How To Make a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder Setup

This was built over 10 years ago, so I remember only bits and pieces of how this was made, but I took photos and measurements for those of you who are handy. I've never had a squirrel get to my feeders, and although the setup is high it's worth it!

The main pole is seven and a half feet tall and was a post from a chain link fence, spray painted in silver paint so it wouldn't rust.

A plastic flower pot 1 foot wide and 1 foot tall was spray painted with silver paint and a hole was drilled in the center of the fence post. This is where the flowerpot is placed. The pot prevents squirrels from climbing up and also doubles as a perch for birds or a surface for the birdseed. The flowerpot is turned upside down and a hole is cut out to slide it up the fence post. That hole drilled in the post earlier is to put a metal bit through the flowerpot to secure the flowerpot on the pole. Then underneath the flowerpot, there are pieces inside, held down by nuts and bolts, to secure the bit. More holes are drilled above the flower pot into the post, to fit perches for the birds. There are 3, 10, and 16 inch metal rods, covered in rubber so the birds' feet don't freeze in winter.

Finally, a hole is drilled at the top of the pole to insert a 40 inch long rod, this is where you hang your feeders. Four hooks will be installed on this rod, to hold each feeder.

The setup will have to be cemented into the ground. A coffee can with no top or bottom works well, dug into the ground, to pour the cement in. Leave some cement showing above the ground. Something will have to hold the feeder in place until the cement holds and hardens.

The feeder can get messy with bird poo. I scrub it with a scrub brush and soap once a year. Location is key. Make sure it's not near a fence or directly under a tree where a squirrel can leap onto it! I place bird seed on the ground for squirrels and birds too.

I hope this has helped you!