How do you make a squirrel feeder out of a jar?

What is the purpose of making a squirrel feeder?

The main purpose of making a squirrel feeder out of a jar is to provide food for squirrels in an easily accessible way. Squirrels are nimble creatures that can access food from all sorts of tricky places. However, a simple jar feeder allows you to easily put food out for squirrels without it getting wet or blown away. It also contains the food tidily in one place, making it quick and easy for squirrels to eat from.

Feeding squirrels can be an enjoyable hobby for many people. Watching the acrobatic squirrels dexterously spin the jar and extract the treats inside is entertaining. A squirrel jar feeder also allows you to get up close views of the squirrels in your yard or neighborhood.

Some other benefits of squirrel feeders include:

• Gives squirrels an additional food source, especially during harsh winters
• Allows you to supplement their natural diet with healthy foods like nuts, seeds and dried fruit
• Keeps squirrels out of bird feeders, preventing them from eating all the bird seed
• Provides mental stimulation and enrichment for the squirrels

So in summary, squirrel jar feeders allow you to easily feed the neighborhood squirrels while enjoying watching their antics. It’s an easy craft that provides entertainment for people while supplementing the squirrels’ diets.

What are the supplies needed?

To make a simple squirrel jar feeder, you only need a few basic craft supplies:

• A glass jar – A 1 quart/liter sized wide-mouth canning jar works well
• Nuts, seeds and/or dried fruit for squirrel food
• A drill with various sized drill bits
• Jute twine, string or thin rope
• Scissors
• (Optional) Decorative elements – paint, stickers, lace, burlap etc

The jar needs to be made out of glass so that the squirrels can see the food inside. A wide opening allows them to reach in easily. Make sure to clean out any smells from the jar with soap and water before using.

For food, squirrels love walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, dried corn, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, and more. Mix up their treats to keep them interested!

You’ll need a drill to make holes in the jar lid for the squirrels to reach in. An adult should handle the drill. Jute twine is ideal for tying around the jar lid to hang it up outside.

Finally, get creative with decorative elements like paint, buttons, fabric scraps, stickers, lace or anything else you want to personalize your feeder with! This step is optional but can make it look more attractive.

How do you safely drill holes in the jar lid?

Drilling holes in the metal jar lid for the squirrels to reach through is the most important step for creating a functional squirrel feeder. Here are some tips for drilling safely:

• Have an adult handle the drill – it can be dangerous for kids
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris
• Work on a sturdy surface where the jar lid can be secured in place
• Clamp down the lid or have someone hold it steady while drilling
• Start with a smaller drill bit like 1/8″ to make a pilot hole
• Gradually increase drill bit sizes up to 3/4″ for squirrel paws to fit through
• Make at least 4-6 holes spaced evenly around the lid
• Go slow and be cautious – drilling metal requires care
• Clean up any metal shards carefully after drilling

Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and get help from an experienced adult. The metal lid will be sharp after drilling the holes, so be very careful handling it after. Filing down any rough edges is recommended.

Now you’ll have a metal lid that the squirrels can reach their paws through to get the tasty treats inside while still keeping most of the food contained!

How do you securely attach and hang the jar feeder?

Once you’ve drilled holes in the jar lid, you need to hang up your squirrel feeder securely. Here are some tips:

• Use jute twine, rope or string that is weather resistant
• Cut a piece about 3 feet long
• Make knots at each end and the middle for hanging
• Place the middle knot over the threaded rim of the jar lid
• Twist the lid back onto the jar tightly to secure the hanging rope
• Tie the end knots around a tree branch, fence post, eave or deck railing
• Use a strong support that can hold the weight of the jar when full
• Keep out of reach from cats or other predators
• Hang at least 5 feet off the ground so squirrels can access it

Position your squirrel feeder in a visible spot where you can watch their acrobatics from indoors too! Make sure it hangs securely and won’t detach or break free from weight or wind.

Monitor it and detach the jar to refill it with yummy treats when it gets low. The squirrels will love their new feeder!

What kind of food should you put in a squirrel jar feeder?

Squirrels are omnivores and will eat both plant foods like nuts, seeds, grains and fruits as well as occasional insects, eggs or even young birds. Here are some healthy, safe options for stocking your DIY squirrel jar feeder:

Nuts

• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Almonds (shelled)
• Hazelnuts
• Peanuts (shelled, no salt)
• Pine nuts
• Pistachios (shelled, no salt)

Nuts in shells can also be offered but may get messy. Shelled nut pieces allow for easy eating.

Seeds

• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Squash seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Flax seeds

Look for raw, unsalted varieties. Squirrels love sunflower seeds!

Dried Fruit

• Raisins
• Dried cranberries
• Dried apricots
• Dried apples
• Dried papaya
• Dried pineapple
• Dried mango
• Currants

Chop large dried fruits into pieces. Fruit gives some nice variety.

Grains

• Whole oats
• Wheat berries
• Millet
• Buckwheat
• Corn kernels
• Dried corn

Scatter grain mixes into the feeder too. Dried corn kernels are a favorite.

Avoid processed people foods like crackers, chips or sweets. Stick to wholesome natural foods that squirrels eat in the wild. Mix it up with nuts, seeds, fruits, grains and corn for variety!

What are some tips for discouraging squirrels from monopolizing the feeder?

As much fun as squirrel feeders are, the small rodents can sometimes scare away other wildlife or even become territorial over your feeder. Here are some tips to keep the peace:

• Place multiple feeders around your yard – this prevents crowding
• Include separate feeders specifically for birds, well above the ground
• Offer less-favored treats squirrels like dried corn and sunflowers in the jar feeder to discourage them hogging it
• Use a tray feeder for birds that catches spilled seed squirrels won’t waste time on
• Provide shelled nuts only to prevent squirrels from digging up your garden burying nuts
• Include ‘squirrel-proof’ feeders with cage mechanisms for birds
• Use safflower seed which birds like but squirrels don’t care for
• Apply hot pepper powder around other feeders to deter squirrels
• Take down the squirrel feeder at night when not supervised
• Place feeders at different heights and spaces to reduce competition
• Water down seed in other feeders so it won’t appeal to squirrels

With some clever strategies, you can keep your furry friends happy while also caring for the birds in your yard. Just be prepared for those clever squirrels to persistently find ways to get the good stuff!

How often should you clean and refill a squirrel jar feeder?

To keep your DIY squirrel jar feeder functioning safely and reducing disease risks, it’s important to periodically clean and refill it. Here are some tips:

• Check food and water levels daily, refilling as needed
• Completely dump out old food and wash the jar with soap weekly
• Use hot water and a bottle brush to fully scrub inside jar
• Let air dry completely before refilling with fresh food
• Monitor for mold, caking, insect infestations or rancid food smells and discard
• Soak jar in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution monthly to disinfect
• Replace jar if cracks form which could harm squirrels
• Refresh rope, twine or hanging hardware as needed if wearing out

It’s recommended to fully take down, disassemble, clean and reassemble the feeder every 1-2 months. This helps reset the squirrels’ domination and lets everyone have equal access.

Consistent cleaning helps prevent food waste buildup and bacterial growth that could sicken squirrels. Keep your bushy tailed friends healthy while enjoying their antics!

What kinds of weather conditions should you bring the jar feeder inside from?

While squirrel jar feeders are designed to be outdoor animal feeders, there are some inclement weather situations where you should bring it inside temporarily:

• Heavy rain or storms – Downpours can quickly rot and saturate food. Squirrels shelter during storms so bring inside.
• High winds – Gale force winds could detach and break the feeder. Secure inside.
• Extreme cold – Food can freeze into inaccessible blocks in bitter cold. Store indoors if under 20°F (-6°C).
• Excessive heat – Food can spoil rapidly in sweltering heat over 90°F (32°C).
• Severe snow or ice – Food will be inaccessible under heavy cover. Clean off or take inside.
• Storm warnings – It’s best to preemptively take a jar feeder in if warnings predict serious weather.

Choose a sheltered overhang or awning to hang your feeder under. This minimizes exposure to the elements. Avoid hanging near trees where feeder could get broken by falling debris in storms.

Use common sense to monitor local weather and bring delicate feeders indoors when conditions could compromise them. Your furry friends will appreciate it!

Can you put out food for just one squirrel, or do you have to feed them in a way that any squirrel can access?

Squirrels are highly food-motivated creatures that compete for resources. While it may seem nice to want to feed just one adorable squirrel that visits your yard, they will inevitably attract more. Here’s why it’s not feasible to limit feeder access:

• Squirrels communicate and share food source locations with others.
• Dominant squirrels will likely block a single squirrel from monopolizing a feeder.
• Squirrels have excellent sense of smell and can detect food from remarkable distances.
• Scattering food across a wide area still won’t prevent multiple squirrels from finding it.
• Squirrels are agile and tenacious, able to access food in tricky confined spaces.
• Excluding certain squirrels goes against their nature as foragers to roam and eat.
• Attempts to segregate feeder access often fail and cause stress.
• It’s most natural to allow any squirrels in the area free rein to utilize your feeder.

The easiest and most ethical option is to hang or place accessible squirrel feeders where any individuals can eat from them. Be prepared for word to spread rapidly through the local squirrel network! Enjoy watching their antics and social interactions.

Should you be concerned about making squirrels overweight or dependent on human feeders?

It’s understandable to worry that supplementing wild squirrels’ diets with human feeders could make them overweight or overly reliant. However, some key points provide reassurance:

• Squirrels are highly active and burn off extra calories rapidly climbing, foraging and playing.
• Their digestion is very efficient at extracting nutrients from food.
• Squirrels will regulate their intake if given abundant access to food variety.
• They have sizable home ranges of up to 20 acres, so won’t rely solely on one feeder.
• Squirrels still forage naturally for tree fruits/nuts, fungi, insects, eggs, etc.
• Feeders provide supplemental nutrients to counter sparse seasons.
• Squirrels remain wary of humans and don’t become dependent on them.
• You can use healthy food choices and limit quantities to prevent excess weight gain.

With some common sense feeding practices, supplying additional food via feeders is safe. It helps support local squirrel populations without disrupting their wild ways. Just enjoy the entertainment and education!

Conclusion

Crafting DIY squirrel feeders from glass jars is an easy, enjoyable project that provides neighborhood squirrels with supplemental nutrition. Just drill some holes in the lid, add healthy food mixes, hang it securely outside, and let the squirrel antics begin!

With proper practices like rotating multiple feeder locations, offering nutritious natural foods, and regularly cleaning, you can maintain a safe feeding station that doesn’t disrupt local ecosystems. Following precautions like bringing the feeder inside during severe weather will keep both you and the squirrels happy.

Squirrel behavior is fascinating to observe up close when you provide a feeder. Enjoy watching their acrobatics and intelligence at work right in your own yard. Just be prepared to share with squirrels far and wide who will inevitably be attracted to the feeding opportunity. Having plenty of food available minimizes squabbles.

Setting up a DIY squirrel jar feeder brings these amazing creatures right to your doorstep for entertainment, education and supplemental nutrition. Just be sure to hang on tight to the jar lid because those squirrels will certainly give it a spin!