Squirrel Picnic Table Feeder: Attracting and Feeding Squirrels in Your Backyard

  • By: TheWalledNursery
  • Time to read: 6 min.
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Squirrels are a common sight in many gardens and backyards, often seen scurrying up trees and along fences. While some people may view them as pests, others enjoy watching these furry creatures and providing them with food.

One way to do this is by using a squirrel picnic table feeder, which can be a fun and unique addition to any backyard or garden.

A squirrel picnic table feeder is essentially a small table that is designed to hold food for squirrels. It typically consists of a flat surface with raised edges to prevent the food from falling off, as well as a base to keep it stable.

Some models may also include a roof or cover to protect the food from rain and other elements.

These types of feeders can be a great way to attract squirrels to your backyard or garden, providing them with a dedicated space to eat and play.

They can also be a fun and unique addition to your outdoor decor, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to your space.

Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a new way to decorate your backyard, a squirrel picnic table feeder may be just what you need.

Why Use a Squirrel Picnic Table Feeder?

Squirrels are a common sight in many gardens and backyards. They are known to be playful and entertaining, but they can also be a nuisance.

Squirrels can cause damage to plants and gardens, and they can also steal food from bird feeders. This is where a squirrel picnic table feeder comes in handy.

Benefits

Using a squirrel picnic table feeder has several benefits:

  • Keeps squirrels away from bird feeders: By providing squirrels with their own feeding station, they are less likely to bother bird feeders.
  • Provides entertainment: Watching squirrels eat from the feeder can be entertaining and enjoyable for both adults and children.
  • Helps protect plants and gardens: Squirrels can cause damage to plants and gardens by digging up bulbs and eating fruits and vegetables. By providing them with their own food source, they are less likely to cause damage to other areas of the garden.
  • Supports wildlife: Squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem and providing them with food can help support their population.

A squirrel picnic table feeder is a simple and effective solution to many squirrel-related problems in the garden or backyard. By using one, homeowners can enjoy the playful antics of squirrels without worrying about damage to their property or other wildlife.

How to Build a Squirrel Picnic Table Feeder

Materials

To build a squirrel picnic table feeder, the following materials are needed:

  • Cedar wood boards (1×6 and 1×4)
  • Screws (1 1/4 inch and 2 inch)
  • Nails (1 1/2 inch)
  • Wood glue
  • Squirrel food (nuts, seeds, etc.)

Tools

The following tools are needed to build a squirrel picnic table feeder:

  • Table saw or circular saw
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver

Steps

Follow these steps to build a squirrel picnic table feeder:

  1. Cut the cedar wood boards to the desired size using a table saw or circular saw. Cut four boards to 12 inches for the tabletop and two boards to 8 inches for the benches.
  2. Use wood glue and nails to attach the two bench boards to the underside of the tabletop boards, leaving a gap in the middle for the squirrel food.
  3. Attach the legs to the underside of the tabletop using screws. Cut four legs to 10 inches and four legs to 6 inches. Attach the 10-inch legs to the corners of the tabletop and the 6-inch legs to the middle of the benches.
  4. Fill the gap in the middle of the tabletop with squirrel food.
  5. Place the squirrel picnic table feeder in a location where squirrels can easily access it.

Building a squirrel picnic table feeder is a fun and easy project that can provide hours of entertainment for both squirrels and humans. By using cedar wood, the feeder will be durable and resistant to weathering. Fill the feeder with a variety of nuts and seeds to attract a wide range of squirrel species.

Where to Buy a Squirrel Picnic Table Feeder

If you’re looking to buy a squirrel picnic table feeder, you have a few options to choose from. Here are two popular choices:

Amazon

Amazon is another popular online retailer that carries a variety of squirrel picnic table feeders. They offer a wide range of options from different sellers, so be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

Some popular options on Amazon include:

Product NamePriceRating
Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF3 Cedar Squirrel Feeder$24.994.7 stars
Pine Tree Farms 3015 Squirrel Picnic Table Feeder$26.994.4 stars
Picnic Table Squirrel Feeder$39.904.8 stars

Make sure to read product descriptions and reviews carefully to ensure you find the perfect squirrel picnic table feeder for your backyard.

Alternatives to a Squirrel Picnic Table Feeder

Hanging Feeders

One alternative to a squirrel picnic table feeder is a hanging feeder. These types of feeders are hung from a tree branch or other elevated location and can be made of various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.

Hanging feeders can be designed to accommodate a variety of bird species and can include features such as perches, multiple feeding ports, and seed guards to prevent spillage.

When considering a hanging feeder, it is important to choose one that is squirrel-proof or has squirrel-resistant features.

Some models may include a baffle or dome to prevent squirrels from climbing down the feeder pole, while others may use a weight-activated mechanism to close off the feeding ports when a squirrel’s weight is detected.

Bird Feeders

Another alternative to a squirrel picnic table feeder is a bird feeder. Bird feeders can be hung from a tree or mounted on a pole, and can be designed to accommodate a variety of bird species.

Like hanging feeders, bird feeders can include features such as perches, multiple feeding ports, and seed guards to prevent spillage.

When choosing a bird feeder, it is important to select one that is squirrel-proof or has squirrel-resistant features.

Some models may use a weight-activated mechanism to close off the feeding ports when a squirrel’s weight is detected, while others may use a cage or wire mesh to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed.

Overall, there are many alternatives to a squirrel picnic table feeder, including hanging feeders and bird feeders.

When selecting a feeder, it is important to consider the types of birds and wildlife in the area, as well as the materials and features of the feeder.

By choosing a feeder that is squirrel-proof or has squirrel-resistant features, gardeners and backyard enthusiasts can help ensure that their feathered friends get the food they need without having to compete with squirrels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, squirrel picnic table feeders are a popular and effective way to attract squirrels to your backyard and provide them with a source of food.

These feeders are designed to mimic a miniature picnic table, complete with a flat surface for the food and benches for the squirrels to sit on.

]By using a squirrel picnic table feeder, you can enjoy watching these playful creatures up close while also helping them survive and thrive in their natural habitat.

However, it is important to remember that feeding squirrels can have both positive and negative effects on the ecosystem.

While it can be enjoyable to watch squirrels eat and play, overfeeding them can cause them to become dependent on human-provided food and can lead to health problems.

Additionally, feeding squirrels can attract other wildlife, such as raccoons and rodents, which can create problems for homeowners.

Overall, squirrel picnic table feeders can be a fun and rewarding addition to your backyard wildlife viewing experience, but it is important to use them responsibly and with care for the well-being of both the squirrels and the surrounding ecosystem.