. Deck wood tends to be slightly soft, and therefore you might end up damaging the piece if you drill too big a hole. Keep the thickness of the wood piece in mind when you decide the screw sizes to choose from.
- Once you assemble the feeder, remove the jar, fill it with peanuts, corn kernels, and other squirrel feeds that you usually place.
- Mount the feeder on a tree or a post, depending on the location you choose. Make sure that you pick a spot that is away from the bird feeders in your garden. Most people pick dedicated squirrel feeders mainly to give the squirrels a separate spot and keep them from going to the bird feeder. Therefore you should choose a location that is away from the bird feeder and birdbath.
- Once you mount the feeder, fix the jar filled with treats back in place and leave the feeder to let the squirrels explore them.
In a day or two, the squirrels in your garden should be able to figure out their new dining spot. You would be able to see the squirrel enjoying its treats thanks to the large glass jar you use. If you are in luck, there might be some birds entering the feeder too.
This feeder comes with a practical design which is complemented by the elegant looks. You can always add your creative streaks and paint the feeder or add some chimes to it to make it look prettier, adorning the tree in your backyard.
