The feeder whose perches close under a squirrel's weight but not a cardinal's
Is this the right fit?
- Best for
- anyone who has watched squirrels empty a feeder in an afternoon, and anyone wanting to shift the mix toward songbirds and away from grackles and starlings
- Skip if
- It is a real investment compared to a basic tube feeder, and very light juvenile squirrels can occasionally sneak a few seeds before they grow into the trip weight
- Check before ordering
- Confirm the dimensions, exact model, included parts and return terms on the Amazon listing before ordering.
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The Squirrel Buster Legacy is a weight-activated feeder: the shroud closes over the seed ports when something as heavy as a squirrel lands, and reopens when it leaves, so squirrels are excluded mechanically rather than deterred by grease, spikes, or shock. The tension is adjustable, which is how you also exclude larger nuisance birds while still admitting cardinals and other songbirds. It has four metal removable perches, a chew-proof build, and comes apart without tools for cleaning. Best fit: anyone who has watched squirrels empty a feeder in an afternoon, and anyone wanting to shift the mix toward songbirds and away from grackles and starlings.
Pros
- Weight-activated shroud shuts squirrels out mechanically, no grease or shock involved
- Adjustable tension also excludes larger nuisance birds while letting cardinals feed
- Chew-proof construction, so squirrels cannot gnaw their way in over a season
- Comes apart without tools, which matters because feeders need regular cleaning
Cons
- It is a real investment compared to a basic tube feeder, and very light juvenile squirrels can occasionally sneak a few seeds before they grow into the trip weight
Frequently asked questions
How does the squirrel proofing actually work?
A shroud slides down over the seed ports when enough weight lands on the perch ring. Squirrels trip it, songbirds do not. Nothing shocks or spins.
Can I stop grackles and starlings too?
Yes, that is what the adjustable tension is for. Tighten it and heavier nuisance birds trip the shroud while cardinals and smaller songbirds still feed.
What seed works best in it?
Black oil sunflower and standard mixes work well. Very fine seed like nyjer flows out of the ports and needs a dedicated finch feeder instead.
How do I clean it?
It disassembles without tools. Wash with hot soapy water, rinse well, and dry completely before refilling. Every couple of weeks is a reasonable rhythm.
Does it need to hang, or can it go on a pole?
It can hang or be pole mounted. On a pole, add a baffle below it so squirrels cannot bypass the mechanism by climbing directly to the top.
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