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The Bottom Line

Squirrels and large birds can quickly empty feeders, depriving smaller birds of a nutritious meal. Not so with the Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver 200 Wild Bird Feeder, a cleverly designed, guaranteed squirrel-proof feeder featuring multiple deterrents that keep squirrels and bully birds away from the feeding ports. Attractive and durable, this feeder is a must-have for any backyard birder troubled by squirrels.


Pros

• Comes with instructions for proper use and cleaning, as well as tips for attracting and protecting backyard birds.
• Free seed funnel is included for easy refilling, and the bright yellow Seed-O-Meter makes it easy to see the current seed level.
• Interior plastic tube reservoir can be removed for cleaning and is dishwasher safe.
• Metal construction, narrow cage openings and sensitive spring movement deter squirrels effectively.

Cons

• Disassembly for cleaning can be complicated but is explained in the instructions and is easy to learn.

Description

• Name: Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver 200 Wild Bird Feeder
• Manufacturer / Retailer: Wildbird-Solutions.com inc. / Duncraft and others
• Feeder Type: Tube
• Height: 20.0" (50.8 cm) not including the hanging wire
• Width: 8.0" x 8.0" (20.3 cm x 20.3 cm) including the width of the perches
• Capacity: Approximately 2-3 lbs depending on type of seed offered
• Construction: Coated steel cage and roof with interior plastic feeding tube
• Price: $49.95 (USD) (via Duncraft; prices from other retailers may vary)

Review - Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver 200 Wild Bird Feeder

Squirrels are clever creatures and will work tirelessly to break into a bird feeder, but even the most industrious squirrels will be thwarted by the multiple deterrents that are part of the Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver 200 Wild Bird Feeder. To get to the seed, any squirrel or large bird would need to bypass several features, including:

• Steel construction of the roof, cage and perches
• Dual metal buttons to lock the lid and prevent tampering
• Only small cage openings to permit access to the feeding ports
• Weight-sensitive cage that blocks feeding ports when a large bird or mammal attempts access

The spring closing mechanism that blocks the feeding ports is sensitive to as little as six ounces of pressure, far lower than the weight of a single squirrel. Bully birds such as large doves, grackles, crows and starlings can also be deterred by the sliding action of the cage, and it slides smoothly to reopen as soon as the unwanted guest has left. The spring is completely enclosed, however, ensuring that it does not become clogged from dust or debris, and ensuring years of smooth, effective action.

The Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver has many additional features that make it even more practical, whether a backyard birder has trouble with squirrels or not. In addition to the squirrel-proofing features, this feeder's design includes:

• Durable plastic tube reservoir that will resist fading and discoloring over time
• Six wide feeding ports that will accommodate sunflower seeds or popular birdseed mixes
• Interior Seed-O-Meter gauge in a bright yellow color to instantly highlight seed levels
• Slanted interior base to direct seed to feeding ports and minimize waste
• Ventilation and drainage holes in the feeder base to keep seed fresh and reduce spoilage
• Tube and cap cover on the hanging wire to minimize moisture intrusion
• Dishwasher safe construction of the interior plastic tube for easy cleaning and sterilization

Along with its practical features, this feeder is also aesthetically pleasing with its rich forest green coloration and oak leaf feeding port covers, making it as attractive in the backyard as it is useful. The stainless steel hanging wire and wide loop allow the feeder to be hung from a branch, bracket or hook, though no hook is included with the feeder.

Backyard birders will also find this feeder's accessories useful. Included with each feeder is a detachable seed funnel of the proper size and shape to allow easy refilling without spilling seed. The Quick Guide that is included with the feeder not only gives instructions for hanging, cleaning and refilling the feeder, but also includes crisp, colorful photos of 20 bird species likely to visit the feeder, with both dimorphic genders pictured and notations for birds' basic geographic ranges (east or west) where applicable.

So confident is manufacturer Wildbird-Solutions.com inc. in this feeder that they offer a 100-year, 100 percent guarantee that the feeder is free of manufacturing and material defects if it is used properly. Full customer support is available from the manufacturer's website, including details for proper hanging, care and cleaning, and a toll-free number is also available for tips and guidance for this bird feeder.

Squirrels and large, voracious birds can be a problem for many backyard birders, but the Squirrel Solutions Seed Saver 200 is the ideal feeder to solve that problem. With multiple squirrel-resistant design features as well as an attractive look, this feeder will be a welcome addition to any bird-friendly backyard, even if the squirrels aren't so welcome.



Disclosure: A review sample was provided by Duncraft. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.