A good squirrel feeder does more than hold a handful of nuts. It gives the squirrels already visiting your yard a reliable, safe place to feed, and it lets you watch one of the backyard's most acrobatic residents up close. Whether you are setting up your first feeding station or refining one that keeps getting raided and emptied, this guide walks through the main types of squirrel feeders, what separates a good one from a frustrating one, and where a combined house-and-feeder fits in.
At WildYard we build habitat first: our aim is to support the wildlife that shares your space, on their terms. That principle shapes every recommendation below.
What is the best squirrel feeder?
The best squirrel feeder is a sturdy, weather-resistant design that keeps food dry, is easy to refill and clean, and is mounted where squirrels feel safe from predators. For most backyards, a cedar feeder or a combined house-and-feeder offers the best balance of durability, shelter, and low maintenance. Lightweight plastic feeders are inexpensive to start with but tend to crack, blow down, and hold damp food.
Types of squirrel feeders
Squirrel feeders come in a handful of recognisable styles. Each suits a different yard and a different level of involvement.
Box and hopper feeders
A covered box with a lidded compartment that holds a supply of seed or nuts and releases it as the squirrels feed. The roof keeps food dry, and the reservoir means you refill less often. These are a dependable everyday choice.
Squirrel corn cob feeders
A squirrel corn cob feeder is a simple spike, screw, or wire holder that secures a dried corn cob. Squirrels sit and gnaw the kernels off, which also gives their ever-growing incisors a workout. According to the Humane Society of the United States, a squirrel's front teeth never stop growing, so gnawing is a natural, necessary behaviour. Corn cob feeders are inexpensive and endlessly entertaining, though a cob is emptied quickly.
Platform and tray feeders
An open, flat surface, sometimes raised on a post. Easy to load with a mix of foods and easy for squirrels to reach, but food sits exposed to rain and other visitors, so it needs topping up and cleaning more often.
Novelty and "jack" feeders
Feeders where a squirrel has to lift a lid, turn a handle, or sit in a little chair to reach the food. They are made for watching rather than for volume feeding, and they reward the squirrel's problem-solving.
House-and-feeder combinations
A squirrel house with a built-in feeding zone. This combines shelter and food in one structure, which we cover in detail below.
Squirrel feeder types at a glance
| Type | Best for | Weather protection | Refill frequency | Shelter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box / hopper feeder | Everyday reliable feeding | Good (roofed) | Low | No |
| Corn cob feeder | Enrichment and gnawing | Low | High | No |
| Platform / tray | Mixed foods, easy viewing | Low | High | No |
| Novelty / jack feeder | Close-up watching | Varies | High | No |
| House-and-feeder combo | Shelter plus food in one | Good (roofed) | Low | Yes |
What to look for in a good squirrel feeder
Once you have picked a style, a few practical qualities separate a feeder you will love from one you will fight with.
- Durable, weather-resistant material. Cedar and other naturally rot-resistant timbers hold up outdoors for years and do not need chemical treatment.
- A roof or cover. Dry food stays fresh; wet food spoils and can grow mould.
- Easy to refill. A lid or hopper you can top up in seconds means you will actually keep it stocked.
- Easy to clean. Feeders should be emptied and wiped down regularly. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's FeederWatch guidance recommends cleaning feeders roughly every couple of weeks to limit the spread of disease, and the same hygiene logic applies to any wildlife feeder.
- Stable, secure mounting. A feeder that wobbles or falls will be abandoned. Fix it firmly to a post, wall, or tree.
- Sensible placement. Squirrels feed more confidently near cover they can dash to if a hawk or cat appears.
Why a house-and-feeder combo works so well
Most feeders solve only half the problem. They offer food but no shelter, so squirrels grab a meal and leave. A combined squirrel house-and-feeder gives them both: a dry, enclosed space to shelter and nest, and a feeding zone right where they already feel safe.
Our Squirrel House - Hideout & Feeder is built around exactly this idea. It pairs an enclosed cedar chamber where squirrels can shelter from weather and predators with a built-in feeding area, so a single structure supports the animal through the day and across the seasons. Cedar construction means it weathers naturally outdoors, the roof keeps food dry, and the layout is designed to be refilled and cleaned without disturbing the residents. Every WildYard purchase also supports our 1% for the Planet commitment, which directs a share of sales to environmental partners.
If you are still weighing a standalone feeder against a house, our companion article on squirrel house vs. squirrel feeder walks through which one your yard actually needs.
Where to place your squirrel feeder
Placement matters as much as the feeder itself. A few guidelines from wildlife and extension sources:
- Near cover, not in the open. Mount the feeder within a short dash of a tree, fence, or shrub so squirrels can retreat quickly.
- Away from windows and busy paths. Reduce collisions and disturbance by keeping the feeder clear of glass and foot traffic.
- At a height you can reach. You will refill and clean more consistently if the feeder is accessible.
- Set expectations with bird feeders. Many state extension programmes, including University of Minnesota Extension, note that a dedicated squirrel feeding station placed away from bird feeders can help draw squirrels to their own spot.
What to fill your squirrel feeder with
Squirrels are natural foragers with a varied diet. Good staples include unsalted nuts in the shell, dried corn, sunflower seeds, and seasonal fruit and vegetables in moderation. Avoid salted, sugary, or heavily processed human snacks. For a full seasonal breakdown of safe foods and what to skip, see our guide on what to feed squirrels year-round.
Whatever you offer, treat feeding as a supplement to what squirrels forage naturally, not a replacement. A feeder is there to give them a reliable, safe option, not to make them dependent on you.
Simple DIY squirrel feeder ideas
If you like a project, there are plenty of easy diy squirrel feeder options to start with. A wooden board with a screw to hold a corn cob, a repurposed jar mounted under a small roof, or a simple platform fixed to a fence post all work as a first feeder. These squirrel feeder ideas are a great way to learn what your local squirrels prefer and where they feel comfortable feeding.
The trade-off is that most quick DIY builds are neither weatherproof nor long-lasting, and they rarely offer shelter. Once you know squirrels are visiting, a durable cedar feeder or a house-and-feeder combo is usually the more reliable long-term home. For more on drawing squirrels to your space in the first place, see how to attract squirrels to your backyard.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best squirrel feeder?
The best squirrel feeder is a sturdy, weather-resistant design that keeps food dry, is easy to refill and clean, and is mounted near cover where squirrels feel safe. A cedar feeder or a house-and-feeder combo suits most backyards.
What should I put in a squirrel feeder?
Unsalted nuts in the shell, dried corn, sunflower seeds, and small amounts of seasonal fruit and vegetables are good staples. Avoid salted, sugary, or processed foods, and treat feeding as a supplement to natural foraging.
Where should I place a squirrel feeder?
Place it near cover such as a tree, fence, or shrub so squirrels can retreat quickly, away from windows and busy paths, and at a height you can comfortably reach for refilling and cleaning.
Is a squirrel corn cob feeder worth it?
Yes, for enrichment. A corn cob feeder lets squirrels gnaw, which is natural behaviour for their continuously growing teeth. A cob empties quickly, so many people pair one with a roofed hopper or house-and-feeder for steadier feeding.
Do I need a squirrel house as well as a feeder?
Not necessarily, but a house adds shelter that a plain feeder cannot. A combined house-and-feeder gives squirrels a dry place to rest and nest alongside a reliable food source, which is why many backyard hosts choose one structure for both.
WildYard content is written to support backyard wildlife responsibly. This article is general guidance, not veterinary or wildlife-rehabilitation advice; consult a licensed wildlife professional for injured or orphaned animals.
