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.