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People who are new to hanging bird feeders may not realize how important a bird feeder pole is.
To the uninitiated, these probably look like any other pole. Why not save some money and just buy a standard steel pole?
You’ll find that bird feeder poles have a range of benefits that truly separate them and make them uniquely suited for bird watching.
For example, consider the height of your feeder. Some birds prefer feeding from short heights, like hummingbirds, while woodpeckers won’t visit unless you’re using a 7 or 8 foot feeder.
Picking the right size, or choosing an adjustable pole, will help you attract the right birds to your yard.
Not only that, but the best bird feeder poles can stop squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, deer, and other pests from stealing food and harming birds.
You’ll want to look for products that offer a range of features to keep your birds safe while ensuring many different species visit your yard.
While many of these products share similar characteristics and features, they’re not all built the same. For example, cheap quality feeder poles can bend and break from high winds and rains. Some may even bend if your feeders are too heavy.
You’ll want to choose one with a pole that is sturdy enough to stand up to the elements, strong enough to hold larger feeders, and made from a strong material like iron or steel. Another important factor is whether they can resist typical pests that seek to steal from your feeder.
We have sourced feeder poles that cover these characteristics, so let’s dig in and have a look.
10 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Poles Reviewed
1. Ashman Premium Feeding Station Kit
This model comes with so many hooks and accessories that you’ll have no problem hanging all your favorite feeders, along with a few extras. Standing almost 94 inches tall and 17.71 inches wide, this model requires no tools and has a very sturdy five-pronged base for stable installation. The pole is made from durable steel.
You’ll find four large arms on top made for heavier feeders. There’s a plastic tray for a heated birdbath and a mesh basket for mealworms and other food sources. You also get two adjustable arms for smaller feeders. The trays and smaller arms can be placed in different positions on the pole.
If you’re looking to attract a variety of birds, like robins, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and more, then this feeder pole is the right choice.
Features
- Four large arms, two small arms, and two trays
- Stands 94 inches tall with a five-pronged base
- Adjust the position of the smaller arms and trays
2. World Source Super Tall Decorative Quad Hanger
If you want a durable and strong model that can hold heavy bird feeders, this is ideal. The design is beautiful and works as a lovely lawn decoration. This 8 foot birdfeeder pole stands 98 inches and a 20-inch ground socket ensures secure planting.
Made from steel, this model stands up to the elements and can accommodate heavy feeders. Putting the pole together takes seconds and requires no tools. Simply twist the pole sections together and you’re good to go.
If you’re looking for a simple and sturdy option, then this model fits the bill. It’s a tall unit that will keep most annoying pests at bay while colorful birds can come and catch a meal.
Features
- Made from sturdy steel
- Perfect for heavy bird feeders
- Beautiful design
3. Best Choice Topper Bird Feeder Pole with Squirrel Baffle
Here’s a simple product that allows you to hang two feeders simultaneously without any fuss. The pole is 60 inches long and includes a 14.5-inch squirrel baffle, a twisting section to plant into the ground, and two iron arms for hanging your favorite feeders.
The baffle will prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole while the strong arms can hold any feeder you have. Not only that, but stronger pests like raccoons will have a hard time bending these arms. Assembly is easy. Simply twist the pole sections together, twist the bottom screw into the ground, and you’re finished.
For a simple and strong pole, this product is more than suitable for your yard.
Features
- Strong iron arms
- Stands about 60 inches tall
- Comes with a 14.5-inch squirrel baffle
4. Droll Yankees Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Pole
This 80-inch feeder pole has a secure 20-inch twisting ground socket so that it’s firmly planted in the ground. Made with 1-inch thick, 16-gauge steel, this is a durable piece that will last through all four seasons. The four arms are 22 inches long, making them very difficult for squirrels and other pests to access.
The finish is powder-coated black and no tools are required to assemble or install this model. Since it’s made from heavy-duty steel, you’ll have no problems hanging both light and heavy feeders from the four arms.
If you’re looking for a simple pole with a long reach, then this is great. It prevents squirrels from stealing your food and can even accommodate heavy feeders.
Features
- Four arms that are 22 inches long
- 4 Season Bird Feeder Pole
- Made from heavy-duty steel
5. Premium Bird Feeding Station Kit
Premium is the ideal word for this product and it’s one of the best budget bird feeder poles, price-wise. The pole is made from durable steel and you get plenty of hooks and accessories to improve the feeding experience. There’s a plastic tray for a birdbath, a mesh tray for mealworms and suet, and four different hooks of varying sizes. This allows you to hang a variety of feeders to attract many birds.
The pole stands 91 inches and the longest hooks are 22 inches wide. A three-pronged hook on the bottom ensures secure planting. All adjustments and installation steps are completed without tools. There are also various positions for the hooks and trays, so customize the arrangement until you’re happy.
This is the best bird feeder pole if you’re looking to attract a diverse range of birds by accommodating all their food preferences.
Features
- Made from durable steel
- Comes with four hooks and two trays
- Stands 91 inches tall
6. Erva Five Piece Feeder Pole Set
This model has a flat mounting flange that makes it suitable for heavy birdhouses and feeders with a flat base. Made of five pieces, the pole is simple to assemble and install. Three pieces are the pole itself, which measures 76 inches above ground, along with the flat mounting flange and a 20-inch twisting ground socket. All pieces are made from black powder coated steel.
The mounting plate can accommodate items that are 6 inches long and 4 inches wide or larger. You’ll find holes in the bottom of the plate for thumb screws to secure the feeder in place. The pole has a 1-inch diameter and it can withstand winds, rains, and harsh elements.
If you prefer using birdhouses and flat feeders, then this pole is ideal. It gives you a highly secure mounting base to secure your feeder.
Features
- Five-section model that easily screws together
- 76 inches above ground with a 20-inch mounting socket
- Flat base for securing feeders
7. Gray Bunny Shepherd Hook
Many people love shepherd hooks because they’re simple, efficient, and do their job with ease. The Gray Bunny hook is a single, 65-inch piece that requires no assembly. It’s one single piece of cast iron. That means no assembly and no weakness at the joints. While perfect for bird feeders, you can also hang flowers, lights, and other ornaments when the birds are gone.
The hook is solid metal and ½ an inch thick, as you can see it’s strong enough to hold a gazebo bird feeder, which are pretty heavy. The double-forked base prongs ensure secure anchoring. Many people love the traditional look of a shepherd hook as it adds a touch of elegance to any yard. Your birds are sure to appreciate it, and you can easily light or heavy feeders on the hook.
Perfect for those who adore the classic look of a shepherd hook.
Features
- Solid cast iron body
- 65 inches in total, minus 11 inches for anchoring
- Absolutely no assembly
8. Home-X Multi-Home Bird Feeder Pole Deck Kit
Here’s a unique unit that clamps onto a deck or similar railing. This is perfect if you don’t have the yard space or would simply prefer birds to visit your deck. The deck mount clamps any railing that’s up to 2 inches thick. No tools are needed, just twist the mount until it’s tight. The pole is 46 inches long and the two arms are both 17 inches wide.
Made from weather-resistant steel, this can stand up to winds and rains without any problems. Not only that, but the arms have a lovely leaf aesthetic that fits perfectly with the birds that are sure to visit.
This is an ideal feeder pole if you don’t have the yard space or want the place feeders on your deck.
Features
- Connects to any railing (up to 2 inches thick) without tools
- 46 inches long and 17 inches wide
- Two arms with a leaf design
9. Kettle Moraine Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Pole
A legitimate squirrel proof feeder pole, this model from Kettle Moraine provides a baffle to keep squirrels at bay, while allowing you to hang your favorite feeders and attachments. Made from heavy-duty steel with a black powder finish, this is a durable pole with two arms that extend out 12 inches.
The pole is 85 inches above ground with a 21-inch twisting ground socket. This allows you to hang the feeders high while having a deep and secure anchor in the ground. Putting the pole together only requires twisting three pieces together and then installing the arms.
An attractive bird pole made from durable materials and a squirrel-proof baffle.
Features
- Baffle made to prevent squirrels from climbing the pole
- Deep 21-inch anchor and 85-inch height above ground
- Two arms for hanging your favorite feeders
10. Deluxe Bird Feeding Station for Outdoors
This bird feeder pole stands about 91 inches tall, extends out 22 inches with the hooks, and has numerous positions for mounting trays and hooks. One of the best aspects is that all the adjustments can be done by hand, no tools required. Both mesh and acrylic water trays are included.
The twin top hooks can attract finches and chickadees with Nyjer and tube feeders. The third hooks allow you to attract woodpeckers and starlings with a suet basket. From mealworms to common birdseed, you can load this pole with the most common food sources for your favorite birds.
Feel free to stagger the dishes and hooks however you wish. All the adjustments are simple and only take moments.
Features
- Simple planting, just push the bottom fork into the ground
- Multiple hooks and trays, arrange in any order
- All adjustments done by hand
FAQ
How to Stop Squirrels from Climbing the Bird Feeder Pole?
There are several ways to keep squirrels from climbing your bird feeder pole.
Some people may want to apply a slippery substance like petroleum jelly or oil to make the pole difficult to climb.
This is good in that it makes the pole impossible to climb, but there are some downsides.
You’ll have to reapply this whenever it rains and it has a low chance of being dangerous for squirrels if they ingest it.
We have other suggestions that don’t require as much maintenance.
- Squirrel baffles make wonderful protection. A squirrel will get stuck at the baffle and won’t be able to reach the feeder. Some of the best bird feeder poles come with baffles already, but you can add a baffle to nearly any model.
- A slinky is also great because it won’t support the squirrel’s weight. We’ll cover this more during the next part of our FAQ.
- Using specific foods can also prevent squirrels from climbing the pole.
- Squirrels rarely eat safflower seeds, so you use these to make your feeder unappetizing to squirrels.
- You can also mix cayenne pepper into the seeds, birds won’t taste it, but squirrels do and they’ll learn to avoid your feeders.
How to Attach a Slinky to a Bird Feeder Pole?
Slinkys prevent squirrels from gaining any ground when trying to climb your bird feeder pole. Attaching them is simple.
Many people have success just duct-taping one end to the top of the pole. Other people attach the slinky to the feeder and then thread it through the pole.
How to Keep Squirrels Off your Bird Feeder Pole?
Some of the best measures to keep squirrels away from bird feeder poles include using a squirrel baffle, slinky, or changing the food so squirrels aren’t interested in your bird feeder.
The following tips are more about keeping squirrels away from the pole entirely.
You can setup a separate squirrel feeder that will attract squirrels and keeps them away from the pole. You’ll be sacrificing some food, but it should appease squirrels so the birds can eat in peace. However, keep in mind that this will attract squirrels to your yard.
Others use an ultra-high-frequency device as a squirrel repellant that emits a sound squirrels hate. Birds will be fine and people won’t notice it, but squirrels should stay away from your yard.
Motion-activated sprinklers will also scare the squirrels, and nothing is better than a dog or cat for keeping them away.
Where to Position a Bird Feeder Pole?
Proper positioning can help prevent squirrels from ever reaching your feeder. Birds will come no matter where you place the pole, so this is more about proper positioning to prevent your feeders from being raided.
Placing the pole near a tree, wall, or anything a squirrel can climb is a bad idea. Squirrels can bypass even the best defenses if they have another opening, like dropping from a tree. It’s best to place the pole in an isolated area where there are no trees or other objects for a squirrel to climb.
How Tall should a Bird Feeder be?
We suggest a minimum of 5 feet, this gives enough clearance for the birds to land comfortably and feel at east while feeding. Tall enough to be away from ground prey and additionally you should position the feeder at least 10 feet away from surrounding trees and shrubbery. Birds are far more likely to land when there is no sense of imminent danger, being too low to the ground or beside a thick tree line may put them off.
How to Apply a Squirrel Baffle?
While this may differ based on your exact squirrel baffle, most are applied in the same way.
There is usually a bracket you install on the pole by screwing together the pieces. The baffle will then rest on top of this bracket. If you ordered a pole with a pre-installed baffle, then you probably won’t have to install it. It will just be part of the pole section itself.
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