There
is a common notion that squirrel proof bird feeders will automatically prevent
the smallest animals like chipmunks, rats, gophers, very small flying
squirrels, and even mice. The truth is there is no bird feeder on
the market (that we know of) that claims or advertises to be chipmunk
proof or rat proof or mouse proof - or is effective (with guarantee or
warrantee) at preventing chipmunks if
they can gain access to a bird feeder.
Bird
feeder designs.
Squirrel
proof feeders are designed for your garden variety grey squirrels and other
squirrels similar in size. Grey squirrels are many
times larger and heavier than the smaller animals mentioned above, a good guess
is grey
squirrels are at least 4-5 times larger and heavier than most
chipmunks. The smallest rodents are too small, agile, and light to keep out
of bird feeders. Smaller animals can climb through very tight openings
and are not heavy enough to close mechanisms that are designed for heavier
squirrels.
Chipmunks and bird
feeders hung from tree branches.
A sheet metal tree
skirt is an example of how to prevent chipmunks and other smaller animals
from climbing trees to gain access to the bird feeder by crawling up the
tree and jumping down or over from a tree limb. With a Rollerfeeder
you will not have an issue with squirrels since we guarantee it will
prevent them.
Chipmunks
gaining access to bird feeders.
If
a chipmunk or other small animal like rats can gain access to a bird
feeder, then you can be assured it will crawl in the feeder or perch
somewhere on the feeder to pilfer bird seed. Many areas of the
country have problems with rats in their bird feeder, as an example the
citrus rat in Florida, or areas of the country that grow citrus trees.
Add an inexpensive
dish or tube
type baffle/guard to a yard pole to prevent access from troublesome
smaller animals like chipmunks. Be sure the pole is placed far enough
from a jumping or launch pad so the chipmunk can't jump over from the side
area like a deck railing, tree, shrub or other jumping location.
.Preventing
access the best approach.
The
best way to prevent small animals like chipmunks is to prevent access to
the bird feeder. This can be done with the location of the feeder
and a couple DIY or store bought widgets that prevent them from climbing to the feeder i.e.
skirts or baffles or a guard of some type. Chipmunks cannot jump like larger grey squirrels so considering placement, and baffles blocking access to the feeder is important in preventing them.
See more examples below.
Preventive
and proven techniques for smaller animals.
Sometimes
just hanging a feeder in a tree is enough to discourage chipmunks, however
some of the bravest chipmunks will crawl up the tree and jump to the feeder.
Use inexpensive baffles and guards that help prevent access to the
feeder. If your feeder is hung in a tree, another method is to use a metal skirt
around the base of the tree. You can also use a dome on top of the
feeder if you don't want to add a metal skirt. If using a dome - be
sure to hang the bird feeder far enough away from the trunk so the chipmunk or rat can't jump over from the
side. These techniques are proven in the field and are very
effective. These techniques will not prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder
because of their agility and jumping abilities, but a RollerFeeder is
guaranteed to prevent the larger squirrels so you don't have to worry
about squirrels.
Sometimes using an overhead dome can be effective
if the feeder is far enough away from the tree trunk to force them to
crawl down from above. The chipmunk will typically slip on the dome
and fall to the ground without touching the feeder, but not always.
Try to maintain 5 feet of horizontal clearance from the trunk or other horizontal
location they could jump from. Preventing access using a skirt or
baffle on a pole or tree trunk is the most effective method.
There
is a common notion that squirrel proof bird feeders will automatically prevent
the smallest animals like chipmunks, rats, gophers, very small flying
squirrels, and even mice. The truth is there is no bird feeder on
the market (that we know of) that claims or advertises to be chipmunk
proof or rat proof or mouse proof - or is effective (with guarantee or
warrantee) at preventing chipmunks if
they can gain access to a bird feeder.
Secure 