Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder - Yankee Flipper by Droll Yankees

Winter is coming and we want to feed the birds without feeding those pesky squirrels. In this video, Chris demonstrates a bird feeder that uses yankee ingenuity to keep squirrels away from his bird seed.

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[Debee_Green]

I put a slinky on the shepherd's hook. Secure one end to the top of the hook and the other in the ground. It's fun watching the squirrels springing up and down without reaching the feeder.

[twocyclediesel]

You can just put some Vaseline on that feeder pole and be done with it. Re-apply every few Mos. They hate getting that stuff on them. They try it once and they're done.

[myke]

I just bought a small one and as im sitting here watching ur video early in the am a squirrel just got flung off mine cracked me up first time I've seen em do it, lolololol

[jameseichinger]

This feeder is great. The battery is the old nickel cadmium type, so it takes 12 - 14 hours to charge, and the battery will degrade over time. Depending on how persistent your squirrels are, the battery can last from several weeks to a month or two. The only issue I have here is a clever squirrel can shake the feeder and get seed to drop from it. There are people that have added a tray or a net under it in order to catch that seed, but I haven't found an approach I want to copy yet. If I find something, I'll add it to this post. Cheers!

[zenos.]

The sky high price for this bird feeder is a big deal breaker for me.

[DorisJeanAHeroff]

I bought this item. as a present for myself on a birthday. Over the years I've owned it, I lost the instruction sheet. Since I only charge every other year, I forget how to do it. Simple, but so am I, I guess. Thanks for showing me how to remove the base.

[MrKbsweeney]

I put mine up two days ago. I think my army of squirrels have retreated to their bunker to whiteboard out a new strategy.

[bluejay]

I have 2 of these & love them. I love squirrels too, but was losing way too much bird seed to them so gave the Yankee Flippers a try - problem solved. The price is not for the faint of heart - mine were $150 each & that was on sale! But considering seed sells for upwards of $30 for a 10-lb bag (central TX) & squirrels were emptying my hopper feeders in 2-days flat, my Yankee Flippers proved themselves economical in the long run. I angle my shepherd's hooks slightly backward - that way, they stand plumb to the ground once these full weighty feeders are added.

[gregory]

Thank you. A squirrel finally made it to the spinner and...after a few years w/out charging, the charge finally had gone to zero; so, the sq. just began eating its breakfast. So, how do yah charge the thing? I could not recall. Directions long gone. Your vid was heaven sent. Thanks again.

[Just_Putzin_Around]

I’ve heard squirrels don’t like the taste of safflower seed but most songbirds do, so swapping out your black oil sunflower for it might be an extra deterrent

[ronnieturner]

Hey daddy. Are blue jays and mourning doves able to use it? Thanks

[nancykrysevig]

So today, when this feeder starts turning, it will not stop until I turn it off and back on. Can you give me a clue as to what I need to do to correct this?

[lynnandrews]

At over $125+, they should be solar powered at the very least!

[bradytofstad]

Sorry hear that smashed. You can order stronger thick pole and you can weld the snap hook like hook for rock climbers and you can weld it to pole and now you have wind proof bird feeder

[marshabowlin]

Mine, I think the holes let out to many seeds when the birds feed a lot fall on the ground !!

[Begreen]

How long does the battery hold a charge in cold winter weather?

[kareno]

You have a Really Nice patio! Do you have a plant or Water dish to hang from 'Shepherd's Hook'?
lol you're silly. Buying 2nd Feeder only to Hang it from the Very Pole that caused reason for 1st feeder to Break. *RIP*
Aren't Long Square Black Iron Posts 1-2" for Trellis\ Gates (available). Put in ground next to Wall, just add hanger. ?

[nannahum]

What is to deter the squirrels from taking the top off?

[jimcan]

I was about to crush your review, as it has been my 30 years of living in the woods 30yrs - any metal/plastic tray type feeder will be wrecked as the tree rats will stand on a perch and gnaw on the plastic to get at the feed inside. An old feeder with a metal screen stands alone as the only 'old feeder I have that is still cosmetically functional. However, as long as that battery works, this appears to be a good solution.  

I tried a horse fence hot-wire, but that was kludgy and not easily managed. I have an idea for a water sprinkler switch for when they climb the pole. Good old, plastic umbrellas on the poles work also, but lack the get-even gimmickry we tend to like. Cheers. Jim/Maryland

[gregoryeditor]

The only negative thing I have heard about it is the battery life only last for a few days and takes 20 hours to charge and no charging light. Is this true? I have the Squirrel Buster bird feeder it works, but not as entertaining. I may buy this one. I have window bird feeders, platform feeders, fly though feeders and the squirrels have been on all of them.