The Bottom Line
Attractive and efficient, the Squirrel Proof Selective caged tube seed feeder from Duncraft has multiple features designed to exclude squirrels but permits unrestricted feeding for small backyard birds. With a good capacity and easy-to-fill design, this feeder is a welcome addition to birders' backyard buffets.
Pros
- Multiple squirrel-deterrent features.
- Large roof protects feeding birds from weather.
- Sturdy materials resist squirrel damage.
Cons
- Difficult to clean feeding ports without disassembling cage.
- Seed below lowest feeding port is inaccessible to birds.
Description
- Name: Duncraft Squirrel Proof Selective
- Manufacturer: Duncraft
- Feeder Type: Seed Tube
- Height: 20" (50.8 cm) total with metal hanger
- Width: 10.5" (26.7 cm)
- Capacity: 1.5 lbs
- Construction: Metal, plastic
- Price: $69.95 (via Duncraft; prices from other retailers may vary)
Guide Review - Squirrel Proof Selective Feeder From Duncraft
The Squirrel Proof Selective feeder is one of Duncraft's most popular caged bird feeders for good reason. With multiple features designed specifically to deter squirrels, including washer locks to secure the cap, sturdy metal construction on critical areas and a wide diameter cage with 1.5 inch mesh, pesky mammals will have a hard time raiding this feeder. While they may be able to climb on the cage, the 3.5 inch distance between the cage and the sturdy feeding tube ensures that most squirrels are completely excluded from the feeder.
Small backyard birds, on the other hand, will have no trouble with the mesh size and the six metal protected feeding ports provide ample room for birds to feed. The open mesh bottom of the feeder prevents accumulation of discarded seed, hulls and feces that can lead to disease and mildew, and dropped seeds give ground-feeding birds access to a good meal. At the same time, the overhanging metal roof protects the feeder and feeding birds from direct sunlight, rain and snow. Because of the mesh size, larger birds such as European starlings, brown-headed cowbirds and doves – all of which have voracious appetites – cannot use this feeder, giving more opportunity for small, colorful birds to feed.
The approximate 1.5 pound capacity of the interior feeding tube accommodates a good supply of mixed seed, sunflower seeds or sunflower hearts, though the wide feeding ports are unsuitable for Nyjer or other small, lightweight seeds. The tapered bottom helps direct seed to the lowest feeding ports, but some seed is still inaccessible beneath those ports.
The feeder is refilled by moving the squirrel lock washers away from the top, and the thick plastic base easily twists off to clean the feeder from the bottom. Because of the feeder's enclosed construction, however, it can be difficult to thoroughly clean the feeding ports without completely disassembling the cage. The wire mesh is secured by multiple metal clips and resists warping or breaking. Despite its sturdy construction, however, this feeder is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, due in part to the plastic construction of the feeding tube.
If squirrels are the problem, the Squirrel Proof Selective cage bird feeder from Duncraft can be the solution. Sturdily built and cleverly designed to exclude both large birds and squirrels, this is a great feeder to add to a backyard buffet that all small birds will enjoy.
