How to Make ● A Unique Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder ( that actually works ! ) 

I saw 3 squirrels last summer wherein 1 had somehow made it onto an isolated feeder by dropping 20' from a tree. There were 2 other squirrels on the ground below it while it shoveled out seeds. That squirrel accomplished Mission Impossible and lives as a legend in those parts to this day.

It shouldn’t tickle me so much to see the squirrels frustrated, but as a person that’s fed far more squirrels than birds over the years, I’m going to try to live with this personality flaw. Ingenious bird feeder Sir!

This is far simpler and more elegant than Mark Rober's attempt. Well done, sir!

Chris- instead of unbolting to fill the feeder slip some flex tube through the the pipe. Ad a wide moth funnel at the top. Pour the seed in and that’s it. Let me know your thoughts

And because of you, the squirrels grow longer arms now! 🤣

Really love that design! Very unique and cool looking. I spent a few years building bird houses that looked like rustic cabins in miniature, as a hobby. Very time consuming, cutting every cedar shingle and glueing them one by one in a staggered pattern just as in proper roofing. Stained and sealed for weather, elaborate moldings and trim-work completed the illusion that the bird houses were actual full-size houses, just seen from a distance. I gave a few away to neighbors for Christmas and one of them said I should start selling these bird houses since they were so cool. A carpenter by trade, I was just building miniature cabins for birds and would rather give them away than sell them. Ever the “businessman”, my neighbor asked how much these bird houses were worth if I sold them? I asked, “To the birds? Zero dollars. To the people? Just a smile is all I want.” He pressed on, thinking somehow money could be made here? (I’m sure he wanted to be my promoter and take a cut of the fortune.) He asked, “How much did you spend on materials?” Good question. All I really bought in a store was glue, stain, varnish, and a few dowels here and there, so $50 dollars would last me a hundred birdhouse builds. He nodded excitedly. “Okay, how much time in labor for each one?” We sat and had a couple beers in my shop as I did the math. “Okay, since these are rustic cabin copies, I get most of my wood from fallen branches in the woods. I hike and stumble across a perfect fallen tree with a perfect natural knot hole in it, so let’s charge the customer my gas money and time, even though I’d do this for free. Then I’ll mill every branch to look like a log, mortise and tenon the joints to look authentic. Build miniature deck furniture that looks real and weathered, which takes far longer than building it full-size and brand new. Little details like moldings have to be carved and milled by hand and it takes hours. I’m not about to clock in my time for this and stick to a schedule. That’s when an art of love turns into actual “work”. So based on my labor at $45 dollars per hour and one of these birdhouses consuming 40 hours or so, I guess I’d price each birdhouse at $1800- to $2000 dollars.” He frowned, “Nobody’s gonna pay that much for a birdhouse!” I laughed, “Ya think? That’s why I give them away. It’s a labor of love my friend. A smile from receiving one of my works of art has no monetary value. It’s value is priceless to me.” His whole idea of this being a “business venture” was ludicrous from the start and I kept making these bird houses and giving them away, each one being cooler than the last one. Pretty soon, I was getting more into detail like carving a banjo out of wood and leaning it against the front porch wall as if this cabin was still inhabited by humans. Birds wouldn’t notice or care but people liked the touches like miniature tools laying around and signs above the entry hole saying, “Room for rent”. Lots of people were so impressed with the detail that they wouldn’t put them outside for the birds and in the weather, but instead hang them from the ceiling or put them on a shelf in the living room as art. I guess that’s what I was hoping for all along. Sorry for the long story, I really like your squirrel-resistant bird feeder here. Very open to the birds and frustrating for the squirrels who’d definitely steal all the birdseed given the chance. Did you ever wonder what you could sell these for? Or did you just have fun creating it and solving a problem. I’m sure my old neighbor would be interested in you starting a business for no good reason. Ignore him and have fun. Great channel. Just subscribed.

Chris you are a genius! First bird feeder I've ever felt like I can easily make that is worth my time and effort, because it actually works! Love this beautiful piece of art! Thank you:) BOP

This has got to be the only true squirrel proof bird feeder I have ever seen. Chipmunks could still get in, though. 😊 Great job! It's beautiful looking, too.

One tiny improvement: Make the basin inside even smaller but add a wooden sitting rail on the glass. Put a box inside (no top or bottom, just four sides). Leave a small (about 0.3-07 in) gap at the bottom (use screws in the corners or wood to create the gap or cut out low arches). The box should be about two inches smaller than the basin. You can then fill the box with seeds. The seeds will spill out through the gaps. This way, the birds can't sit in the food and spoil it with their wastes.

Bird perches were a nice touch, really made it looks like a public area for birds.

you have to admire the determination of Squirrels.

Very clever and so unique looking too, I love it. I finally hung my feeders on fishing line attached to either end of my garden, looked like they were just floating in the air, 6 feet from the ground. Finally stopped the squirrels getting to them 😊

Both of the designs are GREAT, but I really think I like your first design better! Of course the second is more refined and probably holds more food, but I'm a bird WATCHER first, so the first design lends itself more toward that to me. Thanks for sharing both of them!!

I saw the original squirrel-proof video when you first posted it and now I’ve seen the new iteration. It’s a marvelously improved design. If you added some glass to the bottom row of openings, that would block most of the excess seeds from reaching the outside wooden ledge. Adding the perches was a great touch. Continued success with your videos and clever inventions.

This feeder is brilliant!!! Loved watching the squirrels trying to get in and lived seeing the birds enjoying the seed. Thank you for sharing 😊

From someone who is used to squirrels being an absolute nuisance to anything bird related I have, your invention is the greatest thing ever!

Now we need a bird proof squirrel feeder 🙂

It’s a great idea and it works very well. About three years ago I decided to make one, but I used PVC and the same adhesive you use. PVC is so much easier to cut. Only one side is PVC on my feeder. The rest is made of cedar. Opposite to the PVC side is clear plastic so the ends are cedar. So One long side is PVC, and the other long side is clear plastic. I did this to prevent the weather from blowing the seed out or from driving rain getting to the seed. You can’t keep all the rain out but my design works just fine. And the birds love it. Little birds can hop right in and the larger birds like Cardinals and Blue Jays can pop their head in and eat some seed as well, but no squirrels! And I will admit it was hilarious watching squirrels trying to get in and then giving up.

Great design. I would never have thought to just glue it together with silicone. Good idea.

LOL.. Have to give the Squirrel top marks for trying. Excellent idea...

I watched your construction of the squirrel proof box with excitement and admiration. Wonder if you would sell one of those boxes since there's no way I could build something like that at my age (81 year old retiree). Thank you. Madeleine

Now I want a bird feeder.

lmao, the squirrel sticking his face into the hole and grabbing seeds with his tongue had me rolling

Lol, I can feel the frustration from that poor squirrel... So close, yet that food might as well have been on the moon?! 🤣

Hi Chris! I love your new design. I also like how the squirrels can get a small snack every once in a while. You know, because you buy it, bird seed is darn expensive!! They'd eat it all if you let 'em. Still, they are my favorite animal. They're just so smart. Just like you.

this is the best bird feeder I have ever seen; very good that you have also made sure that there are no sharp edges.

Improvement tip: recess the tray “like an in-ground Pool” inside of the feeder with enough clearance so the squirrel cannot reach in and grab spill over seeds. Amazing design! Thank you for the great ideas.

I’m sure someone else has probably commented this, but if you left the outer glass tray you could have added water for them to drink. I would damn the water to only the shorter ends of the box, to make two small water troughs. Maybe make the walls to the outside a tad taller so squirrel couldn’t reach the water. Or an even smaller glass box in the center instead, and fill that with water. OMG, could even add a bubbler Solar pump, up through the center pipe. Just an idea. 😊 Those birds would never leave.

EXCELLENT camera work! Really creative, and that design is also fantastic. Great video, thanks for sharing

Awww, Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal are so precious!

Oh god, the squirrels are going to evolve long arms. They're going to be looking like Michael Phelps out there, diving for seeds. 😂

Having seen several commercial 'squirrel proof' bird feeders that don't work, this is certainly a good design and can be made fairly easily at home. I think one improvement I might made would be to have the top angled roof hinged, with a pin to keep it in place. Then have a small hatch under that to allow refilling the feeder without taking the bolts out. One alternative to the glass tray would be using one of the glass food storage containers if one doesn't have a glass shop close by. Or any other dish really provided the size was correct. Overall great idea and video!

That is absolutely genius, there is nothing more satisfying than watching these fluffy rats struggling to steal some food!! And it also works against the big bully birds too!

Best part about this amazing feeder: Not a single piece of plastic was used!! 👏🤘👍

PERFECT. Also keeps larger birds that wipe out seed like Jays and Grackles at bay. thanks for posting. 😊

So fun to see! Love the ring design and functionality! I suppose it may not rain as much there as it does here, but I would like the bottom be mesh or something so moisture cant accumulate. Having a gravity feeder type jar or something to hang from the ceiling would be nice, too.

Beautiful design, and so functional too!

This is such a beautiful and functional bird feeder. I love learning from your channel. I can tell you love what you do - which for me, is what all we should strive for in life.

Brilliant design. Thanks for sharing!

That was a very satisfying video to watch! Well done! I really loved the squirrel in a jar at the start. It was fun to watch just how determined they can be.

Well I give the squirrel an A for effort. You've done a great job. I've managed to keep squirrels from getting in my feeders by using small feeders on a greased pole. I love this idea though. Be great near a window.

What a great idea, talented intelligent man, bravo!!!

This is great, compassionate and great design. Did you see the male cardinal feeding his mate?

Awesome design! It really reduces the gluttony of the squirrels...😄

This is so cool. Every time I think I have the squirrels beat, they find a way to get to the bird feed. I may have to try this as a summer craft project. Thx so much for sharing.

I love this. I have a bunch of copper pipe left ocer from renovations. It should keep out the Magpie's too, maybe. Lol. This would be a great project with my 5 year old granddaughter. She would love to build it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me ❤❤❤

I love all your squirrel traps and bird feeders. Been watching you off and on for a long time.

This is amazing and deceptively easy to build! Thank you so much for making this video. When I saw the picture I almost didn’t click on it because I imagine needing a plasma cutter, welder and $1000 worth of other tools lol.

Thank you for your design! I will add this to my bird house collection this summer!

Well done. I love the footage of the frustrated PITA squirrel. Thanks for sharing.

This is such a GREAT creation!!! You are my hero! So sick of squirrels and Blackbirds/Grackles stealing all the songbirds food! This is a game changer for sure! 👏🏻🙌🏻

Somebody go tell Mark Rober!

Loved it! getting materials today to build one, Thanks, good camera work.

It looks great. In my garden there are no squirrels. However, when do have a birdfeeder (aimed for songbirds) it is generally empties within a day by Jackdaws. So far they outsmart me with just about every trick I can think of.

Well done!! Around the time of your first feeder video, another RU-vider was trying to build a squirrel proof bird feeder without success. I posted a link to your video in the comments with the hopes he would see how it's done correctly👍

This video is just too adorable ...the wildlife part I mean. The construction of this feeder is wonderful. I want to make one similar now. Thanks for sharing!

I remember watching all those videos. 😄Outsmarting those crafty squirrels.

I personally would have added hinges to the feeder (on the bottom) for ease of refilling. Drill one hole for the bolt and a wing nut to secure it. Great build, I just might have to make this one!

Yet again, your exceptional functional designs are beautifully showcased with your excellent camera work, and stellar editing skills. Is there anything you CAN'T do??? 😁

I use the same drafting brush in my shop too! Great little clean up tool. I’m making this project, ready for the spring hopefully.

That is the best feeder I have ever seen

your builds are always so thoughtful

Chris, I have been enjoying your posts for years now. Thank you for sharing your fun projects. All the camera angles make for interesting footage. I’m a HD hardware associate. Thanks for the plug! 😊

i actually feel sorry for the squirrels!!! But it's fun to watch them try to get to the seeds. I really loved the cardinals kissing❤

Really great video, love how you present the products and steps. Genius design The spinning camera when cutting the long pipe made me LOL 😂

It fills my heart with pure joy seeing squirrels so frustrated and frantic over their inability to steal birdfeed. Fantastic design, Chris Notap!

Wow fantastic job! Poor squirrel, he needs his personal bird proof feeder😂🤩

Chris, I hold the theory that if the critters can't get to the bird feeder they can't take the bird's food. My feeder hangs from the end of a fiberglass rod about 5 feet long. The rod is angled up about 45 deg. I bought a length of PVC pipe the just slips over the fiberglass rod and cut the PVC in 4" lengths and placed them over the full length of the fiberglass rod. This creates a series of rollers that squirrels, chipmonks and other animals cannot navigate.

That's a top-notch DIY project if I've ever seen one! Good job!

I have been trying for years to keep my squirrels out of my feed. They drive me crazy. I am going to try to replicate this if this works I’m telling you you have just made my day you’ve made my world. Thank you so much for showing this video.

Splendid video. I do not have the skills to create (or even replicate) such a work of functional art. I have wrestled with the squirrel problem (even posted a couple of videos here) but was eventually "defeated" by the persistent, agile and ingenious little buggers. Gold finches by coming in groups, feasting and staying became a bit of a tedious sight despite their beauty. I'll content myself in vacariously enjoying Chris' success and well-made videos.

I like the addition of the smaller tray. It seems like it will make it easier to refill, preventing the seeds from getting under the frame.

+1 .. Subscribed. .. I'll follow suit building the bird feeder with the two neighbor kids; 10yo & 8yo. .. Many thanks for the details & the vision. .. A great project ! Cheers, Vail, Colorado

Talk about going around in circles. Lol. Nice video. I’ll have to make one

Pretty cool bird feeder, and a great idea! I would have used plexiglass for the seed container instead of glass though, and slightly taller on the edges. Other than that....nice job! :)

12:02 I love the sportsmanship here. It's good that the squirrels get SOMETHING for their time.

Ingenious idea Chris😂 Actually thought I saw it block a blue Jay 👍 I have to switch to safflower seeds when the blue Jay clan shows up. Only thing I’d try to improve is keeping the birds from leaving their droppings in the seeds. Perhaps a door on the roof to just open & pour seed in. Thank you for sharing Chris 👍

Génial, Kool, Astucieux, merci pour ce partage d'idée !🐝🐝🐝

Nice design 👍 You also could have eliminated the first row of tubes which I would think could help in keeping the squirrel's from getting their paws from getting in.

AWESOME design!

Well Thats Awesome! this is my next project. Thank you

I love it ! Driving the squirrels, NUTZ is a great laugh ! Those tree rats ! Excellent idea and I enjoy your humor and photography. Thank you. * New subscriber and fan ! Meema Frances from Florida.

As always, brilliant beautiful work. When it comes time to refill it, I wouldn't bother taking it apart. I would fill a paper towel tube up with the seeds and slide it through the holes.

At last someone has outsmarted the squirrels !

I enjoyed. I have a "natural" wooded area behind my house. There are many "tree rats". Your build is more than I would attempt but I would love to have one. I particularly like the camera that you used that recognizes "pets". When I bought this house there was a feeder dish on a pole for birds, but it had a large dome mounted on the pole beneath the plate. The squirrels would try endlessly to get to the bird food. They couldn't defeat the dome and would try dropping down from above which almost never worked. I love that you let them get so very close only to be frustrated.

I like this. I put a pole up and the squirrels finally figured out how to climb it. As funny as it is to watch they get to the top then have to wait until it stops swinging, then on to the feeders. Looks like i have a project for next weekend!

Pretty great that the squirrels clean everything up.

Squirrels are seriously persistent! I’m glad you let them get a few seeds! Your design is awesome!!

I really appreciate this design! When I first saw it, I immediately thought it was beyond my abilities and available equipment, but it's not! No power saw or welding needed.

Marvelous ingenuity. Are usually try to put some seeds out that aren’t in a feeder for the squirrels and other critters. It takes the pressure off the feeder as well. Well done.

The kissing cardinals are my favorite. 😊

Not only is it effective but it is also beautiful!!! Thank you

I just gave up fighting the squirrels and ended up having coffee with them on my porch table every morning. They got the peanuts the birds got the goods. The upside? Pileated Peckers enjoying the coffee morning with me too.😂 Squiggy Squirrel did continue his raids. And I let him.😂

Thank you for sharing your designs. Great video editing, and it has an ASMR touch to it, too. Beautiful!

Love this Chris, great design. I've a couple of suggestions though, would you consider leaving one row of the pipe circles off the bottom on one side and thus be able to slide the tray out? It would need a method to secure it but that could be a simple clip. Alternatively have a clip on roof to make filling and cleaning easier?

Great, simple design ! Modern & retro at the same time. Looks like something out of Dwell magazine. Nice job. I saw a front security door made out of various sized rounds. It was attractive & secure without appearing intimidating.

I LOVE THIS. A great marriage of form and function. Well played Sir

I love your contents.

Bird feeders are excellent for squirrel hunting. Used my Grandmas bird feeder, my buds and I ate squirrel almost every day. Plus it was fun for grandma, birds are beautiful.

Awesome, I love the new squirrel proof feeder! I already built the first one you posted several years ago and it’s held up perfectly over the years. I might need to build this one as well. I wonder how well the galvanized pipe will hold up over the years?