Peanut Squirrel Buster Feeder

Everything about this feeder is designed to deter squirrels, from the tough steel outer mesh shroud to the spring-activated port access. The Peanut Squirrel Buster is ideal for feeding shelled peanuts to nuthatches, woodpeckers, and other nut-loving birds, but NOT squirrels. The mesh port is sized perfectly to let birds peck small bits but not fly away with large pieces. The mesh port also works for seed nuggets. When a squirrel jumps onto the feeder, his weight activates the inner spring mechanism, forcing the outer mesh shroud to close off the feeding tube.

A spring tension knob on the feeder bottom lets you decide which birds visit, too. Squirrels will always be locked out, but you can also set the tension to keep out larger, greedier birds, as well. Feeder features a hard-to-grip plastic tube attached to the mesh port, as well as a hard-to-grip top and bottom to keep squirrels at bay. Hanger is encased in slippery, powder-coated steel to dissuade squirrels from climbing. 4.5" dia x 18" long, hold 3/4 qt.

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Please click on "More Information" for instructions and cleaning.

Feeder is Weight Adjustable for Selective Feeding
The patented adjustable spring mechanism controls how much weight the metal mesh shroud will support, allowing the birds to feed. Any additional weight will activate the closing mechanism. The spring mechanism is calibrated at the factory to hold 2.5 oz. / 70g. It will close fully at 5.3 oz. / 150 g., shutting out the smaller Red Squirrels, as well as the larger Gray Squirrels. Note: Spring tension may vary depending on outside temperatures.

Use the feeder at the factory setting - red nut on grey line - before making any adjustments.

To Decrease Adjustment Setting (-)
Rotate the red dial on the bottom of the feeder counter clockwise. The red nut inside the feeder will move up from the previous setting reducing spring tension. This decreases the weight required to close access to the food.

To Increase Adjustment Setting (+)
Rotate the red dial on the bottom of the feeder clockwise. The red nut inside the feeder will move down from the previous setting increasing the spring tension. This increases the weight required to close access to the food.

The Need for Clearance
Remember it's the squirrel's weight that triggers the closing mechanism. If a squirrel can reach over from a nearby foothold and avoid placing weight on the feeder, he will have access to the seed ports. Allow for at least 18 inches or 47 cm of clearance around the feeder. This will force the squirrel to climb onto the feeder, thus triggering the closing mechanism.

Freedom to Locate your Feeder
Now that you no longer have to worry about squirrels, you are now free to locate your feeder just about anywhere. Position your feeder over your favorite window, by your deck or in a nearby tree, for those great close-up views. Use wall brackets, branch and extension hooks to help you hang your feeder.

Cleaning your Feeder
Squirrel Buster Peanut is designed to be easily dismantled for cleaning. Always examine your feeder before filling to determine if it requires cleaning. Frequency of cleaning varies according to climate. In general, hot and humid climates require more frequent cleaning than colder climates.

Washing by Hand
After removing the wire shroud, discard any accumulation of wild bird food and unscrew the stand assembly from the feeder tube. Wash the wire shroud and feeder tube in a solution of dish detergent and warm water. Rinse with a 20% solution of white vinegar and water. Vinegar, a mild, natural disinfectant, will not harm your feeder or the birds. Wipe the stand assembly with a damp cloth, if necessary. Make sure all components are completely dry before assembling.

Washing the Feeder Tube in the Dishwasher
Place the feeder tube on the top rack of the dishwasher. Fill both the pre-wash and the main-wash sections of the detergent dispenser with your regular dishwasher detergent. Select either high temperature drying or an air-dry option. Use your regular washing cycle. Upon completion, your feeder tube will be sanitized and look like new. Warning: Bird droppings contain contaminants. Avoid skin contact.