Well, lemme tell ya, keepin’ them sneaky squirrels away from cardinal bird feeders ain’t no simple task. Squirrels are real tricksters, I tell ya, always jumpin’ and climbin’ all over just to nab a snack! Now, if ya wanna keep them red cardinals fed without squirrels eatin’ up all the seeds, ya gotta know what kinda feeder works best. Cardinals are big ol’ songbirds, so they need a feeder with plenty of space for ’em to sit ‘n munch. Here’s how to get it right with the best squirrel-proof cardinal feeders.
Types of Bird Feeders Cardinals Love
First things first, them cardinals like a nice roomy feeder. They ain’t gonna fight over a tiny spot! Here’s a few kinds that they like:
- Platform or Tray Feeders: These are nice ’cause they got plenty of room for a cardinal to perch. Squirrels, though, they love these too, so ya gotta be clever about it.
- Hopper Feeders: Now, these are good ’cause they got sides and keep seeds dry. Cardinals like ‘em, and if it’s got a weight-sensitive perch, it’ll keep squirrels away.
- Tube Feeders with Cages: Some tube feeders come with a cage around ‘em. Smaller birds like cardinals can get in, but squirrels? No chance!
- Gazebo Feeders: These feeders look pretty in the yard, and if ya pick a squirrel-proof one, it’s perfect for cardinals.
- Suction Cup Window Feeders: These feeders stick right on the window, and they let ya watch them cardinals up close. Squirrels don’t like stickin’ that close to the house, so this one’s clever.
Best Squirrel-Proof Feeders for Cardinals
Alright, now let’s talk squirrel-proofin’. Them squirrels are clever, but some feeders are smarter! Here’s a few I reckon are the best:
- Brome Squirrel Buster Plus: Now this one’s got a fancy setup. It’s got a weight-sensitive perch, so when a heavy ol’ squirrel jumps on, it closes up the seed ports. Cardinals can still perch easy, though! Plus, this feeder holds a good bit of seed, about 3 quarts, so ya don’t have to fill it every day.
- Gray Bunny Caged Tube Feeder: This one’s real good for keeping out squirrels. It’s got a cage around it that lets smaller birds like cardinals in, but them bigger squirrels can’t reach the seed. Great for a yard with a lot of hungry critters!
- Perky-Pet Cardinal Bird Feeder: A nice feeder that’s strong and keeps seeds protected. It’s built to keep seeds dry, which is important for keepin’ them fresh, and it’s squirrel-resistant.
Extra Tips to Keep Squirrels Away
Besides gettin’ the right feeder, there’s a few tricks to help keep squirrels off your feeders:
- Hang Feeders with Thin Wire: Use a real thin, slippery wire to hang your feeder between two trees. Them squirrels can’t walk on it, and they’re too far from trees to jump to it.
- Keep Feeders High: Try to hang the feeder at least 7 feet up. Them squirrels are jumpy but keepin’ it high makes it tough for ‘em to reach.
- Use Baffles: Now, a baffle is like a big cone ya put on the pole under the feeder. It’s too slippery for squirrels to climb, so it keeps ‘em off.
And there ya go! With the right feeder and a few clever tricks, you can have them bright red cardinals in your yard, singin’ their hearts out, while them pesky squirrels gotta find food elsewhere! Just remember to clean them feeders once in a while, so seeds stay fresh, and your cardinals stay happy. Enjoy watchin’ them pretty birds without worryin’ ‘bout them hungry squirrels!
Tags：[Cardinal bird feeders, Squirrel proof bird feeders, Best bird feeders for cardinals, Squirrel-resistant feeders, Bird feeding tips]