Instructions
Put feeders away at night, if they are easily removed from a post; place them in a garage, shed or enclosed garbage can with a locking lid that coons cannot remove.
Make a bird feeder clothesline, which keeps the feeder suspended and hard to reach. Dig two holes and place a pole in each one. Fill the hole back in with dirt to stabilize the pole. Fasten one end of a long piece of rope to the first pole. Drill a hole in the bottom of various glass bottles, such as soda pop bottles, and string these on the rope lengthwise. Attach the other end of the rope to the second pole. When a coon attempts to step out on the rope to get to the bird feeder, it will be spun off by the rotating glass bottles.
Purchase a repellent manufactured specifically for coons, which can be found at hardware, outdoor or home stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions in applying the repellent around the bird feeder. Most are safe for other animals if ingested.
Hang bird feeders so that they are not close to the house, a shed or barn, or any overhanging tree branches that will allow the raccoon to jump onto the feeder.
Cover a hanging feeder with a dome-shaped stove baffle, which prohibits raccoons from jumping on the feeder. Place a stovepipe baffle or PVC tube around the bird feeder pole; either will move when the coon tries to climb the pole to get to the feeder.
How to Keep Coons Out of Birdfeeders
Bird feeders are a wonderful way to lure nature into your back yard. However, in an effort to bird watch, you may be encouraging other forms of wildlife to come to dinner as well. Raccoons, also known as coons, may look cute, but the masked creatures prowl around at night and can eat bird eggs or empty out a bird feeder in a single meal. Here are a few ways to discourage their nocturnal snacking at your bird feeders.