With some attention to feeder palcement and proper use of squirrel baffles, you'll minimize squirrel damage and enjoy any type of bird feeder you like. A challenging task indeed, as squirrels can eat their weight in birdseed in one week! They can jump up to six feet high and eight feet across, plus they run as fast as 20 mph.

The trick is to remember this when placing bird feeders, as they must be at least eight feet from any horizontal launching point (jumping spot). The bottom of the feeder should be at least four to five feet from the ground. If you are using a 4x4 wood post or iron shepherd's hook, the squirrel baffle should sit immediately below the feeder.

Some of the newer bird feeder poles have squirrel baffles built in, and are amazingly effective at keeping squirrels from feeders.