The Squirrel Buster Plus squirrel-proof bird feeder can make it impossible for your local wildlife to access the birdseed in your feeders. This is a hanging tube style feeder that features a body that’s made out of a type of heavy-duty plastic, while the rest of the feeder is made out of metal. The unique design will deter even the most determined squirrel, saving you time, money, and the hassle that comes with constantly having to refill your feeders.
Our Verdict: The Squirrel Buster is truly the most squirrel-proof bird feeder on the market. Its highly adjustable design will also allow you to choose which types of birds you want to feed and it can also make it even more difficult for a squirrel to climb. The adjustable weight will also allow you to adjust the settings based not only on squirrel weight but the weight of larger birds. This is a low maintenance model that’s easy to refill, however, since it consists of so many pieces, taking it apart and reassembling it after you’ve deep cleaned it can be a time-consuming process the first few times. Overall, this feeder is a great buy for any birder who’s tired of dealing with persistent, greedy squirrels.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
During the winter months when food is scarce, you may find that you’re feeding more than your local birds. Squirrels are very smart and persistent, which is what makes it so difficult to keep them from accessing your birdseed. It takes a truly durable and innovative feeder to keep your feed safe from squirrels and other hungry rodents.
This model makes it incredibly difficult for a squirrel to get its paws on your precious birdseed. The manufacturer claims this is one of the only true squirrel-proof feeders on the market, considering it features a variety of security techniques to ensure your seed is safe from squirrels and highly accessible to your backyard birds.
Our Rating:
- Durable
- Chew-proof
- Made out of plastic and metal
- Adjustable perches
- Adjustable weight
- Beginner-friendly
- Low price
Design
This is a hanging style tube feeder that is made out of chew-proof materials. It offers an excellent ventilation system that will keep the feed fresh and prevent mold and bacteria growth. It’s also highly adjustable so you can have total control over the size of birds that can feed. On the bottom of the feeder, you’ll find a thick metal shroud that provides further protection from squirrels and other rodents. The top is made out of metal and features a sloped design that makes it very difficult and slippery for squirrels. This design will allow you to hang it from an arm attached to the deck or house, or you can hang it from a tree branch. However, you need to have at least eighteen inches of space all around the feeder, otherwise, you will block off some of the feeding ports.
Weight Activated
This model is weight activated, which means once you’ve set the weight activation on the perches, the system will be triggered and it will cause the metal shroud to completely pull down over the ports, covering them and preventing the squirrels from accessing the contents of the feeder.
No Need for a Baffle
You won’t have to fork over more cash to purchase a baffle since the feeder comes equipped with the metal shroud, making it impossible for squirrels to feed. However, you can add a baffle for an extra layer of protection. It’s disappointing to see that this model doesn’t come with a free baffle considering many competing models do.
Filling and Refilling
This model can hold up to three quarts of seed. How frequently you fill the feeder will depend on how many birds you feed daily. If you have several visitors throughout the day then you may need to refill it every two to four days. In cold weather, you may need to fill it more frequently since you’re probably the sole food source for the birds in your area.
Fortunately, refilling the feeder is pretty simple. To do, you’ll need to remove the top by twisting and lifting it up. The top pivots off and is attached by a durable metal hook. Next, you’ll add the birdseed, replace the top, twist it securely shut, and that’s it.
Perches
You can adjust the length of the perches based on the types of birds you want to feed. To adjust the length of the perches, simple loosen the wingnut located at the bottom of the feeder and pull out or twist the perch depending on whether you want to shorten or lengthen it. When the perches are shorter it makes them unwelcome to all types of black birds and other types of larger bird species. If you want to feed all species of birds you can pull the perches out all the way.
Cardinal Ring
This model comes with a cardinal ring, which consists of a heavy plastic ring that comes in a couple of half-circle shapes. These pieces should be attached over the perches to create a ring that will circle the feeder and allow a bird to face the ports as opposed to having to sit sideways. A cardinal will find this position much easier to use, hence the name of the ring.
Weight
This model also allows you to adjust the weight that will cause the feeder ports to close down. Running down the middle of the feeder tube you’ll find a column that controls the spring mechanism. Out of the box, the feeder is already adjusted to a weight that’s perfect for most birds, but sensitive enough to cause the system to be triggered by the weight of squirrels. In order to adjust the feeder so that more weight is required to shut down the ports, simply twist the central column. You’ll find a chart of the typical weights of common birds in this package, which will give you a better idea of what to adjust the setting to, based on what types of birds you want to feed.
Maintenance
This model features a great ventilation system that works to circulate the air, preventing the seeds from getting wet and moldy. The ports will be the only way water can make its way inside the feeder. So, during the rainy season, make sure you check the feeders often. A heavy snowfall or rain can drive moisture directly into the ports, which can cause the seeds to become gunky and clumped together. Maintaining it in wet weather is fairly simple, just shake out the feeder to dislodge any gunky seeds.
Regardless of the season, the feeder should be cleaned out every few weeks. It should be taken apart completely and is dishwasher safe so you can toss it in, placing it on the top shelf.
Since there are several pieces to this feeder, taking it completely apart the first few times can seem like a hassle. Because of this, I recommend hanging onto the assembly instructions so you can reference them the first time you deep clean the feeder.
Fortunately, the instructions are illustrated so you can have the feeder assembled and reassembled in no time.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Weight adjustable
- Easy to clean
- Weight triggered
- Tube design
- Low price
- Adjustable perche
Cons
- Must be maintained frequently during the winter
- Lengthy assembly time
Squirrel Buster Versus Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
The competing model by Woodlink features a totally different design that can also work to prevent squirrels from dining off your birdseed. The model features a heavy-duty durable powder-coated steel body and offers a much larger seed capacity of twelve pounds, compared to this model’s three liters. It also comes with a baffle, so you won’t have to pay for a separate one, which is a nice plus. Like this model, the Woodlink feeder is also highly adjustable in terms of the weight you can choose from that will trigger the ports to close. Overall, it does feature a more durable design and a larger seed capacity, but it doesn’t offer the same level of protection that the Squirrel buster does.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
If you’re looking for the best squirrel proof birder feeder, you’ve just found it. This model comes loaded with plenty of features that most birders are looking for, not to mention it’s made out of materials that are also chew-proof.
The Squirrel Buster bird feeder is highly adjustable and offers the ultimate level of protection against squirrels, rodents, and larger birds. The adjustability of this system will allow you to control what species of birds feed in your yard and which ones you want to avoid. This model earned high marks for its low maintenance design, squirrel-proof design, and overall quality. I gave this model a rating of five out of five stars.