Squirrels are adorable little creatures. But while you are feeding birds in your yard, they are not, and why? You know better than me. They have an extra attraction on birdseed and always mess in the bird feeders and keeps wild bird away from your yard.
So, people apply many ways to keep them away from feeders, from squirrel proof feeders to deterrents. Among them, using slinky is a common and powerful way to keep them away from bird feeder poles. So, in the article, I provide you with an in-depth guide on how you can easily attach a slinky to a bird feeder pole and also provide some information regarding bird feeder pole slinky.
How does a Slinky work on a bird feeder?
The slinky’s main aim is to keep squirrels out of the bird feeder, but the mechanism is simple. You can consider slinky as a spring.
After installing it on the pool, when squirrels are trying to get the birds feed and climb through the bird feeder pool. They need to pass the slinky or the spring. Due to gravity, while they reach the slinky, their body’s weight pulls the spring down, and they end up back on the ground.
However, if you want to make this method bulletproof, you need to use a specialized slinky spring, which keeps them away from the feeder pole.
Why use a slinky on a feeder pole?
Generally, a feeder pole can reduce the squirrel’s presence in bird feeders, but squirrels are so creative and easily get away to climb the pole and access bird food. For this, you need to use a slinky. Also, if your feeder pole is made of wooden or metal, then it is easy to climb for squirrels. So, that time you also need to use a slinky on a feeder pole.
How do you attach a Slinky to a bird feeder pole?
The attachment process is so easy if your feeder pole comes with an easy hook point. If it does not come with any hook point, you need to be a bit creative.
Before you attach a slinky, you need to keep the squirrel’s weight in mind. Generally, an adult grey squirrel’s weight is around 400g to 600g. So, you need to securely attach the slinky and ensure that it can hold the weight of adult squirrels. Otherwise, it just falls off, and they get an excellent opportunity to get the bird seeds.
Now, follow the below step by step guide to attach a slinky to your bird feeder pole:
Step 1: The only tricky part is you need to tighten the slinky properly with the pole. As most of the pole does not come with any place to hold the slinky, you need to use Plan B. You need to put the slinky on the top of the pole and in the curb parts.
Step 2: Use a wire to bind a single wire of the slinky to secure it. You can also put the slinky between the bird feeder hanger, making it secure.
Step 3: Drop the slinky down. Now, it is ready to protect your birdseed from a squirrel.
Few tips while attaching a slinky
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when attaching a slinky:
- Do not let the slinky hang all the way to the ground. Maintain a distance between the ground and the slinky. It should be around 2 feet or more.
- You need to change the feeder pool’s location if it is located near the tree branch or where squirrels can jump into the feeder.
Does the slinky harm the squirrel?
Slinky is the easiest way to keep squirrels away from bird poles without harming them. The slinky just put back squirrel in the ground while they are trying to climb in the slinky without through or catching them. Another proof is when the squirrel attempt over and over to cross the slinky. If it is harmful to them, they will surely avoid it after the first attempt.
Final Words
While you plan to feed birds in your backyard, several things can create obstacles. Among them, squirrel raiding in bird feeders is so common. People use several methods to get rid of them. Now, you know one of the easiest ways is attaching a slinky. I hope now you know how to attach a slinky to a bird feeder pole in a perfect way.
Few tips while attaching a slinky
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when attaching a slinky:
- Do not let the slinky hang all the way to the ground. Maintain a distance between the ground and the slinky. It should be around 2 feet or more.
- You need to change the feeder pool’s location if it is located near the tree branch or where squirrels can jump into the feeder.
Does the slinky harm the squirrel?
Slinky is the easiest way to keep squirrels away from bird poles without harming them. The slinky just put back squirrel in the ground while they are trying to climb in the slinky without through or catching them. Another proof is when the squirrel attempt over and over to cross the slinky. If it is harmful to them, they will surely avoid it after the first attempt.
Final Words
While you plan to feed birds in your backyard, several things can create obstacles. Among them, squirrel raiding in bird feeders is so common. People use several methods to get rid of them. Now, you know one of the easiest ways is attaching a slinky. I hope now you know how to attach a slinky to a bird feeder pole even on a deck feeder pole in a perfect way.
