I'm trying to understand how this works. I'm trying to keep squirrels from baby oaks now sprouting from acorns. I think I understand the ground pole but some people talk about a single wire or the fence. Don't you need height? Couldn't a critter squeeze underneath or jump over? Or, maybe they just don't. I think the "hot" part should be a fence, made out of chicken wire or something else that is conductive... to build something maybe four feet tall would do it. Am I on the right track? Also, when the ground is wet, won't the batteries discharge from the "hot" part through the ground to the ground pole? I'm trying to understand how this works. I'm trying to keep squirrels from baby oaks now sprouting from acorns. I think I understand the ground pole but some people talk about a single... » Read More I'm trying to understand how this works. I'm trying to keep squirrels from baby oaks now sprouting from acorns. I think I understand the ground pole but some people talk about a single wire or the fence. Don't you need height? Couldn't a critter squeeze underneath or jump over? Or, maybe they just don't. I think the "hot" part should be a fence, made out of chicken wire or something else that is conductive... to build something maybe four feet tall would do it. Am I on the right track? Also, when the ground is wet, won't the batteries discharge from the "hot" part through the ground to the ground pole? « Show Less
1082459
I think you're on the right track but it sure sounds like a lot of work to keep those little buggers away from the new sprouts. Regarding the wet ground and discharge, I'm not sure. My installation with two wire mesh screens on top of the bird feeder keeps the squirrels off and I notice that when the snow covers the screens, the batteries seem to keep a charge going, although they may be running down a little faster.Wish I could be of more help.
1082460
a single wire isn't going to keep the critters out. For my application I had a wire fence 36 inches high with the 'hot' wire suspended on insulating supports about 4 inches above the fence to stop them from climbing over. Yes the device requires a grounding post off one of the terminals and the wire runs off the other terminal around the fence and stops before being attached to the device again. The batteries don't last more than a month and If I were doing it again I would have gotten a solar powered device.
1082461
I think you misunderstand how the system works. The positive wire goes around the protected area, insulated from being grounded anywhere. It ends in mid-air, which allows a constant voltage (no current flow), just waiting for a critter to touch it. When he does, the circuit completes from the hot wire and through his paws to the ground, traveling through the earth back to the negative ground stake. So you see, there is no batterydrain unless the hot wire becomes grounded, either through the critter or some other short circuit. I suppose a fence would work, but it would haveto be insulated from touching the ground anywhere. That would be tough to do. I think you misunderstand how the system works. The positive wire goes around the protected area, insulated from being grounded anywhere. It ends in mid-air, which allows a constant voltage (no current flow), just waiting for a critter to touch it. When he does, the circuit completes from the hot wire and through his paws to the ground, traveling through the earth back to the negative ground stake. So you see, there is no batterydrain unless the hot wire becomes grounded, either through the critter or some other short circuit. I suppose a fence would work, but it would haveto be... » Read More I think you misunderstand how the system works. The positive wire goes around the protected area, insulated from being grounded anywhere. It ends in mid-air, which allows a constant voltage (no current flow), just waiting for a critter to touch it. When he does, the circuit completes from the hot wire and through his paws to the ground, traveling through the earth back to the negative ground stake. So you see, there is no batterydrain unless the hot wire becomes grounded, either through the critter or some other short circuit. I suppose a fence would work, but it would haveto be insulated from touching the ground anywhere. That would be tough to do. « Show Less
1082462
I adjusted mine to six inches from the ground. You need insulated post. Will not work with chicken wire but with a wire ribbon. Now you can put the chicken wire behind the hot wire as long they are touching, I use the plastic chicken wire on my garden. Works well with groundhogs, rabbits but not armadillos. Electricity travels in a one way path hot through the wire to the ground. When an animal touches the hot wire it becomes the ground and the electricity travels though the animal giving it a shock. Hope this helps .
1550821
I have not a clue! I hang it on the edge of the roof. I have not seen squirrel coming. The feeder looks like on the picture; on the bottom is an edge where seeds are falling down. I think that you need a cage against squirrels. As you see there is no cage. I like this feeder, and bought for my niece, too. She does not see squirrels on her either, but it might be the area we are living in, not the "squirrel proof" design.
975118
Only if it has a place to hang. What makes it work is if the cage has squirrel weight on it making it drop down to cover seed ports. I have the large feeder with the cardinal ring and this one. This one the flickers, creepers and blue jays particularly enjoy because they can hang on the cage in any position. Brome, to me, is the best feeders on the market! We live in a rural forested area and its not unusual to have up to 30 - 40 squirrels trying to do anything and everything to get in the feeders. They even wrap theirselves around the cardinal ring and nap. Their only success is to do a flying assault to knock seed out on the ground. Only if it has a place to hang. What makes it work is if the cage has squirrel weight on it making it drop down to cover seed ports. I have the large feeder with the cardinal ring and this one. This one the flickers, creepers and blue jays particularly enjoy because they can hang on the cage in any position. Brome, to me, is the best feeders on the market! We live in a rural forested area and its not unusual to have up to 30 - 40 squirrels trying to do anything and everything to get in the feeders. They even wrap theirselves around the cardinal ring and nap. Their only success is to do a... » Read More Only if it has a place to hang. What makes it work is if the cage has squirrel weight on it making it drop down to cover seed ports. I have the large feeder with the cardinal ring and this one. This one the flickers, creepers and blue jays particularly enjoy because they can hang on the cage in any position. Brome, to me, is the best feeders on the market! We live in a rural forested area and its not unusual to have up to 30 - 40 squirrels trying to do anything and everything to get in the feeders. They even wrap theirselves around the cardinal ring and nap. Their only success is to do a flying assault to knock seed out on the ground. « Show Less
855181
Hi Christine, Thanks for your question. Basically, the way it works is that you add your black oil sunflower seeds into the center portion (called the seed tank) which is accessible by removing the top part of the cage with a simple screw. Put the top back on, and when filled, some seeds stick out, and due to the double cage design, it allows birds to be able to stick their head/beak in between the outer cage holes and get to the seeds without problem. However, Squirrels cannot fit their heads or mouths through the outer holes as its too small and uncomfortable. Hope this helps! Mark ======= Skinny Squirrel Cages
2273313
Yes, I know that one, but guess what: DOES NOT WORK, the squirrels just try to climb one- two times by the third one the got. For them it's like exercising before each meal. Once they are on the top, you'll see them doing all kind of acrobatics moves until food is gone. LOL
901662
My neighbor suggested, and took care of for me, twisting a piece of PVC pipe into the ground because I didn't want to have to mow around the base. I bought mine when the ground was not frozen. He made sure the PVC pipe was long enough to support the feeder and stuffed a piece of bark into the pipe to make it stand straight. (The diameter of the PVC pipe is a little bigger than the feeder pole. It has stood through a few windy storms. There are raccoons around but I can't say I've ever seen any close to my house. So far, the squirrels have not figured it out and it hasn't toppled over. Since the question seems to be incomplete, I'm not sure how to answer the rest. My neighbor suggested, and took care of for me, twisting a piece of PVC pipe into the ground because I didn't want to have to mow around the base. I bought mine when the ground was not frozen. He made sure the PVC pipe was long enough to support the feeder and stuffed a piece of bark into the pipe to make it stand straight. (The diameter of the PVC pipe is a little bigger than the feeder pole. It has stood through a few windy storms. There are raccoons around but I can't say I've ever seen any close to my house. So far, the squirrels have not figured it out and it hasn't toppled over. Since... » Read More My neighbor suggested, and took care of for me, twisting a piece of PVC pipe into the ground because I didn't want to have to mow around the base. I bought mine when the ground was not frozen. He made sure the PVC pipe was long enough to support the feeder and stuffed a piece of bark into the pipe to make it stand straight. (The diameter of the PVC pipe is a little bigger than the feeder pole. It has stood through a few windy storms. There are raccoons around but I can't say I've ever seen any close to my house. So far, the squirrels have not figured it out and it hasn't toppled over. Since the question seems to be incomplete, I'm not sure how to answer the rest. « Show Less
1569596
I have to place my shelters in a very wooded area. I have a camoflauge and a dark green tarp over them and it is staked down with bricks (bought at home depot). With wind/snow/rain etc. the tarp has stayed on. I have two cats who will use it while the third feral will not but I'm happy at least someone is using it! I have the bottom lined with mylar and then it is filled with straw and they burrow in to the straw. I tried to put the awning on and it keeps falling off. I'll have to do that when the weather is warmer again but I have the entrance covered with the tarp so they have to go under the tarp to get in. We've had below zero temps this month in WI and I'm glad they have some type of shelter. I have to place my shelters in a very wooded area. I have a camoflauge and a dark green tarp over them and it is staked down with bricks (bought at home depot). With wind/snow/rain etc. the tarp has stayed on. I have two cats who will use it while the third feral will not but I'm happy at least someone is using it! I have the bottom lined with mylar and then it is filled with straw and they burrow in to the straw. I tried to put the awning on and it keeps falling off. I'll have to do that when the weather is warmer again but I have the entrance covered with the tarp so they have to go under... » Read More I have to place my shelters in a very wooded area. I have a camoflauge and a dark green tarp over them and it is staked down with bricks (bought at home depot). With wind/snow/rain etc. the tarp has stayed on. I have two cats who will use it while the third feral will not but I'm happy at least someone is using it! I have the bottom lined with mylar and then it is filled with straw and they burrow in to the straw. I tried to put the awning on and it keeps falling off. I'll have to do that when the weather is warmer again but I have the entrance covered with the tarp so they have to go under the tarp to get in. We've had below zero temps this month in WI and I'm glad they have some type of shelter. « Show Less
1496187
You definitely want to place it high enough so that the squirrels can't jump on top of it. Mine is on a double shepherd's hook and is about three feet off the ground. The squirrels can't jump on top of it and when they climb up the pole they can't get around the baffle to get to the feeders. It works great.
957284
Stake comes to a point and you just shove it into the ground. It was very stable once in as the stake is very thick and round. Not some cheesy little stake..But it you intend to keep it in the ground or pot for long, you may want to spray the end of the stakes with some type of protect-ant so wood stake won't rot. I like my squirrel..
1487793
See Bob's answer below. Also, FWIW, I have a problem w/ raccoons coming to eat the seeds the birds drop on the ground, so I rigged a light-weight, plastic (plant) tray to hang underneath the feeder (from the Cardinal ring) to catch the seeds. Being able to adjust the sensitivity of the 'closing' option of the feeder allowed me to tighten the spring so that the weight of the tray wouldn't close the feeder's holes. Also, I thought I was going to have to clean the tray of all the dropped seeds, but other birds sit on the edge of the tray and eat the seeds for me. I punched numerous small drain holes in the tray so rain water would flow through. It's a great product. See Bob's answer below. Also, FWIW, I have a problem w/ raccoons coming to eat the seeds the birds drop on the ground, so I rigged a light-weight, plastic (plant) tray to hang underneath the feeder (from the Cardinal ring) to catch the seeds. Being able to adjust the sensitivity of the 'closing' option of the feeder allowed me to tighten the spring so that the weight of the tray wouldn't close the feeder's holes. Also, I thought I was going to have to clean the tray of all the dropped seeds, but other birds sit on the edge of the tray and eat the seeds for me. I punched numerous small drain... » Read More See Bob's answer below. Also, FWIW, I have a problem w/ raccoons coming to eat the seeds the birds drop on the ground, so I rigged a light-weight, plastic (plant) tray to hang underneath the feeder (from the Cardinal ring) to catch the seeds. Being able to adjust the sensitivity of the 'closing' option of the feeder allowed me to tighten the spring so that the weight of the tray wouldn't close the feeder's holes. Also, I thought I was going to have to clean the tray of all the dropped seeds, but other birds sit on the edge of the tray and eat the seeds for me. I punched numerous small drain holes in the tray so rain water would flow through. It's a great product. « Show Less
305259
I am trying to do this with my kids as a project.... i have a "beginner" question: After it germinates , do we need to remove the cardboard and replant? or are the roots supposed to push through? we are only doing these in 5-gallon buckets and not in the ground. thank you for your help!
679145
I have never faced that issue, but I think it cold work for snakes. The snake would likely try to go up the pole and would not be able to get through that way. A very clever snake might be able to get around the unit, but I doubt if they could figure it out. Do not take my word for this, but I think I am right. It prevents most animals. It would depend on how high off the ground the unit is placed. My unit is about 3.5 - 4 feet above the top of my deck rail. Squirrels are not able to jump above it and get to the feeder. Good luck.
359552
We have no acorns, so I have no firsthand knowledge. I would surmise that if the acorns are imbedded in thick grass, there would be few blowers up to that. All if can say is that compared to a gas model I once had that cost almost five times the price of this electric one, this Weed Eater is every bit as powerful.
1768723
We were fortunate not to be plagued with squirrels. Our lot had only trees we planted and none appealed to them so we only had an occasional passing visit. Positioning I think is not so important as having baffles to not allow climbing pole. If feeder is withi jumping distance of a tree or large shrub the feeder should be moved. Good luck.
1122564
Nothing is squirrel proof, but I have hung my feeder off a hook away from a bush where they will try to jump off and with a baffle 5 ft up so they can't run up the pole. I read where squirrels can jump 5 ft up and 10 ft out , so you have to make it squirrel proof where they can't jump to it. I have fun watching the squirrels trying to figure how to get to my feeder. But none have. As long as I don't get flying squirrels. LOL
1303317
It works great on squirrels. It should work for raccoons. I tested it by touching it and received a surprisingly strong jolt. Because the shock is intermittent, it doesn't harm birds or small animals. In fact, I used it to keep birds from building a nest on an antenna. One shock and they flew away, never to return. The unit is water resistant, but I did put a plastic bag over it just to be safe. You will need some bare aluminum wire, insulated stand-offs, wooden posts, and a means of grounding a unit. I clamped the ground to a convenient cold water pipe. If no grounding is available, you will have to drive a copper post into the ground.4 D cell batteries lasted all summer. It works great on squirrels. It should work for raccoons. I tested it by touching it and received a surprisingly strong jolt. Because the shock is intermittent, it doesn't harm birds or small animals. In fact, I used it to keep birds from building a nest on an antenna. One shock and they flew away, never to return. The unit is water resistant, but I did put a plastic bag over it just to be safe. You will need some bare aluminum wire, insulated stand-offs, wooden posts, and a means of grounding a unit. I clamped the ground to a convenient cold water pipe. If no grounding is... » Read More It works great on squirrels. It should work for raccoons. I tested it by touching it and received a surprisingly strong jolt. Because the shock is intermittent, it doesn't harm birds or small animals. In fact, I used it to keep birds from building a nest on an antenna. One shock and they flew away, never to return. The unit is water resistant, but I did put a plastic bag over it just to be safe. You will need some bare aluminum wire, insulated stand-offs, wooden posts, and a means of grounding a unit. I clamped the ground to a convenient cold water pipe. If no grounding is available, you will have to drive a copper post into the ground.4 D cell batteries lasted all summer. « Show Less
624244
Just put it in ground about 6 inches or more down..can't remember if it had spiked end, but I just pushed it down. I did have to eventually put shim like pieces wedged between ground and pole because the squirrels have gymnastic events on it and have loosened the hold on bottom because it started to lean.