Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Review and Comparison Chart

Trying to find the best squirrel proof bird feeder was driving me nuts like the squirrels ;-) so I decided to do some research and review all the features of each model and their pros and cons. Believe me - gathering this info wasn't easy, but I hope in the long run it will help you decide which feeder will best suit your needs.

1) Brome Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder Model Comparison

Brome has several squirrel proof bird feeder models which include their 3 most popular: Plus, Classic and Mini listed below in the comparison chart. They also have a Finch model for Nyjer seed and a Peanut Plus feeder which holds shelled peanuts or bird food nuggets. All the feeders below will hold a variety of bird seed types such as mixes, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanut pieces, etc.. Brome is one of the best selling squirrel proof bird feeders and the Squirrel Buster Plus model has won the Best New Product Award from Birdwatch America.

*All Brome models below have the patented Seed Tube Ventilation System which circulates air to prevent moisture from building up in the seed tube and keeps the seed fresher and helps prevent mold. They also all come with Brome's Lifetime Hassle-Free Warranty. In fact, I read a lot of positive reviews of people contacting customer service for spare parts, etc. and were immediately taken care of. Good to know.

Product Features	Squirrel Buster Plus	Squirrel Buster Classic	Squirrel Buster Mini
Squirrel-Proofing Method	Weight Adjustable Perch Spring Closes Shroud Over Seed Ports	Wire Grid Closes Down Over Seed Ports	Wire Mesh Closes Down Over Seed Ports
Construction Material	Powder-Coated Aluminum & UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Seed Tube	Powder-Coated Aluminum, UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Seed Tube, Stainless Steel	Powder-Coated Aluminum & UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Seed Tube
Seed Capacity	4.5 lbs	2.2 lbs	0.75 lbs
Ports & Perches	6 Seed Ports, Adjustable Perches & Optional Cardinal Ring	4 Seed Ports with Removable Perches to Convert to Clinging Feeder Only	4 Seed Ports with Larger U-Shaped Non-Removable Perches
Dimensions and Mounting	22"x6.5" with 6" Hanger	20"x4" with 11.5" Hanger	11.5"x3.9" with 11" Hanger
Watch Video, Press To Play
Pros and Cons of Each Model	Holds the most seed - 4.5 lbs Most feeding stations 6 vs 4 on other models Easily dismantled for cleaning & dishwasher safe Adjustable Length Posi-Grip Perches to attract small and/or medium-sized birds. Trigger weight can be adjusted for squirrels and pest birds Chew Proof Seed Tube Ventilation System Most expensive Brome model	Removable Perches Wire Grid Allows For Extra Surface for Birds to Cling To While Feeding Chew Proof Seed Tube Ventilation System Shroud Trigger Weight Not Adjustable No Cardinal Ring Can be easily dismantled for cleaning, but not dishwasher safe Hold less than half the seed of Buster Plus: 2.2 lbs seed vs 4.5 lbs	Least Expensive Model Wire Mesh Allows For Extra Surface for Birds to Cling To While Feeding Compact Size Chew Proof Seed Tube Ventilation System Shroud Trigger Weight Not Adjustable No Cardinal Ring Can be easily dismantled for cleaning, but not dishwasher safe Holds least amount of seed: 0.75 lbs
Price & Suggestions	Avg Retail Price: $89 Most users with big squirrel problems love this feeder & think the price is worth it. This feeder is best for those who have a lot of bird activity (large seed capacity means less refilling) and want to be able to adjust the trigger weight and/or perch size for small and medium sized birds.	Avg Retail Price: $49 This is a good compromise if you don't want to spend more and don't have issues with "pest birds" like starlings, blackbirds, etc. & don't need an adjustable trigger weight or the Posi-Grip Perches.	Avg Retail Price: $25 If you don't have a lot of birds, or don't mind refilling, this one is a great economical choice & will keep the squirrels out. The biggest con from most users is that it doesn't hold enough seed at only 3/4 lb.
More Info & Best Price Online	View Plus	View Classic	View Mini

Customer Review:

"I've been using this feeder (Squirrel Buster Plus) for a year now. It has worked perfectly and the squirrels gave up long ago. Last week I dropped it broke the "cardinal ring" that goes around the bottom. I emailed the manufacturer through their web site to see if I could buy a replacement ring. My email was returned quickly. They said it was no problem, and they mailed me a new cardinal ring for free. I received it in about 5 days. I highly recommend this feeder." - J.M.C., South Carolina

We have a more extensive review of here: Squirrel Buster Plus Review.

2) Other Top-Rated Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Comparison: Absolute II, Super Stop-A-Squirrel and Yankee Flipper

Here are other popular squirrel proof bird feeders from other brands including hopper style feeders such as the Heritage Farms Absolute II and the Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel. Heritage Farms also has the Absolute Original which only has a one-sided feeding area vs 2 sides in the Absolute II model. Also included in the comparison chart is the Droll Yankee Flipper bird feeder which is another tube feeder like the Brome Squirrel Buster models. However, unlike the Squirrel Busters, the Yankee Flipper requires batteries to operate the motor which spins the perch when a squirrel presses on it.

Product Features	Heritage Farms Absolute II	Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel	Droll Yankee Flipper
Squirrel-Proofing Method	Weight Adjustable Perch Spring Closes Access to Seed by Trap Door	Stainless steel spring adjusts to deprive squirrels of feed and also restrict large birds by closing the feeding ports.	Squirrel-triggered motor spins the feeder to quickly remove squirrels
Construction Material	Powder-Coated Galvanized Steel	Powder-Coated Galvanized Steel	UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Feed Tube, Heavy Metal Cap & Base
Seed Capacity	12 lbs	11 lbs	5 lbs
Seed Container	Hopper Feeder with Bird Seed Access & Perch on 2 Sides	1-Sided Hopper-Style Feeder	4 Seed Ports
Dimensions and Mounting	13.5"x16"x11.2" with 11" steel bracket hanger or pole mounted with adapter	10" x 12.5" x 11" with Heavy-Duty Steel Hanger	8.5" x 8.5" x 28.5" with Heavy-Duty Stainless-Steel Wire Hanger
Watch Video, Press To Play	This is the Original Homestead w/ only 1-sided feeding	Haven't Yet Found A Good Video of the Homestead Feeder.	Battery-Operated, Twirls the Squirrel Off the Feeder
Pros and Cons of Each Model	Large Capacity - 12 lbs. Rust-resistant galvanized steel construction Seed Saver Baffle Eliminates Wasted Seed Pole Mounting and Hanging Hardware are included The pole includes a 12" ground socket to allow for seasonal removal of the feeder and pole or for removal during routine maintenance such as mowing. V-shaped bottom for even feed flow and multiple drain holes to maintain dryness. Won Bird Watcher's Digest top award for being squirrel proof! If you pole-mount this feeder, you likely will need to attach a squirrel baffle as well (see explanation below*)	Large Capacity - 11 lbs Rust-resistant galvanized steel construction Versatile Use - Can be mounted to a post or tree or hung. Side/storm panels shields from wind, rain, snow. Remove-A-Bin design for easy filling, less spill and easy cleaning No pole included Like the Absolute II, if you do pole-mount this feeder, you likely will need to attach a squirrel baffle	Hold less than hopper feeders, but more than most tube feeders at 5 lbs Microban antimicrobial technology to help prevent mold, mildew and bacteria build-up Comes with rechargeable battery and battery charger One of the most expensive squirrel proof bird feeders at $110 Spinning motion will sometimes cause seed to spill out Only 4 Seed Ports Requires battery and depends on mechanical motor to operate.
Price & Suggestions	Avg Retail Price: $59 Good choice for those who have a lot of bird activity (holds 12 lbs of seed) and who also want adjustable weight settings to attract and deter different sized birds.	Avg Retail Price: $40 If I had to choose between this one and the mid-priced Brome Classic, I think I would go with the Homestead. It holds more seed and has the adjustable spring to restrict large birds if needed.	Avg Retail Price: $110 Most who get a Flipper love it. I read a review from a birdwatcher who has used this feeder for 10 years & it still does the job. Personally, I don't want to have to bother with batteries, but that's just me. If you have an exceptionally bad squirrel problem at your feeders, you may want to give the Flipper a try.
More Info & Best Price Online	View Absolute II	View Stop-A-Squirrel	View Yankee Flipper

Further Squirrel-Proofing Tips:

*I've watched some videos of the hopper-style feeders (particularly the Absolute II) where the squirrel braces some of its weight on the pole and manages to keep the feeder open by not pushing down on the perch lever. So if you have trouble with squirrels climbing your mounting pole, then attach a squirrel baffle below the feeder to the pole. If hanging, you can also attach a baffle from above the feeder which should be at least 1/3 larger than the feeder itself, otherwise the squirrels will manage to squirm around the baffle and reach the feeder. If you can, it's also best to mount your feeder away from squirrel jumping distances, at least 10 feet from trees or other launching surfaces and 5-7 feet vertically off the ground. Here is a great squirrel proof bird feeder pole system with a floating baffle that keeps squirrels from reaching your bird feeders completely.

I wish you the best with your squirrel proof bird feeder. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask using our contact form.