If you received a new feeder for Christmas, here is what some experts say is the perfect spot. They recommend you follow the 5-7-9 rule.
This means the bottom of the feeder should be at least five feet above the ground, seven feet away from a fence, shrub, tree or other object, and in a location, that is at least nine from below an overhanging limb.
Some experts say that this will help keep squirrels from raiding bird feeders. While this might help, I suspect placing a feeder in such a location will not make the feeder 100% squirrel-proof.
If you erect your new feeder in such a location, let me know how it works.
I have a feeder that met all of those criteria, but squirrels didn’t have any problem dropping 10 feet from an overhead limb and landing on the feeder. They could easily grab onto the rough wood top. So, I covered the top with smooth metal, painted it with slippery paint, and waxed it. It was hilarious to watch them hit the top and slide right off.