The Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper squirrel proof bird feeder offers a different design take and security features compared to other models of squirrel proof bird feeders on the market. This model is weight activated and battery-powered, so it will launch a squirrel into the air once the perches have been triggered. This doesn’t cause an injury, it’s just enough to startle a squirrel and prevent them from ever coming back, which is what most buyers are looking for in a feeder that’s squirrel proof.
Our Verdict: The Yankee Flipper offers a different approach to protecting bird feeders from hungry squirrels. Instead of simply closing the feeding ports once the weight-sensitive perches are activated, the feeder will begin to spin causing the squirrel to fall off or run off in fear. This is definitely one of the most effective squirrel-proof models on the market. However, it has a lower than average seed capacity and the free-flowing seed ports can result in seed waste, which can require you to refill the feeder more often. Overall, it’s a great buy if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to deter squirrels from hanging around your feeders and scaring off your backyard birds.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
Unlike competing feeders that utilize a spring-activated trigger to close off the seed ports, this model will not close the seed ports off. Instead, when the perches have been triggered by a squirrel, it takes them for the ride of their life. This model by Droll Yankee is motor-driven and is designed to keep squirrels away, so you’ll save money on birdseed by blocking greedy squirrels from accessing the contents of the feeder. The design is one of the most unique on the market since most models that are designed as squirrel-proof simply use a weight activation trigger to close the feeder ports. This model takes bird feeder security to a whole new level.
Our Rating:
- Lightweight
- Taller height makes it more difficult for squirrels to access seed ports
- Low maintenance
- Spinning action throws squirrels off feeder
- Battery-powered
- Extensive motor
Design
This is a tube-style feeder, that’s very long and sleek. The larger height of the feeder makes it more difficult for a squirrel to hang down from the top and reach down to the seed ports. Once a squirrel hops on one of the feeder’s perches it will cause the feeder to start spinning, which will cause the squirrel to panic and jump off or hang on for dear life. The feeder comes with a total of four feeding ports, which can easily be accessed by one of the perch rings. The cap on top of feeder is made out a heavy-duty metal that pops off so it can easily be refilled. The body of the tube is made out of a tough polycarbonate that’s UV stabilized. This material ensures that the feeder will not become yellowed with age or damaged by the rays of the sun. The internal baffle design will allow the seeds to easily pour freely from each of the ports.
Installation
This model comes with all the hardware you’ll need to hang it. The feeder should be hung from a heavy-duty looped stainless steel wire that’s designed to reduce motion. This model should be installed in an area that makes it more difficult for squirrels to access. I don’t recommend hanging it from a tree branch since this will make it easier for squirrels to climb it.
Warranty
The feeder is covered by a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage, with a one year warranty on the motor.
Seed Capacity
The feeder has a much lower seed capacity compared to competing models in this price range. This model features a seed capacity of five pounds, so you may find yourself having to refill it often, depending on the time of year and how many birds you feed. Some buyers may see this as a drawback, while others will recognize the benefits of a smaller seed capacity, such as the reduced risk of offering seeds that have spoiled due to humid temperatures or rain.
Weight Activation
This model features weight-activated triggers that will go off once a squirrel places its weight on it. The weight of birds will not set it off, even larger birds such as cardinals, blue jays and all types of black birds will not trigger it. This can also be a pro or a con. Some competing models that use weight to trigger the security system feature a variety of weight settings to choose from, allowing the buyer to set the weight based on the types of bird species they want to feed. Some birders prefer to feed smaller species and want to prevent larger birds from hogging the seeds and scaring off smaller birds. So, the fact that this model does not allow you to choose the weight activation setting can be a drawback for some.
Free Flowing Ports
Because of the easy flow ports, you should anticipate some wasted seeds. Once a bird begins to feed on one of the ports, the seeds will start flowing, which can cause them to spill onto the ground. This means you may need to refill the feeder more often, which can be a big drawback considering the volume of seeds that are wasted weekly, especially if you feed a large number of birds. The ports are designed in this manner to allow more than one bird to use the same port at the same time and enjoy an endless, fast-flowing supply of seeds that will make it easier for them to eat their fill before they fly off. But as you can see, the manufacturer clearly didn’t think this design through considering the amount of waste most birders will have to contend with.
Charging
This model is battery-powered so it will need charging from time to time. Fortunately, all you have to do is remove the bottom portion of the feeder and charge it in the included charging port. The battery has a long lifespan and should only need to be recharged once every thirty to sixty days, depending on how often the spinning feature is triggered.
Maintenance
Cleaning out the feeder is very simple. Only the baffle, tube feeder, and cap need to be cleaned. To do, you’ll use a mild cleanser with water. This should be done once a month during the summer, but it may need to be cleaned more frequently during the rainy season in order to get rid of wet seeds, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Longer length makes it difficult for squirrels to access feeding ports
- Spinning motion scares off squirrels
- Weight activated
- Low price
- Low maintenance
- Extensive warranty
Cons
- Battery must be recharged periodically
- Free-flowing ports can result in seed loss
Droll Versus Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel Bird Feeder
The competing model, the Homestead Super Stop a Squirrel features over twice the seed capacity of this model by Droll, coming in at eleven pounds. It can be hung from a branch, arm, or mounted on a pole using the included mounting clips. It’s made out of a durable stainless steel and features a highly adjustable design that will allow you to set the weight activation sensitivity, so you can choose whether or not you want the perches to be triggered just by squirrels or large species of birds as well. This type of adjustability is a big incentive to buy, especially for those who want to prevent large birds from hogging all the seed and scaring off smaller species of birds. However, the model by Droll has a much better reputation in terms of how effective it’s spinning feature is in terms of scaring squirrels off for good.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
The Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper is one of the best squirrel proof bird feeders on the market. It’s weight activated and designed to prevent squirrels from eating the birdseed by causing the feeder to go into a spinning motion once the weight of the squirrel activates the system. The lower five-pound seed capacity and free-flowing ports can be seen as drawbacks by some, but the fact that this is one of the most effective models on the market is a fair tradeoff. I gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five.