Newsletter Archives

Sales & Specials

We've decided to run a special on a handful of products. Act now on the following "Hot Buys" because the special ends on Monday, October 22nd. Be sure to check out all of our exciting specials by visiting the Hot Buys department regularly.

New at the Nest

Our customers are valuable to us. We continually search for new and better ways to serve you. In an effort to better meet your needs, BestNest aggressively adds new products to the website. Some of the new and exciting products that we've added are shown below. Be sure to check out our New Items department regularly.

Clearance

A few of our deeply discounted items appear below. These items feature exceptional savings and value but are not all of our sale items. More discounted items may be found in their corresponding departments. Be sure to check out some of our other exciting deals by visiting the Clearance department regularly.

Seed Saving Squirrel Tactic

A wise birder, when discussing squirrels, once said “If you can’t beat them, feed them.” While most people try to block squirrels from their bird feeders, others try to create harmony in their garden. A great deterrent for squirrels stealing bird seed is to offer these rodents their own food. Creating a squirrel specific feeding area and offering them their favorite foods, known as distraction feeding, can keep these animals away from your prized bird feeders. It can also bring varied wildlife to your garden and help you deepen your appreciation of the natural world.

Feeding squirrels not only lets your birds dine in peace; it also allows you to enjoy these animals’ antics. Their favorite foods include acorns, corn, walnuts, and other nuts, as well as sunflower seed and millet. Using these foods, or a mixture of them, on a platform or in a squirrel specific feeder can quickly attract their attention. Many squirrel feeders have a center reservoir and a platform at the front, with a lid that they have to lift to reach the food. These designs are excellent for offering squirrel or wildlife seed blends or peanuts in the shell. For more feeding options, squirrel seed cakes, corn on the cob, or formed seed logs may be used in specifically designed feeders. These units, often styled as chairs, tables, or even porch swings, add a fun and interesting element to your outdoor sanctuary. Birders who had been frustrated with squirrels may enjoy watching them try to feed from a more dynamic station, which will rotate or bounce with a squirrels’ weight. If you wish to further deter squirrels from finding your bird seed, you can treat the seed with a capsaicin based product, which causes an unpleasant sensation in mammals but has no effect on birds.

Once you opt to distract squirrels by feeding them, determining where to place their feeder is tantamount. Most squirrel feeders are designed to be mounted to a tree or post, while others may be hung from a hook. No matter its design, the squirrel feeder will need to be placed far enough away from a bird feeder to act as a distraction, but close enough so that they leave the bird station alone. Based on your available space, you may need to experiment with your placement, as no listed distance has been proven effective. If you have a limited amount of space, consider using a baffle on your bird feeder and placing the squirrels’ feeder nearby. Once they realize they can obtain food without a challenge, they will likely leave the bird feeders alone.

Distraction feeding allows you to enjoy your bird feeding more by keeping squirrels away from your prized bird seed. It can also have hidden benefits for you and your birds. Watching the amazing acrobatics of squirrels brings further enjoyment, and allows you to see more wildlife in your yard. Additionally, the squirrels help maintain the balanced ecosystem, and fulfill an important role.

When starting to feed birds, squirrels can quickly become a nuisance. However, by offering these furry acrobats their own food, you can direct them away from your feeders. This can help you appreciate squirrels more, and even enjoy their feeding antics. BestNest carries a large selection of Squirrel Feeders to help you meet your needs. For more personal assistance, feel free to contact one of our customer service representatives toll free at 877-562-1818 or internationally at 513-232-4225 from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.