A few years ago I bought a wooden bird feeder that I mounted on a pole and now has a beautiful weathered look. It is big enough to accomodate many birds on 4 sides at one time. It will also accomodate 2 squirrels at one time which I don't really mind because I like them too.

I went on vacation for a couple of weeks during which time the feeder ran dry. This apparently pissed-off the squirrels and they decided to chew-up the feeder. Now, the feeder has to be repaired because it won't dispense feed in its current condition.

I was wondering if anyone has discovered anything that I can soak the wood with that will keep the squirrels from eating it

As I said I like the squirrels so I'm not really trying to keep them out of the feeder. I just want to keep them from eating the feeder. Also, I don't like the look of a metal feeder but will resort to one if I have to. Any suggestions?

Maybe an application of hot pepper tea would do the trick. You would need to repeat the application as it wears off. It would be more feasable to purchase a metal feeder.

Thanks Nadine. It would be easy enough to take a sprayer out to the feeder every time I fill it. I will give that a try.

I read on some other post that someone had squirrels eating their pepper plants. Hopefully they won't just consider the hot pepper spray a pleasant change to the menu.

To add to Nadine's idea, maybe you could soak the wood in a very hot, concentrated pepper solution. Maybe a double strength Habenaro solution. This way you could avoid spraying the feeder every time & possibly getting the spray in your eyes. Good luck.

I did not think abouth that. I have to rebuild that part of the feeder anyway so, I will just soak it before putting it back together. Thanks for the idea.

Maybe you need to "relocate" your little pets---I bought a live trap (about 8" square by 24" long), I use bird seed in an old plastic butter cup for bait. So far since May 1 I've trapped 31 squirrels in my yard--I take them about 2 miles out in the country and release them. I've still got quite a few around, but they're not eating up my bird feeders like they were. Any kind of fruit is also a good bait with the birdseed.

The trap cost about $15---less than a good feeder.

Wow...I can't believe you had so many! Of course, I probably have more than what I think (3-4).

My hat's off to you. Sounds like too much work to me. I think I would buy a new feeder first.

I had a similar problem, every time the feeder ran out of feed the squirrels would smell the empty container and start chewing the corners next to the glass. I havn't had any fresh chewings since I bought some more feed.

PS the squirrels from the traps are probably the same ones that migrate back home before you can drive back...

Maybe, but I don't think so---they would have to cross a four lane busy hiway to get back.