11. The Upside-Down Bottle Feeder
For a fun, gravity-defying twist that deters lighter unwanted birds while welcoming agile squirrels, the Upside-Down Bottle Feeder is an exceptional choice. Utilizing a large transparent plastic soda bottle or a glass carafe inverted inside a custom wooden frame, this design challenges squirrels to hang upside down to access their favorite treats.
Materials and Tools Needed
- A large 2-liter clear plastic bottle or glass beverage bottle
- Cedar boards for the frame and feeding tray
- Coping saw and drill
- Weatherproof hanging wire
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
- Build the Wooden Frame: Construct a sturdy vertical wooden frame that holds the inverted bottle securely in place with the neck of the bottle suspended about 1 inch above a wide base feeding tray.
- Prepare the Bottle: Remove the bottle cap and drill several 1/2-inch holes around the neck and shoulder of the bottle so that seeds can trickle out into the tray below as they are disturbed.
- Mount the Bottle: Invert the filled bottle into the upper frame ring so the neck points downward toward the base tray. Secure it with a removable wooden bracket or leather strap.
- Create the Trough: Build a spacious wooden base tray beneath the bottle opening with high enough walls to catch loose seeds and give squirrels a comfortable place to stand while feeding.
- Hang Securely: Attach your hanging wire to the top of the frame and suspend it in an open area of the yard.
Essential Tips and Variations
- Wire Mesh Wrap: Wrap the base tray in wire mesh to prevent squirrels from scooping out all the seed at once, encouraging them to forage longer.
- Colorful Fill: Fill the transparent bottle with brightly colored striped sunflower seeds for an eye-catching visual display.