How to Build a Circus Squirrel Feeder

One of the pleasures of having a front or back yard is watching the many furry visitors that may frequent your lawn. Squirrels are a common bushy-tailed visitor you may enjoy watching--especially if their visit involves your very own squirrel acrobatic show. Building a circus squirrel feeder allows you to experience the aerial feats and entertainment value nature has to offer... as well as keeping the squirrels away from your bird feeders.

Hammer
6 large nails
2 syrup coated, birdseed dipped pine cones
2 whole corn cobs
1 cup of peanuts
2 wood boards (1 ft. wide x 1 1/2 ft. wide)
A sturdy shoe box
6 feet of rope
A sturdy tree

Instructions

- 1
  Insert four large nails on either end of two wooden boards by hammering them in place. The pointed end of the nails will face out on all four ends of the boards for the corn cob and pine cones to be affixed.
- 2
  Cross the two boards into an X shape, then hammer the other two large nails into the center of the boards onto the trunk of the tree you have chosen for your circus feeder. Make sure the other four nails on the ends of the boards are facing out toward you and away from the tree.
- 3
  Dip two pine cones in syrup and roll them in bird seed or squirrel mix, then press the pine cones and corn cobs on alternating, opposite nails at the ends of the boards. This is your squirrels "pinwheel", serving as a fun game and exercise for them (and entertainment for you), as they eat their favorite treats.
- 4
  Fill a shoe box with peanuts, punch a hole on each end of the box, run a rope lengthwise across it and tie the other end of the rope to a nearby branch above the "pinwheel" you just put on the trunk of the tree. This acts as a treat-filled "trapeze" or fun house and completes your circus squirrel feeder.

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