Question 1

Why do squirrels sometimes get into my feeder?

Accepted Answer

Our Squirrel Proof feeders are designed to prevent the average adult grey squirrel from reaching the food. The spacing between the bars was originally developed with guidance from leading wildlife authorities, including London Zoo, to balance two important goals:

Allowing as many small garden birds as possible to feed freely
Preventing squirrels from getting through the bars

Most of the time, this balance works perfectly. However, there are a few exceptions:

Young or very small squirrels (often the runts of the litter) can occasionally squeeze through
During Spring and the breeding season, litters of smaller squirrels may be more determined and persistent
A particularly determined or unusually small squirrel may sometimes find a way in

These are rare exceptions rather than a fault with the feeder. The design prioritises giving birds safe access while reducing squirrel interference as much as possible.

Question 2

Why are birds not feeding from my feeder?

Accepted Answer

It’s very common for birds to take time before using a new feeder, and there are several possible reasons why activity may be quieter than expected. Here are some things to consider:

Patience is key: Birds may take days or even weeks to discover a new feeder, especially if they already have established food sources nearby.

Seasonal food availability: At certain times of year there’s an abundance of natural food (berries, seeds, insects), so garden feeding activity can be quieter. Once those supplies reduce, feeders become more popular again.

Location matters: Place your feeder in a quiet, sheltered spot with nearby trees or shrubs for cover. Birds prefer safe landing points close to food.

Sprinkle a little seed: Scatter some food on the ground or around the feeder base to encourage birds to investigate.

Stick to a familiar spot: If you’ve had feeders before, try to keep the new one in the same location so birds recognise it.

Try different food: Not all birds are drawn to the same thing. Sunflower hearts, peanuts, or suet are popular high-energy choices.

Reduce competition: If you have several feeders, try removing some temporarily so birds focus on the new one.

Keep it clean: Wash feeders regularly to prevent mould and disease, which can deter birds.

Check the feeder works: Make sure seed ports aren’t clogged and food flows freely.

Avoid strong smells: Brand-new feeders or those just cleaned may need to “air out” before birds feel comfortable.

With the right food, location, and a bit of patience, your feeder will soon become a regular stop for your local birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do squirrels sometimes get into my feeder?

Why are birds not feeding from my feeder?