Simple & Fun Squirrel Feeder

Have fun watching your backyard squirrels with this entertaining feeder.

This feeder provides an unusually clear view of the squirrels that frequent it, because the bold critters actually climb inside the feed jar to eat!

James M. of Manor, Texas shares the fun design. His "squirrel under glass" feeder provides a whole lot of entertainment in his backyard. As a side benefit, it helps keep the squirrels from raiding the bird feeders in his yard. Just mount it on the end of your yard opposite the bird feeders, and keep it filled.

James designed the squirrel feeder with entrance holes large enough for the furry critters to crawl through, but snug enough to make the structure feel like a nesting box. While the feeder was designed with squirrels in mind, it has attracted a few other interesting visitors, too.

"I've found birds feeding in it, particularly during bad weather," James says. "They seem to like being able to feed where it's dry."
Another plus is that this feeder requires only a minimum of materials. All that's needed is a 6-foot fence board, a handful of screws and a 1-gallon glass jar. If you don't have the glass jar, or don't want to eat a year's supply of pickles to build this feeder, ask local restaurants, schools or other establishments that buy food in bulk if they have an extra jar to spare.

"Offer to trade a finished feeder for a supply of jars," James suggests. "If you can't find a free jar, a sun tea jar bought at the store will work, too." Just be sure it has an inside diameter of at least 6 inches, so squirrels can dine in comfort.