Cheap Lee Valley Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder

Squirrels can be surprisingly clever, acrobatic, and above all, determined when it comes to raiding bird feeders. This suet feeder foils even their best efforts.

An inner tray holds suet mix, while a low-tension spring keeps an outer shroud raised so birds can easily access the food. When suet-eating birds such as woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and nuthatches land, their weight is not enough to pull the shroud down. But as soon as a squirrel (or a particularly large, heavy bird) climbs on, the shroud is pulled down, blocking access.

The outer shroud is made of strong metal mesh that squirrels cannot chew through, and a durable powder-coat finish helps resist corrosion and damage from the elements in any season.

Just over 18 1/2” tall, the feeder holds a pair of 5”x5” suet cakes (not included) and has a catch tray at the base to prevent the mess and waste of falling suet crumbs. (The feeder is most effective against black squirrels; immature red squirrels can sometimes gain access.)

The National Audubon Society gives these tips to help stop the spread of bird diseases such as avian flu. Clean feeders and bird baths with a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach every two weeks. Use multiple feeders to make it easier for birds to feed at a distance from each other, and remove feces and seed casings from below feeders regularly.