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How to Make Baffles for Bird Feeders

Squirrels may be cute, but if you feed the birds in your backyard, you already know what a nuisance they can be. Not only do they rob seed from your bird feeders and chase away birds, they can quickly ruin the feeder as well. Without a baffle to protect the feeder, squirrels have easy access and chew small parts, making the feeder useless in a matter of weeks. If you are tired of battling the ill effects of squirrels on your feeders but don't want to go to the expense of buying a squirrel baffle, you can easily make one yourself with common household items.

Things You'll Need

Large shallow bowl
Drill

Instructions

- 1
  Select a large, shallow plastic bowl that is at least 12 to 16 inches across. You can purchase an inexpensive bowl in a dollar store or find them for pennies at yard sales. Paint the bowl to create a more decorative look, if you prefer.
- 2
  Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the center of the bowl. Tie a knot in the rope or wire used to hang the bird feeder about 6 inches above the top of the feeder.
- 3
  Slide the baffle over the rope so that the open end of the bowl faces downward and rests on the knot. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook. Check that squirrels cannot access the feeder from below. When squirrels leap from tree branches to the baffle, the bowl tips and dumps the squirrel to the ground.

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