A cedar squirrel feeder is something to consider if you want a wood type material for feeding your squirrels.  There are three basic types of wood that you can use for this type of feeder, and we will discuss each one and why I think that cedar is the best wood for your backyard.

The three types of wood that can be used for a backyard project like feeding the squirrels are pine, hardwood and cedar.  Let us take a look at which is best for you to use.

Pine is a wood you see in lots of places, because of its availability and its ease of use.  The problem with pine is it has to be treated in some way to keep water from penetrating the wood and causing it to rot.

Most preservatives are made from chemicals and can be toxic to any animal that comes in contact with the chemical.  The wood can be painted, but again, many paints are toxic and they have to be applied often to do the job.

A better choice is a hardwood.  There are many types of hardwood and most any of them will work.  If using a hardwood I would not use any type of paint or preservative, as hardwood will last for some time outdoors if not in contact with the ground.  It will, also, turn a nice gray color.

The downside to using a hardwood is the fact that it is hard and that makes it hard to work with.  It is difficult to screw or nail without special care.  It will split if not done properly.  For those reasons you do not see many hardwood feeders on market.

The favorite choice for a wood feeder is cedar wood.  Cedar has a beautiful grain that looks great in the yard.  It, also, has natural oils and resins that protect it from water penetration.  By keeping the water out naturally your cedar feeder will last a number of years.

Squirrels like to chew, especially if they are trying to get to food.  A feeding station made from cedar will help keep them from chewing up the feeder, especially if you are using it for something like ear corn.

Feeding squirrels is a great way to help keep them out of the bird feeders.  It will not stop them from trying to rob the birds, but it will help.  Besides, it is a lot of fun to watch the little guys romp around the yard.