Free Plans for a Functional Squirrel Box

Building a Functional Squirrel Box: Free Plans and Tips

Are you tired of those pesky squirrels raiding your bird feeder? They're quick, they're clever, and they're relentless. But don't despair! With a little creativity and some basic woodworking skills, you can build a squirrel-proof feeder that'll keep those furry bandits at bay.

This article will walk you through the steps of building your very own squirrel box, a functional and stylish addition to your backyard that will protect your birdseed from unwanted guests. We'll cover everything from materials and tools to construction techniques and design ideas. So grab your saw, your drill, and your enthusiasm â€" let's get started!

The Squirrel Box: A Design Overview

The squirrel box isn't your typical bird feeder. It's essentially a small, sturdy box with a few clever features designed to deter squirrels while allowing birds easy access. The basic principle is this: squirrels are good at climbing and jumping, but not so good at navigating narrow spaces or tricky obstacles.

Here's a breakdown of the key features of a squirrel box:

Squirrel-Proof Design Features

• Narrow Entry Points: The opening to the squirrel box is made small enough for birds to enter easily, but too small for squirrels to squeeze through. A common size for the opening is around 2 inches in diameter.
• Perch and Landing Platform: A small perch or landing platform is positioned directly below the opening, providing a secure place for birds to land. The perch should be positioned at a height that makes it difficult for squirrels to jump onto.
• Smooth Surfaces: Squirrels have excellent climbing skills. To prevent them from scaling the box, the exterior should be smooth and free from rough surfaces or ledges they can grip.
• Slippery Surfaces: You can add a bit of a "slip-n-slide" factor by using materials that are naturally slippery, like metal or plastic, for the sides or roof of the box.
• Weight Limit: The squirrel box should be designed to withstand the weight of multiple birds without sagging or collapsing. A sturdy base and a reinforced frame are essential.

Choosing Materials and Tools

Here's a list of materials you'll need to build a squirrel box:

Materials

• Wood: Choose a weather-resistant wood like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine.
• Screws: Use rust-resistant screws to assemble the box. You can use a variety of screw sizes depending on the thickness of the wood.
• Metal Mesh or Hardware Cloth: This will be used to create the squirrel-proof barrier for the opening. Choose a mesh with small enough openings to prevent squirrels from getting through.
• Bird Feeder Accessories: You'll need a bird feeder of your choice that fits inside the box.
• Optional: Metal Roof Shingles or Plastic Sheeting: If you want to add a weatherproof roof to your squirrel box, you can use metal roof shingles or plastic sheeting. This is not strictly necessary, but it will help to protect the feeder and the birdseed from the elements.

Tools

• Saw: You'll need a saw for cutting the wood pieces to size. A circular saw or a jigsaw will work well.
• Drill: A cordless drill with various drill bits and screw driver attachments will be useful for assembling the box and attaching hardware.
• Measuring Tape: Ensure accurate measurements and cuts.
• Pencil or Marker: For marking the wood for cutting and assembly.
• Clamps: For holding the pieces of wood together while you're drilling and screwing.
• Sandpaper: For smoothing out any rough edges on the wood.

Building Your Squirrel Box: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part â€" putting your squirrel box together! Here's a step-by-step guide, complete with pictures and descriptions:

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

First, cut the wood pieces to size. Use a saw to make accurate cuts based on your chosen dimensions. You'll need the following pieces:

• Two Side Panels: These are the vertical walls of the box. They should be the same height and width as the desired size of the box.
• Two End Panels: These form the front and back walls of the box. They should be the same height as the side panels and the desired depth of the box.
• One Bottom Panel: This is the base of the box. It should be the same width as the side panels and the same depth as the end panels.
• One Top Panel: This forms the roof of the box. It should be the same width as the side panels and the same depth as the end panels.
• Perch: A small, sturdy piece of wood to act as a landing platform for the birds.

Step 2: Assembling the Box

With the wood pieces cut to size, it's time to put the box together. Here's how:

• Attach the End Panels to the Side Panels: Use screws to attach the end panels to the side panels, creating the four walls of the box.
• Attach the Bottom Panel: Attach the bottom panel to the base of the box using screws.
• Attach the Perch: Secure the perch to the front of the box just below the opening, ensuring it's at a height that makes it difficult for squirrels to jump onto.

Step 3: Creating the Squirrel-Proof Opening

This is the key step in making sure your box is truly squirrel-proof. Here's how to do it:

• Cut the Metal Mesh or Hardware Cloth: Cut a piece of metal mesh or hardware cloth that is slightly larger than the desired size of the opening.
• Attach the Mesh: Secure the metal mesh or hardware cloth to the opening of the box using screws, making sure the opening is small enough for birds to pass through but too small for squirrels.

Step 4: Adding a Roof (Optional)

If you choose to add a roof to your squirrel box, this is the time to do it.

• Cut the Roof Material: Cut the metal roof shingles or plastic sheeting to the size of the top panel of the box.
• Attach the Roof Material: Secure the roof material to the top panel using screws or adhesive, making sure it overlaps the sides of the box to provide weather protection.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

The last step is to give your squirrel box a finishing touch.

• Sand the Edges: Sand all the edges of the wood to make them smooth and prevent splinters.
• Paint or Stain: Paint or stain the box for a more attractive look and to protect the wood from the elements.
• Install the Bird Feeder: Place the bird feeder inside the box and make sure it's secure.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your squirrel box is a success:

• Location, Location, Location: Place the squirrel box in a location that is visible to birds, but out of easy reach for squirrels. Avoid placing it near trees or other surfaces that squirrels can easily climb on.
• Keep it Clean: Clean the squirrel box regularly to prevent the accumulation of bird droppings and debris. A clean box will help to attract birds and keep them healthy.
• Experiment with Birdseed: Try different types of birdseed to attract a variety of birds. Squirrels are less likely to be interested in certain types of seed, like sunflower hearts or niger seed.
• Don't Give Up!: It may take some time to get squirrels to completely avoid your squirrel box. Just keep adjusting the design and placement until you find a solution that works for you.

Conclusion

Building your own squirrel box is a fun and rewarding project. It's a great way to protect your birdseed from pesky squirrels and attract a variety of feathered friends to your backyard. With a little creativity and some basic woodworking skills, you can create a squirrel box that is both functional and stylish. So grab your tools and get building!