Attracting birds - not squirrels

Last year dh bought me two really nice bird feeders, however, the squirrels figured how to knock them down time and time again and hog all the seeds. Is there a special "something" I need to know to prevent this from happening?

Hi 2r, Welcome to the Bird Watching forum and Daves!

Are your feeders on a pole or in a tree? The best setup for feeders is on a pole system with a baffle that prevents squirrels from being able to climb up. It should be at least 15 feet from trees so that the squirrels can't jump on the top of it.

There are other options but it would involve buying other feeders so I won't bother talking about that.

I'll be back with a picture of a pole w/ baffle to show you. :-)

Here's one example. This is the one that I have but there are many other types.

http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-146/Bird-Feeder-Pole-System/Detail

You can see there's no place for the squirrel to go except inside the baffle which is closed at the top.
http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/photos/advanced_pole_system/nursing_red_on_aps.html

Here is another style baffle. I've never tried it so I can't say whether it's very good or not. Maybe others could give opinions on this one.
***Please notice that this baffle needs a certain dimension pole***

http://www.shopwbu.com/product/part_number=2509/567.0.25214.0.0.0.0

If either of you are handy you might be able to make your own baffle.

Let us know if you need more help. ^_^

thanks pelletory for your reply.
I actually had my two feeders hanging on a shepards hook. The hook is about 5 1/2 - 6 feet tall. Dh is super handy with everything, surely he could make something attractive to serve as a baffle you're referring to to prevent the squirrels from climbing on it.

I am wondering about the trees though. I have trees all around in the front and the back. I'll have to see if I have anywhere close to 15 feet to separate the feeder from the trees.

Thanks again for your help. I didn't even know there was such a thing. lol

Hi 2r, If the feeders hang down too low the squirrels will just be able to jump up on them.

I believe squirrels can jump 4 feet straight up from the ground.

Maybe someone else can get the facts on that. :-)

I think that I read: nearly unlimited downwards, 7' horizontally, 4' up.
I have put umbrellas over some of mine to keep them (and the rain) off. The umbrella thingys are built for the job with a hook sticking out top and bottom. They are sold as "squirrel proof". Something like that, along with a baffle to keep them from climbing should do the trick for you.

I just read somewhere that the best way to keeping them from climbing the poles is to plant a shrub rose at the base of the pole. A nice thorny pathway that they will not use. I gotta' try this.