Rodent-Proof Bird Feeder

Unlike bird houses which require specific designs depending on the species of birds, bird feeders may be free-styled to suit the builder's whim.  Really.  Well, except for humming bird feeders, of course.  Feeders for seed-eating birds are typically free-standing as opposed to hanging types (again, humming birds come to mind).  

One thing to consider with a feeder on a stand is its vulnerability to rodents (squirrels, mice, even rats). Rodents come with the territory, literally and figuratively, with yard feeders.  You might think that putting up feeders attract these pests - yes - but feeders or none, in rural or urban settings, these rodents are always out there patrolling the areas in the dead of night.  If you have security cameras (with infrared sensors), check the playback at after midnight to dawn and you'd be surprised at what you will see, which includes field mice and "el raton" occasionally and raccoons and possums. Squirrels, of course, are day-raiders.

Rodent-proofing with paste wax and (not shown in photo) smearing petroleum jelly (Vaseline) four inches at bottom and top of PVC pipe.  

This project was made even more worthwhile from the amusement I derived from the video playback the first two nights when several climbing attempts were foiled in comedic style.  What is kind of a mystery though is that since then all visitations had stopped during subsequent playbacks hence.  I know these night raiders don't easily get discouraged.  It is either they no longer want to provide the nightly entertainment or some predator, like a raccoon, or the neighborhood cat that occasionally comes around had put a stop to the visiting rodents.  I miss the jump and slide routine.

Bird table manners though have much to be desired.  So I added four shallow walls and perches.

I built this feeder for sparrows, not necessarily for the more popular cardinal or blue jay.  The sparrows don't really have  any kind of advocacy from home owners but they are feeders too.

Update: My son just sent me a Youtube video of squirrels getting through an obstacle course to get to the feed.  Now, I am convinced my feeder is not squirrel-proof.  Fortunately, they don't go out at night and during the day they never come by; besides, they have so much more to feed on from acorns off plenty of oak trees and other fruit bearing trees.

However, as far as squirrels are concerned, if you make the PVC pole long and tall enough and set the feeder far enough away from where these rodents have a launching pad to jump from - such as a nearby branch or window sill, etc. - then this can truly be rodent proof for all species.  The floor wax paste and petroleum jelly are that effective, 100%!