Droll Yankee Flipper

Last-minute gift ideas for Dad

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and some of you might still be procrastinating over what to get the man. A feeder that deters squirrels is always a good choice, as it will help to lower Dad's blood pressure if he is constantly stressing about the squirrels eating all of his bird seed. Of course, if you get him a feeder that stops the squirrels, Dad might put on a few more pounds from the lack of exercise of getting up and chasing the squirrels away. He also won't be lifting those bags of seed to fill the feeders as often. But, he will be happier.

There are several good feeders on the market that work 99 percent of the time against squirrels. (I never say "never" when it comes to squirrels.) The line of Squirrel Buster feeders, which use a weighted system that closes off the food supply when a squirrel gets on, are among the best. They work much better than the green box type Absolute feeders, which do well only about 90 percent of the time (or less, depending upon the IQ of the squirrels in your yard.).

Droll Yankees Dipper, Whipper, Tipper and Flipper series of feeders also work well. They are long enough and wide enough that the squirrel can't hang on them. The first three models have weighted perches or trays that collapse with the weight of the squirrel. The Flipper has the battery-operated motor that spins the perch with the weight of the squirrel and spins it right off. It would provide great entertainment for Dad!

If Dad is particularly frustrated with the squirrels and has some aggression to take out on them, you might consider the Squirrel Boss feeder. This one is solar-powered and has a remote control. When Dad sees a furry critter on his feeder, he merely pushes a button on the remote control and gives the squirrel a little jolt. Just think of the hours of entertainment this would provide him (Dad, not the squirrel!).

Once squirrels have been stopped by any one of these feeders, they often give up and pick up the offerings from the ground. That is, until a new squirrel moves into the neighborhood or a fresh brood wanders into the yard to try again.

Perhaps squirrels are not a problem in Dad's yard, or he has them beat with a baffle on a pole system. Maybe Dad's life can be made easier by getting him a new feeder that is easier to clean. Several manufacturers are now making feeders that are easier to take apart to clean. Both Droll Yankees and Aspects have feeders that have bottoms that pop right off — no tools, no stress. It provides easy access to the bottom of the tube where mold begins to form (after all that spring rain that we had). Droll Yankee also has a model with a "pull ring" system. Dad would simply pull a rod from the top and all the perches and the bottom fall off the tube. Again, easy cleaning with no tools necessary.

Check Out Droll Yankees YF Flipper Bird Feeder for $96.54 | Wild ...

Droll Yankees YF Flipper Bird Feeder Features

Squirrel-proof bird feeder holds approximately 5 pounds of seed Sturdy polycarbonate feeding chamber; metal cap and base resists squirrel damage Battery charger plugs into standard 120 volt wall outlets Rechargeable nickel-cadmium power-stick battery and battery charger included Measures 4-3/4 by 21 inches; lifetime feeder warranty; 1-year warranty on motor and battery charger

This Yankee Flipper squirrel-proof feeder is the ultimate feeder for keeping your feathered friends fed, and the furred fiends hungry. Let’s talk about the basics first. The sturdy polycarbonate feeding chamber is a whopping 4-3/4 inches in diameter and 21 inches long, giving you a break between refills–and ensuring that squirrels can’t hang down from the top to reach seed. The four feeding chambers are easily accessible via the perch ring, and the interior of the chamber is designed to direct seed into the seed ports.

Now, for the fun stuff: The birdfeeder features an encased motor and rechargeable (and replaceable) batteries. When you receive the feeder, simply charge the batteries overnight, hang the feeder from its looped bail wire, and prepare to be amazed (and entertained!). The motor is connected to the weight activated perch ring–birds will not set it off, even larger species like woodpeckers and cardinals. But the minute a squirrel hops onto the perch, the motor is triggered and the feeder begins spinning, taking the squirrel for a whirl before it loses its grip and is thrown (gently) from the perch. It’s a humanitarian way to deal with persistent squirrels–there are no shocks or poisons to hurt them, simply a wild ride that they won’t be inclined to repeat. Birds are free to eat without disruption, and your family will get a kick out of watching squirrels go for their rides. There’s a lifetime warranty on the feeder body and a one-year warranty on the motor and battery charger. –Ariel Meadow Stallings

The Yankee Flipper comes with a motor-driven, battery-powered, weight-activated perch ring that expels squirrels while they are attempting to get on the chook seed. When a squirrel steps at the perch, a connection is made with a motor that makes the perch spin, and the squirrel is flipped off the feeder. The unit comes provided with a chargeable nickel-cadmium power stick battery and a battery charger that plugs into standard 120 volt wall shops. robust chrome steel twine chooker is not going to rust. 21″ long tubular feeder with 5 lb seed capacity. steel cap fits snugly so that squirrels chook pry it off. 4-1/2″ diameter seed tube is product of UV stabilized polycarbonate for durability. Tube is long enough so that squirrels can’t chook down from the top and achieve seed. inner is correctly baffled to direct seed to the seed ports. four seed ports are situated around the tube. steel portions have a forest green end.

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