If you’re a nature lover, you probably enjoy watching squirrels scamper around your yard. These furry creatures are fascinating to observe, and many people enjoy feeding them.
However, store-bought squirrel feeders can be expensive, and they may not be exactly what you’re looking for.
That’s where DIY squirrel feeders come in. By making your own feeder, you can customize it to suit your needs and save money in the process.
A DIY squirrel feeder is a simple project that can be completed in just a few hours.
With a few basic materials and some simple tools, you can create a feeder that will attract squirrels to your yard and provide them with a source of food.
There are many different designs to choose from, so you can select one that fits your style and budget.
Not only is a DIY squirrel feeder a fun and rewarding project, but it can also help to support the local ecosystem.
Squirrels play an important role in many ecosystems, and providing them with food can help to ensure their survival.
Additionally, watching squirrels interact with your feeder can be a great way to connect with nature and learn more about these fascinating creatures.
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Why Build a DIY Squirrel Feeder?
Feeding backyard squirrels is a fun and rewarding activity that can provide hours of entertainment for both adults and children.
Building a DIY squirrel feeder is an excellent way to attract these playful creatures to your yard, and it can be a fun project to do with your family or friends.
Benefits of Feeding Squirrels
Feeding squirrels can have several benefits, both for the squirrels and for the humans who provide them with food. Here are a few reasons why building a DIY squirrel feeder might be a good idea:
- Helps maintain food supply: In the wild, squirrels have to compete with other animals for food. By providing them with a reliable food source, you can help ensure that they have enough to eat, especially during the winter months when food can be scarce.
- Provides entertainment: Squirrels are playful and curious creatures, and watching them eat and play can be a lot of fun. Feeding them can also be a great way to introduce children to nature and teach them about the importance of caring for animals.
- Creates a squirrel-friendly environment: By building a squirrel feeder, you can help create a safe and welcoming environment for these animals in your backyard. This can be especially important if you live in an area where squirrels are not always welcome, as it can help prevent them from causing damage to your property.
Overall, building a DIY squirrel feeder can be a fun and rewarding project that can help you connect with nature and create a welcoming environment for backyard squirrels.
DIY Squirrel Feeder Plans
Materials Needed
To build a squirrel feeder, one will need a few materials. The following is a list of materials that will be needed:
- Scrap wood
- Plexiglass
- Hinge
- Hook
- Wire
- Rope
- Screws
- Nuts
- Nails
- Glue
- Birdseed
- Seeds
- Peanuts
- Corn cob
Tools Needed
One will also need a few tools to build the squirrel feeder. The following is a list of tools that will be needed:
- Saw
- Drill
- Hammer
Building Steps
Once all materials and tools are gathered, one can begin building the squirrel feeder. The following are the steps to build the squirrel feeder:
- Cut the scrap wood to the desired size for the feeder. Make sure to cut a hole in the front of the wood for the squirrels to access the food.
- Attach the plexiglass to the back of the wood using screws.
- Attach the hinge to the plexiglass and wood to create a door for filling the feeder with food.
- Attach the hook to the top of the feeder for hanging it from a tree branch.
- Attach the wire to the sides of the feeder to create a barrier for the food, preventing it from spilling out.
- Fill the feeder with birdseed, seeds, peanuts, or corn cob.
- Hang the squirrel feeder from a tree branch using the rope.
With these simple steps, anyone can build a squirrel feeder to attract and feed squirrels in their backyard.
Types of DIY Squirrel Feeders
For those who love to watch squirrels play and feed, building a DIY squirrel feeder can be a fun and rewarding project.
There are various types of squirrel feeders that you can build, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the most popular types of DIY squirrel feeders:
Hanging Feeder
A hanging squirrel feeder is a simple and popular option that can be made with minimal effort. It consists of a container, such as a plastic bottle or jar, with a hole cut into the side.
The container is then suspended from a tree branch or other support using a piece of string or wire. Squirrels can easily climb up the string or wire to reach the feeder.
Squirrel Picnic Table
A squirrel picnic table is a more elaborate option that provides a platform for the squirrels to feed on. It consists of a flat surface, such as a piece of wood, with four legs attached to it.
The legs can be made from branches or dowels. The table can be placed on the ground or on a raised platform, such as a tree stump.
Squirrel Feeder Box
A squirrel feeder box is a more enclosed option that can provide protection from the elements. It consists of a box with a lid that can be opened to refill the feeder.
The box can be mounted on a tree or other support, or it can be free-standing on the ground. The squirrels can access the food through a hole cut into the side of the box.
Platform Squirrel Feeder
A platform squirrel feeder is a larger option that can accommodate multiple squirrels. It consists of a platform with a roof to protect the food from the elements.
The platform can be mounted on a pole or other support. Squirrels can access the food through holes cut into the sides of the platform.
Each type of squirrel feeder has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and the needs of the squirrels in your area.
With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can build a DIY squirrel feeder that will provide hours of entertainment for you and your furry friends.
Tips for Attracting Squirrels to Your Feeder
If you’re looking to attract squirrels to your DIY squirrel feeder, there are a few things you can do to make your feeder more appealing to these furry critters.
Offer a Variety of Foods: Squirrels have a varied diet, so offering a variety of foods can help attract them to your feeder. Some good options include peanuts, sunflower seeds, corn, and fruits like apples and berries.
Plant Squirrel-Friendly Plants: If you have a garden or yard, planting squirrel-friendly plants can help attract these critters to your feeder. Some good options include oak trees, hickory trees, and fruit trees like apple and peach trees.
Place Your Feeder in a Visible Location: Squirrels are more likely to visit a feeder that they can easily see. Placing your feeder in a visible location, such as in a tree or on a pole, can help attract squirrels to your feeder.
Use a Corn Feeder: Squirrels love corn, so using a corn feeder can be a great way to attract these critters to your feeder. Just make sure the feeder is squirrel-proof, as other animals like raccoons and birds may also be attracted to the corn.
Consider a Bird Feeder: Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, so if you have a bird feeder in your yard, you may not even need a separate squirrel feeder. Just make sure the bird feeder is squirrel-proof, or consider getting a squirrel-proof bird feeder that can also attract squirrels.
Conclusion
Building a DIY squirrel feeder can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone who loves nature and wants to attract these cute creatures to their backyard.
With just a few simple materials and some basic tools, anyone can create a feeder that will provide hours of entertainment for both humans and squirrels alike.
Remember to choose a location for your feeder that is away from any potential hazards, such as roads or predators, and to keep it stocked with fresh food and water.
By doing so, you can help ensure that the squirrels in your area stay healthy and happy.
Whether you are an experienced DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking for a new project, building a squirrel feeder is a great way to get creative and connect with nature. So why not give it a try today?
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