This is what your wire mesh should look like now. Looks like a wire tube with flower petals at the end. Or kinda like a very minimal version of one of those Alien pods the Facehuggers hatch from. Anyway, enough with the random nerd break, onward. What you get out of this German-made peanut feeder is the classic mesh surround along with the impressive three perch rings. You see larger nut feeders, while useful for busy gardens, peanuts are sure to go to waste if you insist on filling them to the top, knowing they don't get eaten.

Then randomly, I had to go get garden watering supplies from an Ace Hardware store and what do you know? The perfect sized wire cloth! (1/4″ metal mesh to be exact) So finally, a year later, here’s the Acorn Bird Feeder tutorial for your viewing pleasure. I’m sure all your neighborhood birds will appreciate it this winter!Tube Feeders: This style of bird feeder typically has ports around the bottom of a polycarbonate tube. These feeders can be filled from the top with loose seeds. You can easily monitor the feed level, and they’re pretty durable compared to some metal feeders which can wear down. However, be on the lookout for tube feeders that are specifically designed against wear from UV rays to avoid the plastic tube yellowing over time. You’ll find these feeders in both hanging, like our best hanging, the Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder, and pole-mounted variations, like our best pole-mounted, the Bird’s Choice NP431 Classic Wild Bird Pole Mount. As far as squirrel proofing, this style of feeder is most often accompanied by weight-activated perches, which will cover the feed ports when a heavy critter lands on it.

Now a large peanut feeder doesn't have to be the simple long mesh metal type; so instead you can go for a feeder for peanuts that holds a larger capacity in a bulkier build. Extended hanger is used to realise the base so this feeder can be giving a good clean and maintenance every once in a while. RSPB: Premium Large Nut & Nibble FeederLengthy one too so top up with many nuts as it can take, or use less to avoid waste - and I think the RSPB will agree with that.

Now you’re ready to hang it for all your fine feathered friends to enjoy! Let me know if you had any issues with this Acorn Bird Feeder Tutorial, I’d be happy to help clear up any confusion! Trim the metal mesh to a 14″x7″ rectangle. This size may vary depending on the bowl you find. Just gently roll the mesh until it fits in the bowl and trim off excess. Leave one of the sides and the bottom with points open (see above picture.) Trim the other side and top of mesh to have a smooth edge.Emma Phelps is an associate editor for The Spruce who specializes in writing about home improvement, air quality, home decor, and appliances. Phelps has previously covered a number of gardening topics including the best gardening tools and the best gardening gloves. For this list, she researched a variety of bird feeder types before making final selections based on feeder durability and squirrel-proofing mechanisms. Don't be fooled with the multiple perches because you see, while its still a large peanut feeder, its one that is within a standard length, if not a little bit bigger only. Perfect example of that is this 'copper style' large nut feeder that is wider than it is longer, so while it doesn't appear to hold nuts in the traditional sense, it has that all important width to hold more nuts than is needed. So its promoted as such but in fact most peanut feeders of this kind use the same practical method for opening up the lid. Wildtier Herz: Large Metal Nut Feeder

The larger perches also ensure a variety of birds come to enjoy the feeder. However, we don’t love that the perches can be flipped up, which could prevent birds from accessing the feed. Just like other feeders in our list, this design is weight-activated to seal the ports when a squirrel or even a raccoon tries to access the feed. No matter your concern—weather-related or pest-related—this bird feeder is a great, extra-durable option to keep your feed in the tube and your feathered friends happy. Cage Feeders: These are most often designed as suet feeders, which hold solid cakes of bird seed, rather than loose seed. Cage feeders are mostly effective against squirrels as they usually feature two layers of wiring to prevent squirrels from reaching the cakes at the center of the cage. Small songbirds and medium birds with long beaks can easily still reach the center for feeding. Our best suet feeder, the Kingsyard Squirrel-Proof Suet Feeder, is a great cage feeder option thanks to its wide diameter which helps prevent the suet from getting wet and ensures squirrels can’t reach the feed. Cage feeders are most often found with hanging mount options. The Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder is one of the most versatile bird feeders on the market, making it our top choice on our list. This feeder has weight-activated perches that will close the seed openings when a heavier pest like a squirrel or crow tries to land on it. In addition to having six perches around the bottom of this feeder, it also comes with a cardinal ring, which is designed to make feeding easier since they cannot turn their heads as easily as other birds. Rather than replacing your entire set of birdhouses and feeders, you could always try a pole that keeps the squirrels away. This pole from Squirrel Stopper has four hooks so you can hang a mixture of birdhouses and feeders. The baffle moves up and down and sways side to side when squirrels land on it or climb on it so they really aren’t a match against the erratic motion.Tada! Your acorn body is done. Let’s work on getting it hung up now! (Those with kits can jump to step 13) Don't be afraid to replenish your large peanut bird feeder with a tonne of wild bird nuts, but only if they are guaranteed to be gobbled up to avoid waste. Fold two of the facing sides inward and use your needle nose pliers to interconnect the open wire ends. Repeat with the other facing sides. A squirrel-proof bird feeder provides nourishment for your feathered friends and keeps mischievous squirrels out of their food. Unlike standard bird feeders that have large wire mesh openings that allow squirrels to easily grab seeds, squirrel-proof bird feeders have mechanisms that activate when a squirrel lands on the bird perch or tray. You can find these bird feeders in a variety of styles, including hanging, platforms, and pole-mounted.