Squirrel proof feeder in Newton Abbot
Looking for professional squirrel proof feeder help in Newton Abbot? Hembury Contracting provides reliable pet services across Newton Abbot and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45 mins-1.5 hrs
Location
Newton Abbot
Squirrel-proof bird feeder hung at the right height and distance from jump points. I install poles, brackets, or use existing structures - positioned so birds can feed but squirrels are defeated.
### Squirrels Are Bird Seed Thieves (and They're Brilliant At It)
They jump 8 feet horizontally. Climb anything with texture. Hang upside-down. Solve puzzles. **One squirrel empties a feeder** in a day - expensive bird seed gone, birds get nothing, you're just feeding squirrels.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** It's not about stopping squirrels being in your garden - it's about making the feeder inaccessible. They'll give up and forage naturally instead.
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### Why DIY Squirrel-Proofing Usually Fails
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong | |--------------|---------------| | 8+ feet from any jump point | 3 feet from fence (easy leap) | | 5+ feet off ground | Low enough squirrels jump to it | | Smooth pole with baffle | Rough wood pole (easy climb) | | Weight-activated feeder | Standard feeder (squirrels feast) | | Positioned in open | Under tree (squirrels drop down) |
People hang feeders where it's convenient, not where squirrels can't reach. **Position is everything.**
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### What You Get
**🔧 The Full Service**
| Stage | What Happens | |-------|--------------| | **Survey** | Check launch points (fences, trees, walls) | | **Position** | Find spot 8ft+ from anything squirrels can jump from | | **Install** | Pole sunk or bracket mounted securely | | **Hang Feeder** | At right height with baffle if needed | | **Test** | Check squirrels can't reach (mental gymnastics) |
**📦 You're Left With** - Properly positioned bird feeder - Squirrel-proof setup (or as close as possible) - Birds getting the food - Less bird seed wasted
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### Pricing Guide
| What You Need | Estimated Time | You'll Pay | |---------------|----------------|------------| | Hang feeder on existing bracket/tree | 45 mins-1 hr | **£60** | | Install pole and hang feeder | 1-1.5 hrs | **£60-£85** | | Install pole, baffle, and feeder | 1.5 hrs | **£85** |
*Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Pole and baffle are extra if I supply them - budget £25-40 for a decent setup.*
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### Perfect For You If...
✅ **Squirrels emptying feeder** - daily refills getting expensive
✅ **New to bird feeding** - want it set up right from the start
✅ **Tried DIY** - but squirrels still winning
✅ **Garden with jump points** - fences, trees, sheds nearby
✅ **Premium bird seed** - wasted on squirrels not birds
Why Choose Us for Squirrel proof feeder in Newton Abbot?
Feeder hung at squirrel-proof height and distance
Pole or bracket installed securely
Positioned where birds feel safe
Squirrels can't jump or climb to it
What to Expect
### Step 1: Survey Garden I walk around looking at where squirrels could jump from - fences, trees, shed roofs, walls. Need a spot far enough from all of them. ### Step 2: Install Support Either use your existing bracket/tree, or install a smooth pole sunk firmly in ground. Add a baffle (cone or cylinder) halfway up if using a pole. ### Step 3: Hang & Test Feeder hung at right height (5+ feet up). I mentally map squirrel jump possibilities - if they can reach it, we adjust position or height.
Our Newton Abbot Service Coverage
We cover Newton Abbot and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Newton Abbot or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🐦 **Bird positioning tip:** Birds feel safe feeding with escape routes nearby (trees/bushes within 10 feet to flee to) but not so close squirrels use them as launch pads. It's a balancing act. **Exeter gardens:** Lots of mature trees and close fences make pure squirrel-proofing hard. We aim for "squirrel-difficult" - they can technically reach it but the effort isn't worth the reward. **Small garden?** Might not have an 8ft-clear spot. We work with what you've got - extra baffles, positioning to minimize easiest routes, weight-activated feeders that at least slow them down. **Enjoy watching squirrels?** Put a cheap ground feeder with corn in a different spot - keeps them busy while birds eat in peace. Squirrels are entertaining when they're not bankrupting your bird seed budget. **Grey vs red squirrels:** Grey squirrels (the ones we have in Exeter) are bigger, bolder, more destructive than red squirrels. They're also the ones raiding feeders. Red squirrels are rare in Devon now and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions about Squirrel proof feeder in Newton Abbot
What makes a bird feeder squirrel-proof?
Two things: design (weight-activated perches that close when a squirrel climbs on) and positioning. Even the best feeder fails if it's 2 feet from a fence they can jump from. Needs to be 8+ feet from launch points, 5+ feet off ground, on a smooth pole they can't climb. Position matters as much as the feeder itself.
Do you supply the feeder or do I buy it?
You buy the feeder (plenty on Amazon), I position and hang it properly. Most people have a feeder already - it's the installation that defeats squirrels, not just the feeder. I can advise on good models if you're shopping.
Will this actually stop squirrels or just slow them down?
Squirrels are determined acrobats - nothing is 100%. But proper positioning (right height, distance from trees/fences, baffles on poles) defeats 95% of attempts. They'll try for a bit, fail, give up and find easier food elsewhere. Much better than a feeder they empty in 10 minutes.
Can you install a pole or do I need existing trees/brackets?
I can sink a pole if you need one - 5-6 foot metal pole buried a foot deep, feeder on top, baffle halfway up. That's the gold standard squirrel-proof setup. Also happy to work with existing shepherd's crooks, wall brackets, or tree branches if positioned right.
How long does installation take?
Hanging a feeder on existing bracket - 45 minutes. Installing a new pole and baffle - up to 90 minutes (digging, securing, testing). Depends what setup you need.
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Newton Abbot
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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