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How to make ● a SQUIRREL PROOF Bird Feeder

3,749,685 views October 25, 2016 6:09

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ChannelChris Notap

In brief

Build a stylish, squirrel-proof bird feeder using copper and glass that keeps seed dry and lets you watch birds up close. The design uses precise hole sizes to block squirrels while welcoming small birds, and the transparent glass adds a sleek, aesthetic touch. Perfect for birdwatchers who want a functional yet elegant solution for their yard.

Key steps

  1. Cut salvaged copper pipe into 3/4-inch lengths for the feeder’s entry holes.
  2. Measure and cut glass pieces (two sides, one bottom) to fit the feeder’s dimensions.
  3. Attach a salvaged seatbelt hinge to create a door for the feeder’s entrance.
  4. Use silicone adhesive to secure the glass sides and base together.
  5. Drill a 1.5-inch hole in a 4x4 fence post to mount the feeder on a pole.
  6. Screw the fence post to a plywood base, then attach the base to the glass feeder.
  7. Add a coat-hanger latch to the glass door to keep it securely closed.
  8. Mount the feeder on a galvanized pipe for stability and easy filling.

Questions & answers

What size holes should I cut in the copper pipe to keep squirrels out?

Cut holes no larger than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, as squirrels can’t fit through openings smaller than about 2 inches.

Description from the creator

DON'T MISS THE UPDATE AT THE END!! Made from copper and glass, this diy bird feeder is squirrel proof! Easy to make and saves you money. It allows birds to enter to get to the bird seed but prevents squirrel entry. Most small birds can enter holes 1" to 1.5" and squirrels can get into a hole not much smaller than a 2" hole as you can see in my little test video where I determined the smallest size hole that a squirrel could enter.
Bird feeder guards can be pretty ugly and are not very aesthetic but this bird feeder actually looks elegant and sleek with the patina of the old copper pipe and glass. Easy to fill and very easy to clean-out. Seed stays dry due to the solar effect of the glass. The bird feeder is see through so watching birds in your yard will become even better and more entertaining as the squirrels attempt to get to the bird seed and fail. I used my new Gopro "session" camera and got some pretty interesting shots of the birds as they enter from inside and outside the feeder!!

US
● Glass Cutter ....amzn.to/2Hp9YL3
● Silicone Adhesive .... amzn.to/2IZITyu

CANADA
● Glass Cutter .... amzn.to/2MGo4F1
● Silicone Adhesive .... amzn.to/2K7i8Ej

or MY STORE
● amazon.com/shop/chrisnotap
● amazon.ca/shop/chrisnotap

Full Transparency! A small portion of each sale goes from Amazon's pocket to my pocket with no additional cost to you! Thanks for your support. It's very much appreciated!

PART LIST:
1) 1.5" (3.8cm) salvaged copper pipe cut into 3/4"(19mm) lengths
2) Salvaged window glass. I used 0.2"(5mm) thick glass which is pretty strong, you could use thinner. You'll need 2 pieces for the sides 16" x 11 1/2"( 40cm x 30cm) and 1 piece for the bottom 16" x 10 3/4"
(40cm x 27cm)
3) Salvaged seat belt material for the bird feeder door hinge.
4) All purpose silicone to hold all parts of the bird feeder together.
5) 7" x 11"x 3/4" (18cm x 28cm x 19mm) salvaged plywood for the base.
6) 4x4x 7"(9cm x 9cm) salvaged fence post
7) 1.5" (3.8cm) drill spade bit for bird feeder pole
8) 1.5" (3.8cm) galvanized fence pipe to mount the bird feeder onto.

I took the piece of 4" x 4" fence post and drilled a hole in it to fit the size of the pole.
I then used screws to attach that piece of fence post to the piece of 3/4" (19mm) plywood.
I then used silicone to attach the plywood to the glass base in the feeder.
The plywood piece then allows you to attach the coat-hanger latch for the glass door.

About this tutorial

Chris Notap published this 6:09 video tutorial on October 25, 2016. It has been watched 3,749,685 times on YouTube.

Duration
6:09
Published
October 25, 2016
Views
3,749,685
Likes
35,251

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