7 Things to Consider When Buying a Bird Feeder Pole!
I think your bird feeder pole is just as important as your bird feeders!
It’s not particularly exciting and will almost never be the center of attention, but it’s the backbone of your feeding station.
Your bird feeding pole sits there every day doing its job, holding up your feeders. But, like your health or a functioning toilet, you don’t appreciate your bird feeder pole until it’s not working correctly (e.g., leaning, bending, snapping, tipping over).
So, today, I will provide 7 tips to keep in mind when purchasing a bird feeder pole.
#1. Is the bird feeder pole squirrel-proof? (Or can you make it squirrel-proof?)
It’s hard to explain to someone who has never done battle with squirrels in their backyard just how smart, athletic, and daring they can be. Squirrels will do almost anything to reach the easy meals located in your feeders.
Hopefully, you’re one of the lucky few that don’t have squirrels in your backyard. But, it’s essential for the rest of us to make sure that we consider squirrels when choosing a bird feeder pole.
To make a bird feeder pole inaccessible to squirrels, many poles come with a squirrel baffle attached about midway up the pole. Purchasing a quality squirrel-proof bird feeder pole is going to cost more upfront than just buying a cheap shepherd’s hook to hang your feeders.
But in my opinion, you’re going to save thousands of dollars by purchasing a quality pole system that prevents squirrels from reaching your feeders. Squirrels are ravenous rodents! If they can’t reach your feeders, then they can’t eat your precious birdseed, which saves you lots of money!
Don’t panic if the bird feeder pole you find does not have a squirrel baffle already attached. Many manufacturers offer stand-alone products that can be connected to feeder poles to prevent squirrels (and raccoons) from climbing up. Learn more below!
#2. Is the bird feeder pole well-made and sturdy?
Your bird feeder pole is the backbone of your backyard bird feeding station. So it’s vital that you purchase a pole that can survive a brutal winter and support multiple bird feeders.
One of the most problematic issues with inexpensive feeder poles is they tend to bend, lean, or even break over time. This is especially true if you have larger feeders that are heavy when filled with seed.
Here are a few questions to ask before purchasing a bird feeder pole:
- How thick is it? There’s no right answer, but make sure you find something to support your feeders.
- What is it made from? Steel or other long-lasting metal, or in some cases wood, are best.
- How much weight can it hold? Again, this is a matter of choice. If you have heavy feeders, make sure you choose something that can hold up to them!
- Is it weatherproofed against rust? Some options for weatherproofing metal are enamel, powder-coated, or anodized metal, or pressure-treated wood.
- Does the company offer any guarantees/warranties against rust or breaking?
- What do the online reviews say? If the bird feeder pole is junk, someone will be willing to share their experience!
#3. Do you like how the bird feeder pole looks?
As mentioned earlier, your bird feeder pole is the center of your backyard feeding station. It not only has to function well, but you need to like how it looks. Aesthetics are important!
#4. How long will it take to assemble and install?
Ideally, your bird feeder pole system won’t have complicated instructions and should be in the ground and ready to go within an hour.
- Check out the Squirrel Stopper Pole and Baffle *Use code BWHQ to save 10%* – Easy to install, sturdy, and squirrel-proof! I used this product for many years in my backyard.
#5. How many bird feeders can the pole system feature?
If you own four bird feeders, but your bird feeder pole only has two hooks, this creates a problem. Make sure to consider the maximum number of bird feeders that the pole system can handle.
I would make sure to buy a bird feeder pole that can hang at least four feeders.
Here’s why:
Feeding birds is an addictive hobby. I started with only a hopper feeder. That was so much fun that I added a tube feeder. And then a suet feeder, a platform feeder, a window feeder, etc.
Buying a larger bird feeder pole system allows you to grow into the hobby. Try to think about your future needs before spending your money, because you don’t want that pole to become obsolete too quickly!
#6. How is it supported underground?
Many people use inexpensive shepherd’s hooks to hang their feeders. These low-cost poles get pushed into the ground with your foot and don’t go deep in the soil. They typically only hold 1-2 feeders. They also tend to bend, lean, or wobble (especially as your feeders get larger and heavier).
The best bird feeder pole systems have an auger at the bottom. This feature allows the pole to screw into the ground and provides an excellent anchor. The auger typically drives the pole 18-24 inches down into the ground and offers fantastic support!
#7. Cost is important, but don’t buy the cheapest pole you can find.
Are you serious about feeding birds? If so, it’s better to bite the bullet now and buy a quality pole.
The benefits are numerous! You will have room to grow into your bird-feeding hobby; your pole won’t blow over in the wind, it will support heavy feeders filled with lots of seed, AND look much classier in your backyard.
If you’re ready to find the best bird feeder poles, check out this list of my favorite options!
- The 8 BEST Bird Feeder Poles (Sturdy, Stylish, and DIY Options!)
Do you have a bird feeder pole you love?
Tell us about it in the comments!
