✅ How to Stop Rats From Reaching a Hanging Bird Feeder in

1. Use a Rat Baffle (the most effective method)

A rat/squirrel baffle is a cone-shaped or dome-shaped barrier that you attach above the feeder if it hangs from a tree.

How it helps:

• Rats can’t climb around or jump over the slippery curved surface

• They slide off before reaching the feeder

➡️ Choose a large dome-style baffle for tree-hung feeders.

2. Keep the Feeder at Least 6 ft (2 m) Off the Ground

Rats can jump surprisingly high.Keeping the feeder:

• 6 ft up

• 2+ ft away from the trunk

  
  

  …prevents them from jumping onto it.

  

3. Use a Seed Catcher Tray (you already have one!)

Great job — you are already using a tray under the feeder.

To improve it:

• Make sure the tray edges are high enough to stop seed from overflowing

• Use fine mesh so water drains out but seed stays contained

Less spilled seed = fewer rats.

4. Switch to Food Rats Don’t Like

Rats LOVE:

• mixed seed

• cracked corn

• millet

They do not like:

• Nyjer seed (thistle)

• Safflower seed

Birds like finches, tits, and sparrows still enjoy it, but rats usually ignore it.

5. Bring the Feeder In at Night

Rats are mostly nocturnal.

If you take the feeder in at night:

• Birds don’t miss any food

• Rats stop visiting the area

Even doing this 3–4 nights a week helps break their habit.

6. Keep the Area Under the Tree Clean

Even with trays, some seed will fall.

Do this every few days:

• Rake or sweep up spilled seed

• Remove hulls

• Cut back ground cover under the feeder

Rats hide in low plants—clearing them removes their cover.

7. Use a Metal Hanging Chain Instead of Rope

Rats can chew rope easily.Metal chain (like in your feeder photo) is perfect—keep it.

8. Limit the Amount of Seed

If the feeder empties slowly, rats smell the food and keep coming.

Only fill:

• ½ full, and refill more often

• Enough that birds finish by evening