Anybody have a problem with squirrels chewing through the plastic?
1809163
Squirrels can be a real problem with any bird feeder. I usually avoid that squirrel problem with this feeder by only using nyjer seed in it. If you use any other seed like sunflower or millet, I can guarantee a squirrel will chew a hole in it.I've used this feeder for years.and have never had a problem. That's not saying that some squirrel won'tcome along and try the nyjer but that is very rare.
1809164
This is my second one. The first one lasted probably 10 years. I don't know if maybe squirrels don't like the nyjer seeds but I've never had any trouble with squirrels on any of my finch feeders, not just this one.
1809165
Squirrels have left this feeder alone. Actually, I haven't had many birds visit this feeder either. I had to make some enlargements on the openings and even create two openings for top feeders. I have had a few more visitors, but it is still not a "hot spot" feeding area.
1809166
I don't recommend this product. The plastic around the eating holes shatters within a fewweeks of the birds finding this. As a result the eating holes get huge and theseed won't stay in. The plasticperches break. I will be reverting to a yellow sock feeder.
1809167
Not me, because I hung the feeder from a Shepard' s hook and squirrels can't climb it.
450041
i find it's a very hard plastic of some kind and the holes are just big enough for the finches beaks to peck at. they are not like the cheaper finch feeders. the squirrels haven't been able to even get on these feeders. the perches are metal also and extend right through the cylinder.
1100128
Absolutely not. The squirrels are smarter than we think, they open the roof with their heads and quickly exit with as peanut in their mouth.Fun to watch as they chew away the outer shell and eat the peanuts. P.S> The Squirrels have destroyed some wooden feeders I had but the metal one looks as good as the day I put it out.
1475794
I never tried but I have one that the squirrels have eater thru the plastic top and we replaced it with a piece of 1/4 steel. They then ate thru the box and destroyed the wires in the battery box. Definitely, this unit is not varmit proof and the plastic top is most vulnerable. Unit worked fine until the squirrels destroyed it.
151611
Hi Michael, We have two of these feeders. We love them so much. The squirrels cannot eat from them. The first year we had the feeders, the cardinals and blue jays disappeared. We thought it was because of the wildlife that was in our year constantly. However, they did return with more cardinals than ever. It took them a while to adjust to the new feeders. They would hover and then fly to a near by tree. Now they are very comfortable and have adjusted fine. Don't give up.
100151
I have had 2 of these for years and use them for my rabbits. They are made of a hard plastic and seem to be pretty durable - I have had several rabbits over the years and never had a problem with them chewing through them, altho' I suppose a very determined rabbit could. I wrap mine in an old towel (they did not come with a cover) and they do like to chew on that. But I like them and would recommend them for rabbits. One of my discs has to be 10 or 12 years old and still heats just fine.
2122673
Update to my previous response: I saw a squirrel crawl in today and remove the Contrac Blox in two large pieces. He must have gnawed it off the metal rod. He sat and ate the pieces on my deck. I was very surprised and glad my dogs weren't outside!
1738627
Squirrels chew through plastic. I use a metal dog food storage can. It came with a metal scoop and has Bow Wow Chow written on it. It's a fairly thin metal so it's light and easy to move. Maybe one of those metal cans that flavored popcorn comes in would work for you.
849059
no they are not any more than that. we don't have any problems with squirrels and this feeder. have had it about 3 years.
811997
Yup, my Squirrels empty the Peanut Wreath within several hours. What they have been doing is taking one then burying it for the winter, then going back to eat one. It's a vicious cycle :)I bought it for the Squirrels anyway... hoping it will deter them from my bird feeders. I have seen birds feeding from the peanuts though, just not very many.
830688
They are a harder durable plastic. We live in an area where the temps fluctuate and I was afraid of plastic, but they seem pretty tough. The feeder is very popular with finches and chickdees.
1588518
We live next to a wildlife refuge and are inundated with fox, raccoons, etc. and have never had a problem. The latch system that closes it is similar to what might be on a toolbox - you hook a metal loop over at protrusion and them push down the lever to secure - don't think even the clevest raccoon could manage that and the plastic is thick and off the ground so they'd have a hard time chewing through. We've had ours for about 2 years (even order a second one) and have never had a problem.
952801
Ron and Starvn are correct, I have a baffle on it and I don't have a problem with the squirrels. "No name's" suggestion to keep it away from trees is also recommended. Good Luck.
1659049
We have the boxes in a large open area far from trees so we have not encountered the problem , I suspect tree squirrels would be prey for an owl , we encourage the owls for ground squirrels about the same size
664154
It seems to be very hard plastic. We still haven't needed to clean the windows. Our oldest feeder is at least 5 or 6 years old (maybe older) and it has held up beautifully. We tried some other brands a few years ago, and the Absolute II is the best. Neither squirrels nor doves have mastered it. We highly recommend it.
2241118
Pretty sure it's metal. But this thing didn't work at all. The squirrels just figured out how to shake the seeds out. So the plastic is the least of your worries.
1318331
We have had no trouble with squirrels since we purchased this feeder, unlike the old days with the finch socks. In fact, we now have two of these feeders.