Squirrel Feeders:
Picnic Tables, Spinning Wheels & More
Picnic tables, spinning corn wheels, box feeders — we've tested them all and our squirrels have opinions.
We didn't set out to become squirrel feeder obsessives. We put up one little picnic table feeder by our back window and within 48 hours our whole morning routine changed — suddenly coffee is better, the kids don't want to leave for school, and we're watching squirrels like it's premium cable.
Here at Private Lands Wildlife, we've been testing feeders on our property for years. We've had feeders knocked down, chewed apart, ignored entirely, and — in the case of our spinning corn wheel — turned into the greatest wildlife spectacle on the property. We know what works.
This guide covers the three categories that actually matter: picnic table feeders (for the cute photos), spinning wheel feeders (for the entertainment), and box feeders (for serious feeding). We'll tell you exactly which ones we recommend and why.
Squirrel Picnic Table Feeders
The squirrel picnic table feeder is the internet's favorite for a reason. The moment a gray squirrel settles into those little bench seats and starts gnawing a corn cob, you will reach for your phone. Every single time.
These feeders work best mounted to a fence post, tree, or deck railing at about chest height. They're low-maintenance, photogenic, and give squirrels a defined "restaurant" that keeps them away from your bird feeders.
- Incredibly photogenic
- Easy to mount
- Great for photos & video
- Holds corn & peanuts
- Squirrels will chew wood over time
- Refill every few days
- Pure entertainment value
- Easy to hang anywhere
- Great video content
- Very affordable
- Corn cobs only
- Needs a branch or hook
"The corn cob feeder changed everything."
We mounted ours on the oak tree out back and by the next morning Don had already claimed it. He visits multiple times a day — and we're convinced he thinks the spinning is a personal attack.
Get the Corn Cob Feeder →Corn Cob Squirrel Feeders
If the picnic table gets you photos, the corn cob feeder gets you video. This is the feeder that turns casual wildlife watchers into full-blown squirrel enthusiasts. Mount it to a tree, load it with corn cobs, and watch squirrels hold on for dear life as it spins under their weight.
The spinning motion is totally harmless — squirrels hop right off, shake their heads, and immediately try again. It's hypnotic to watch and has driven more of our social media engagement than anything else we've posted.
- Holds multiple corn cobs
- Durable metal build
- Endless entertainment
- Easy to mount
- Corn cobs only
- Needs tree or post
- Holds more food
- Protects from rain
- Wide variety of styles
- Less visual drama
- Squirrels may chew wood
Full Comparison: Side by Side
| Feeder | Best For | Entertainment | Food Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picnic Table with Umbrella | Photos & personality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Corn, peanuts | View → |
| Squirrel Swing | Viral video moments | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Corn cob | View → |
| Corn Cob Feeder | Spinning entertainment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Corn cobs | View → |
| Squirrel Feeders | Year-round feeding | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nuts, seeds, corn | View → |
Where to Place Your Squirrel Feeder
Placement is almost as important as the feeder itself. Get it wrong and you'll wonder why nothing is visiting. Get it right and you'll have a steady stream of squirrels within days.
What to Put in Your Squirrel Feeder
Squirrels are not picky, but some foods will get you far more visits than others. Here's what actually works:
- Whole corn cobs — the #1 choice for picnic tables and spinning wheels. Cheap, easy to find, and squirrels work at them for a long time (longer visits = more viewing time for you). We buy in bulk and they ship right to your door.
- In-shell peanuts — raw, unsalted only. These are like candy to squirrels and will bring them back reliably every day. Buy in bulk bags for great value — all delivered straight to your doorstep.
- Sunflower seeds — a great loose filler for box feeders. High fat content is especially good heading into winter.
- Walnuts & hazelnuts — in-shell nuts are irresistible and squirrels will bury extras, which is fascinating behavior to watch.
- Acorns — if you have oak trees on your property, collect and add them. Free food and squirrels go absolutely wild for them in fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of squirrels, what they eat, do they hibernate, baby squirrels, black squirrels, squirrel houses and feeders — all in one complete guide from our 30-acre Michigan wildlife habitat.
Visit the Complete Squirrel Guide →