Squirrel Proof Suet Ball Feeder

How to Clean and Maintain Your Squirrel Proof Suet Ball Feeder

1. Regular Cleaning

• Clean After Each Use: It’s important to clean your suet ball feeder regularly to prevent mold growth and the spread of bacteria, which could harm the birds. Remove any leftover suet balls, debris, and feathers after each use.

• Use Mild Soap and Water: Wash the feeder with a mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can leave residues that are harmful to wildlife. Use a soft brush or sponge to clean the feeder's mesh or wires thoroughly, especially around the feeding holes, where suet residue may accumulate.

• Rinse and Dry: After washing, rinse the feeder thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Dry the feeder completely before refilling with fresh suet balls. Wet feeders can encourage mold growth, which is dangerous for birds.

2. Inspect the Feeder for Wear and Tear

• Check the Feeder’s Structure: Regularly inspect the feeder for signs of damage, such as bent wires or rust on the metal parts. If the feeder is made of plastic, check for cracks or wear that could compromise its function or safety.

• Examine the Squirrel-Proof Mechanism: Ensure that the squirrel-proof mechanism is still working properly. These feeders typically have a spring-loaded or weight-sensitive feature that closes the feeding area when a squirrel tries to access it. Test the mechanism periodically to make sure it’s functioning correctly.

3. Replace Worn Out Parts

• Replace Suet Balls as Needed: Replace suet balls when they become hard, moldy, or stale. Birds prefer fresh food, and expired suet can attract pests. Keep an eye on the suet balls and replace them regularly to maintain a healthy feeding environment.

• Repair or Replace Damaged Components: If you notice any parts of the feeder are damaged or broken (such as the cage, hooks, or squirrel-proof mechanism), repair or replace them as needed. This ensures that the feeder continues to function optimally, providing a safe and accessible food source for birds.

Safe Handling and Storage of Your Squirrel Proof Suet Ball Feeder

1. Proper Installation

• Choose the Right Location: Install your squirrel-proof suet ball feeder in a location that is easily accessible to birds but difficult for squirrels to reach. Ideally, place the feeder on a pole or hook at least 5–6 feet off the ground, away from branches, fences, or structures that squirrels could use to jump onto the feeder.

• Secure the Feeder: Ensure the feeder is securely attached to the pole or hook. Wind, rain, or large birds may cause the feeder to become unstable, so make sure it is fixed in place to avoid spills or accidents.

2. Avoid Overfilling the Feeder

• Refill with Caution: While it’s tempting to fill your suet ball feeder to the brim, avoid overfilling it. Overfilling can cause food to spill out, attracting unwanted pests, including squirrels. Fill the feeder only with the amount of suet balls that can be consumed within a short time, ensuring the birds can access the food before it becomes old or spoiled.

3. Safe Handling During Cleaning

• Wear Gloves: When cleaning or handling the suet feeder, it’s a good idea to wear gloves, especially if you have been handling old suet balls or if the feeder is exposed to bird droppings. Gloves will protect you from bacteria and other contaminants.

• Handle with Care: Be gentle when cleaning or moving the feeder, particularly if the feeder has glass or delicate parts. Mishandling could cause the feeder to break or damage the squirrel-proof mechanism.

Benefits of Using a Squirrel Proof Suet Ball Feeder

1. Prevents Squirrel Access

• Keeps Squirrels Away: As the name suggests, the primary benefit of this feeder is its ability to prevent squirrels from stealing suet balls intended for birds. Squirrels can be quite resourceful and persistent in accessing bird feeders, but a well-designed squirrel-proof feeder will thwart their efforts.

• Protects the Birds: By preventing squirrels from accessing the suet, you ensure that birds have enough food to survive and thrive. Squirrels can consume large amounts of suet, which not only deprives the birds of food but also can lead to fights between wildlife.

2. Encourages Birdwatching

• Attracts a Variety of Birds: Suet is a high-energy food source, ideal for attracting a wide range of birds, including woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. A squirrel-proof suet ball feeder can increase bird activity in your garden, providing you with enjoyable birdwatching opportunities.

• Supports Bird Health: Suet is especially beneficial for birds during colder months when natural food sources are scarce. It provides essential fats and proteins to help birds stay energized and healthy throughout the winter.

3. Durable and Long-Lasting

• Weather-Resistant: Most squirrel-proof suet ball feeders are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and intense sunlight. The sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials ensure that the feeder lasts for several seasons, offering long-term value for bird enthusiasts.

• Low Maintenance: Once properly cleaned and maintained, a squirrel-proof suet ball feeder is relatively low maintenance. With a few simple tasks like refilling and occasional cleaning, your feeder will continue to provide a safe and reliable source of food for birds year-round.

Conclusion

A Squirrel Proof Suet Ball Feeder is an excellent tool for providing a steady, safe food source for birds while preventing squirrels from raiding your supplies. Proper care and maintenance, such as cleaning, lubrication, and regular inspections, will help extend the life of your feeder and ensure it functions as intended. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy watching a wide variety of birds visit your garden while keeping pesky squirrels at bay.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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