If you have squirrels in your backyard, you know they are the ultimate acrobats of the animal kingdom. While some gardeners try to keep them away, many people have embraced “Squirrel Watching” as a hilarious and engaging hobby. Providing a dedicated squirrel feeder doesn’t just entertain you; it also keeps the squirrels away from your bird feeders by giving them their own designated “snack bar.”
In this guide, we are exploring 10 Squirrel Feeder Ideas that range from simple DIY projects to elaborate “obstacle courses.” Squirrels are highly intelligent and love a challenge, so the best feeders are often the ones that make them work a little for their treats. Let’s get building!
1. The Classic “Corn on the Cob” Chair
This is perhaps the most famous squirrel feeder of all time. It’s a tiny wooden chair with a spike in the seat where you impale a dried ear of corn. Seeing a squirrel sit in the chair like a tiny human at a dinner table is a guaranteed laugh every morning.
- Materials Needed:
- Scrap wood or cedar planks
- One long 3-inch screw (the “spike”)
- Wood glue and nails
- Steps:
- Build a simple “L” shaped chair with a backrest and a seat.
- Drive the long screw up through the bottom of the seat so the sharp end sticks up.
- Screw the back of the chair to a tree or fence post.
- Twist an ear of dried corn onto the spike.
2. The “Bungee” Jumping Cord
Squirrels are fearless. By hanging a cob of corn from a long, stretchy bungee cord, you create a bouncy feeder that requires the squirrel to hang on tight while it eats. It’s like a tiny trampoline park for your furry neighbors.
- Materials Needed:
- Short, light-duty bungee cord
- Eye-bolt
- Dried corn on the cob
- Steps:
- Screw an eye-bolt into a high tree branch.
- Hook the bungee cord to the eye-bolt.
- Attach the corn to the bottom hook of the bungee.
- Watch as the squirrel bounces up and down while trying to grab a snack.
3. The Mason Jar “Nut Silo”
Squirrels love to see what they are eating. A clear glass jar allows them to spot the peanuts or walnuts from across the yard. This design keeps the nuts dry and prevents birds from stealing the larger treats.
- Materials Needed:
- Quart-sized mason jar
- Wood scraps (to build a mounting frame)
- Hose clamp (to hold the jar)
- Steps:
- Build a small wooden platform with a backboard.
- Use a metal hose clamp to secure the jar to the backboard at a slight downward angle.
- Fill the jar with peanuts in the shell.
- The squirrels will crawl right into the mouth of the jar to grab their prize.
4. The “Manning the Wheel” Spinner
This is an interactive feeder that spins like a windmill. It features several arms with corn on the ends. As the squirrel grabs one ear of corn, its weight causes the whole wheel to spin, making it a fun physical challenge.
- Materials Needed:
- Two long pieces of wood (crossed like an “X”)
- A long bolt and several washers (the “axle”)
- Screws to hold the corn
- Steps:
- Mount the “X” frame to a post using the center bolt, making sure it spins freely.
- Add a screw to the end of each of the four arms.
- Attach an ear of corn to each screw.
5. The Picnic Table Platform
If the “Chair” (Idea #1) isn’t enough, go for the full picnic table! This is a flat platform with a tiny table and benches. It’s a great way to offer a variety of foods like nuts, apple slices, and seeds all in one spot.
- Materials Needed:
- Cedar or pine wood scraps
- Small bowl or bottle cap (for water or seeds)
- Steps:
- Build a miniature picnic table (plenty of free plans are available online).
- Mount the table to a flat platform or a fence railing.
- Place nuts on the table and watch the “fine dining” begin.
6. The “Slinky” Post Protector
This is less of a feeder and more of a “path to the feeder.” If you have a post-mounted feeder, wrap a metal Slinky around the post. It creates a hilarious “treadmill” effect where the squirrel tries to climb, but the Slinky expands and brings them back down.
- Materials Needed:
- Metal Slinky
- Zip ties
- Steps:
- Slide the Slinky over the 4×4 post.
- Secure the top end of the Slinky to the bottom of the feeder.
- Let the rest of the Slinky hang down freely.
7. The Log “Drill Hole” Feeder
For a natural look, use a fallen log. By drilling deep holes and filling them with peanut butter, you encourage squirrels to use their long tongues and clever fingers, mimicking how they find grubs in the wild.
- Materials Needed:
- Thick branch or small log
- Drill with a 1-inch bit
- Peanut butter and sunflower seeds
- Steps:
- Drill several holes 1–2 inches deep into the log.
- Mount the log horizontally to a tree.
- Pack the holes with a mixture of peanut butter and seeds.
8. The Hanging “Bucket” Challenge
This is a “high-level” feeder. By hanging a small bucket or a hollowed-out coconut shell from a thin wire, you make the squirrel work on its balance. The wire is too thin for them to walk on easily, so they have to perform a “tightrope” act.
- Materials Needed:
- Small metal bucket or coconut shell
- Thin galvanized wire
- Steps:
- String the wire between two trees.
- Hang the bucket in the middle of the wire.
- Fill with walnuts or hazelnuts.
9. The Window “TV” Feeder
Want to see the squirrels up close? A clear acrylic feeder that attaches to your window with suction cups turns your window into a “Squirrel TV” channel. It’s perfect for indoor cats to watch, too!
- Materials Needed:
- Clear acrylic box or recycled plastic container
- Heavy-duty suction cups
- Steps:
- Attach the suction cups to the back of the container.
- Stick it to the outside of a window.
- Fill with their favorite treats and wait for the close-ups.
10. The PVC “Nut Pipe”
This is a low-maintenance silo feeder. You fill a long PVC pipe with nuts, and as the squirrels pull them out of a hole at the bottom, gravity brings the next one down.
- Materials Needed:
- 3-inch diameter PVC pipe
- PVC end cap
- 90-degree elbow joint
- Steps:
- Mount the long pipe vertically to a tree.
- Attach the elbow joint at the bottom so the opening faces out.
- Fill from the top and put the cap on to keep the rain out.
Tips & Tricks for Squirrel Feeding
- The Right Menu: Squirrels love black oil sunflower seeds, unsalted peanuts, walnuts, and dried corn. Avoid giving them “human” snacks like crackers or salty nuts.
- Fresh Water: Squirrels get thirsty, especially in the summer. Placing a small bowl of water near the feeder will make your yard their favorite hangout.
- Keep it Clean: Just like bird feeders, squirrel feeders can grow mold if the food gets wet. Clean them out once a week.
- Location is Key: Place your squirrel feeders far away from your bird feeders (at least 15–20 feet) to keep the peace between the species.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cheap Suction Cups: If using a window feeder, buy the “industrial” strength cups. Squirrels are heavy and jump with a lot of force!
- Using Treated Wood: Use natural cedar or pine. Pressure-treated wood contains chemicals that can be harmful if the squirrels chew on the feeder (which they will!).
- Sharp Edges: Always sand down your wood and check for “pokey” bits. Squirrels are fast and can easily scratch themselves on a stray nail.
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