For owners of raccoons, Bird Feeders are a welcome addition to their outdoor decor. They like the hanging type because they can be used in places that birds would normally not have access to. You hang these underneath your deck or from the porch and then add some bird seed.
The birds come to your patio, you enjoy watching them eat, and they make sure that the pests that invade your patio don’t get any such joy. But here’s the problem: Sometimes there are other creatures who visit your patio more often than you really want them to. This is especially true if you keep a protein feeder in mind.
Get a Feeder with A Lid
Are you looking for ways to keep raccoons out of your bird feeders? You’re not alone. As one of the most common backyard birds in North America, raccoons are a nuisance at the best of times. And if they find their way into your bird feeder, they can be downright destructive.
The good news is that there are several ways you can prevent raccoon intrusion. Here’s what we recommend:
Install a Lid
The simplest method is to purchase a feeder with a lid and use it whenever you put out food for your birds. This will prevent raccoons from having access to bird seeds, nuts, and any other food you might be using for bird feeding. If you don’t have a lid on your feeder, raccoons will have no trouble getting inside and will most likely destroy it in the process.
Use an Automatic Feeder
Another way to keep raccoons out of protein feeders is to install an automatic feeder. These feeders work by releasing food slowly over time (usually about 30 seconds). When the food runs out, the device shuts off until it’s time to start again. Automatic feeders are great because they eliminate the need for physical barriers between you and the animals you want.
Build A Cover For Your Feeder
Raccoons are known to be clever, curious creatures and the sight of them rooting through a protein feeder can be exasperating for many hunters. While some methods of deterring raccoons may seem like common sense, others are not as well-known. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep raccoons out of your protein feeder.
Construct A Cover for Your Feeder
The first method for keeping raccoons out of your feeder is to create a box or other type of cover that will block the raccoon from reaching the food inside the feeder. This can be done with an empty paper towel roll or toilet paper roll, if the feeder’s port is small enough in diameter.
If it’s larger than these rolls, use a cardboard box instead. All you need to do is cut an opening in a side of the cardboard that is just big enough for the deer to eat through, but too small for raccoons to fit their hands through.
You could also use wooden boards with a wide enough opening that deer can reach through without any trouble, but too narrow for raccoons to get their hands inside. However, you decide to build it, make sure that it’s securely fastened to your feeder so that a
Hang The Feeder from A Pole or Tree
It may be obvious, but if you hang the feeder from a pole or tree, raccoons won’t be able to access it.
The main downside to this method is that it means you need to have a convenient location for the pole or tree!
You don’t want to have to walk a mile every time you want to feed your chickens.
If you have the space and can place your feeder far enough from buildings and trees, then this is a great way to keep raccoons out of your feeder. However, for most people, this option isn’t practical.
Choose A High Location
If you want to keep raccoons out of your protein feeder, the first thing to do is choose a high location for the feeder. You should install the protein feeder at least 10 feet above the ground. Raccoons can’t climb trees, so this will be one of the best ways to keep them away from your protein feeder.
We would also recommend mounting this feeder on a pole instead of a tree. The reason we recommend this is because you will be able to fill the feeder without having to climb up a tree. This can make it much easier for you when it comes time to refill the feeder.
One thing you should know is that raccoons are smart animals, and they can find ways to get around all kinds of obstacles. If they really want to get into your protein feeder, they may find a way to do it. That being said, there are some things you can do in order to make it more difficult for them.
One thing you can do is place rocks or gravel around the base of the tree or pole where your protein feeder is located. This will make it more difficult for raccoons to climb up the pole or tree and reach your feeder.
Get A Feeder That Only Dispenses When Deer Are Present
Unless you have a trap that can catch a raccoon, keeping raccoons out of your feeder is nearly impossible. They are simply too smart and skilled at manipulating things with their paws to prevent them from getting into a feeder. Your best bet is to get a feeder that only dispenses protein when deer are present.
One option is to get a feeder that dispenses protein in pellet form. This type of feeder doesn’t require batteries, so it will work even if you don’t have power in your area. You can also get a gravity-fed protein feeder that dispenses pellets, but it doesn’t have the advantage of dispensing only when a deer is present.
Another option is to purchase an automatic protein feeder that only dispenses when there’s weight on the floor plate. These types of feeders usually cost more than manual ones but they’re worth it in the long run because they’ll last longer and save you money on protein pellets.
If neither of these options works for you, then you’ll have to go with a manual protein feeder or purchase one that can be mounted outside of your barn or shed where raccoons won’t be able to reach them as easily.
Last Words
Probably the best way to ensure your protein feeder is secure and raccoon proof. Using a wooden plate, or a top that rotates, will often keep raccoons from gaining access. You’ll want to make sure that access to your feeder is closely monitored. Raccoons can climb trees, so you’ll want to be certain the area surrounding your feeder is cleared of any branches that may provide access for the raccoon.