Need a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Don't we all!
Sure, squirrels are cute and fun to watch until they become you're worst enemy at your bird feeders!
We've done some searching, and based on 2024 consumer reviews and our own personal testing, the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus is one of the best at deterring squirrels.
"This is a Great Bird Feeder & Squirrel Buster!"
-> View The Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
And how many times have you've seen pictures of squirrels feasting at squirrel proof feeders?
We need to face reality though.
There is not one squirrel proof feeder in the world that is 100% squirrel proof.
Some squirrels are just too smart, little Einsteins that love the challenge.
But there is a squirrel proof bird feeder that is about 99.9% effective...
How the Squirrel Buster works:
Openings in the bottom section of the feeder align with seed ports providing birds access to the seed.
When a squirrel or large bird lands on the perch, its weight automatically forces the "door" down, closing the seed ports.
This video from Brome shows birds feeding, squirrels not winning, and a little about the feeder assembly.
Here are some of the Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder features and why bird watchers love it so much:
Having clean bird feeders helps stop the transmission and spread of disease.
Perches can be shortened to attract small birds such as chickadees and finches while deterring larger birds such as grackles and starlings.
Perches can also be extended just enough to attract medium sized birds such as grosbeaks and woodpeckers.The air in Squirrel Buster Plus rises and escapes through unique waterproof vents at the top of the feeder.
The escaping heated air is vents at the top of the feeder. The escaping heated air is replaced by fresh air entering the bottom of the tube through the seed ports.
The birdseed remains fresher and attracts more birds. Damp and decaying seed decreases bird traffic and can spread disease.
These perennial favorites have two very distinct features: small necks and big feet.
They prefer gripping a thick-textured perch and facing their food source directly. Cardinals dislike turning their heads to feed.
The Squirrel Buster Plus Cardinal Ring perch system allows them to eat facing the seed while providing a secure and comfortable perch.
These cardinal-friendly feeding features combined with a bush level location make Squirrel Buster Plus very inviting to cardinals.
Also, there is no "shocking" or other direct physical harm to the squirrels, perhaps, just their egos!
-> View The Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
There are also several models that vary in price.
The latest model is the Brome 1024 which is the one we discuss on this page.
There is also the classic version, a finch model and a mini version, all listed below.
We found many reviews from birders (as below) who raved about this squirrel proof bird feeder because it really does work:
"The squirrels tried for one week and then gave up. It works so well I bough a second one."
We also reviewed the Brome Squirrel Buster Feeders as well as three other brands including the Absolute II, Super Stop-A-Squirrel and the Droll Yankee Flipper in a comparison chart further below.
We also have found this Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Pole system to do an excellent job at keeping the squirrels from stealing bird seed by integrating a floating squirrel baffle.
Here is a great article, What Can You Do About Squirrels (pdf file, opens in new window) from BirdNotes from Sapsucker Woods, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's newsletter.
We found the cheapest price with free shipping here:
View All Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Hope you find your squirrel proof bird feeder to be as effective as others have experienced.
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 for 2024.
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.
Brome has several squirrel proof bird feeder models which include their 3 most popular:
We compare these models in the below chart.
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.
Scroll across the table below to view all Squirrel Buster models.
Product Features | Squirrel Buster Plus | Squirrel Buster Classic | Squirrel Buster Mini |
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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 |
Avg Retail Price: $49 |
Avg Retail Price: $25 |
More Info & Best Price Online | View Plus | View Classic | View Mini |
See all Squirrel Buster Models
Nice Feature: All Brome models above 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.
We have a more extensive review the Plus model here: Squirrel Buster Plus Review.
Here are other popular squirrel proof bird feeders from other brands including hopper style feeders such as the Heritage Farms Absolute II and the Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone.
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.
Scroll across the table below to view all squirrel proof feeder models: Absolute II, Squirrel Be Gone, and the Yankee Flipper:
Product Features | Heritage Farms Absolute II |
Perky Pet Squirrel Be Gone | Droll Yankee Flipper |
---|---|---|---|
Squirrel-Proofing Method | Weight Adjustable Perch Spring Closes Access to Seed by Trap Door | Weight activated perch closes off ports under squirrels' weight. | Squirrel-triggered motor spins the feeder to quickly remove squirrels |
Construction Material | Powder-Coated Galvanized Steel | Powder coated finish, all metal construction | UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate Feed Tube, Heavy Metal Cap & Base |
Seed Capacity | 12 lbs | 4.5 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 | 11.65" x 14.46" x 10.69" can be hung or pole mounted | 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 |
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 in tips below) |
Large Capacity - 8 lbs Rust-resistant powder-coated finish Versatile Use - Can be mounted to a post or tree or hung. Side/storm panels shields from wind, rain, snow. Removable roof and large opening for easy filling 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 |
Avg Retail Price: $45 |
Avg Retail Price: $110 |
More Info & Best Price Online |
View Absolute II |
View Squirrel Be Gone | View Yankee Flipper |
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.
Attaching a slinky and letting it hang the length of your pole is another option.
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.
Brome also have a Finch model for Nyjer Seed and a Peanut Plus feeder which holds shelled peanuts or bird food nuggets.
Whatever squirrel-proof bird feeder you choose, I wish you all the best with feeding the birds and not the squirrels! More tips on keeping squirrels out of feeders.
Another final option is to feed the squirrels to keep them away from your feeders with peanuts and corn: Squirrel Feeders.
To know what kind of wild bird seed to use in your feeder and attract the species you desire, click here for more info about wild bird food choices or visit our bird feeders main page.
Free
Squirrel Feeder Plans - What?! Hear me out...
Feed the squirrels away from your bird feeders as an alternative option to the
fight, then perhaps everyone will be happy.
If you do not want to build your own, here are some ready-to-go squirrel feeders.
You can also make your own wrap-around homemade squirrel baffle as double insurance to keep the squirrels off your feeders.
Looking for Brome Squirrel Buster Feeder replacement parts?
Here are a couple of ways to contact Brome for parts:
Email: info@bromebirdcare.com
Phone: Brome's Customer Care (800) 856-5685
We think the best squirrel proof bird feeder is the Squirrel Buster Plus, but The Absolute II, Super Stop-A-Squirrel and Yankee Flipper are all good runner-ups. You can view the comparison chart of all squirrel proof feeders above.
Squirrels are notorious for eating almost any kind of bird seed, but they tend to avoid seeds that are bitter.
Some examples of bird seed that squirrels may not like include safflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, and white proso millet.
These seeds have a bitter taste that squirrels find unappealing.
Note: Make sure not to get seed mixes with red proso millet because birds do not like it as much as the white.
Also, bird seed coated with hot pepper/capsaicin will deter squirrels as well.
Birds are not affected by capsaicin because they don't have the same nerve endings in their mouths as mammals.
And so far, ornithologists haven't found it to adversely affect birds after ingestion.
However, it's important to note that squirrels are very adaptable and may eventually learn to eat any type of birdseed that is available, especially during the winter when other food sources are less available.
Get Hot Pepper Bird Seed - Wild Delight Sizzle N' Heat Bird Seed
Not always and it's not good if birds by chance get vasoline on their feathers which would be difficult for them to remove. Install a squirrel baffle on the pole instead.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder?
Use a squirrel baffle to prevent squirrels from climbing the bird feeder pole.
Use a combination of a squirrel proof bird feeder with a pole baffle and place the feeder at least 10 feet from trees and other launching surfaces like a deck or roof.
Inserting a slinky over your bird feeder pole will make it more challenging for squirrels to climb to your feeder and may deter all but the most determined.
If you are feeding birds, you will always attract squirrels. As an alternative you may want to offer them their own squirrel feeder filled with peanuts, cracked corn, seed, and/or dried fruit.
Squirrels are not typically attracted to safflower seeds because they have a bitter taste and are not as oily as other seeds like sunflower seeds.
In fact, many birders use safflower seeds as a way to discourage squirrels and other unwanted animals from eating birdseed.
However, it's important to note that some squirrels may still try to eat safflower seeds if they are very hungry, especially during the winter months when food sources are limited.
So if you want to feed birds without attracting squirrels, using safflower seeds in your bird feeders may be a good option.
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