The model was super easy to assemble and install. It literally took me 5 minutes to assemble (inside my house by the way), and a minute to step on the forks and install them into the ground. Just a touch of the baffle caused the solid smooth piece to bob around. No squirrel is going to successfully reach the feeders. Mix & Match curtain poles offer the widest selection of finial ends to suit your taste. All finials in the Mix & Match range are sold in pairs, and are available in 16/19mm and 25/28mm diameters.

The fixing distances are a guide and are largely dependent on the diameter of the pole and the amount of space around your window. Strength and stability are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a bird feeder pole. Strength Higher quality models will take longer to install because the base entails twisting an auger into the ground – over 1.5′. Look for a model that includes the “twisting rod” because it makes the job significantly easier. Plus, it’s highly unlikely you already have a metal rod that is the perfect diameter, strength, and length to take don’t the task. I know I didn’t! Look for one whose hooks are at least 7″ from the center pole . 10″ or more is truly the ideal distance but 7″ is the minimum. 3. Squirrel Proof I don’t consider aesthetics to be a critical factor when choosing a bird pole but I thought the Feed Garden was sharp! I liked the twisted finial at the top – it added a lovely design element.It needs to be stable enough to support uneven weight distribution without leaning. Whether you have one bird feeder hanging or four, it should stand straight and solid. The stability is based on the bottom support as well as the center pole. Bottom Support If you don’t have a squirrel problem, you will. And you’ll be glad you have a bird feeder pole that is squirrel-proof. 4. Ease of Installation

Also, pay attention to the soldering joints for the shepherd’s hooks and make sure they look clean. Messy soldering can be an indication of carelessness and lower quality. No one wants their bird feeder dropping to the ground from a bad solder joint. Stability Not everyone can afford or wants to invest in the best. This is especially true when starting out with bird feeding. That’s where the Feed Garden Deluxe comes in.Simply mount the ends on the wall or in the ceiling and add the curtain hooks and textiles. The length of the wire is adjustable, so you can always get the measurements just right. On top of that, it goes around corners as well. That way, you can place it above corner windows or a door entrance. Or why not let it expand from a window and along your entire wall? Stability with fork staking is determined by the distance the fork is from the center pole (longer is better), how deep in the ground each fork goes, (deeper is better), and the number of forks (more is better). Look for a model that has at least 4 forks that go into the ground at least 8″ and are at least 4.5″ from the center pole. Center Pole A bird feeder pole must be strong because multiple bird feeders, each filled with birdseed, can get very heavy. Look for a strong and solid center pole with 3 or fewer sections that when connected, function as one unit and don’t wobble or jiggle.

Plastic hooks are recommended for windows facing north. It is best not to use plastic curtain hooks in a sunny position as they may become brittle after long periods of exposure to UV light. These hooks are generally suitable for light or medium weight curtains including voiles and linen. 2. Metal Curtain Hooks Many budget models utilize “fork staking” for bottom support. The forks spread out and also go into the ground but only about 8″.All metal and wood poles can be cut down to size, but remember that once cut, they cannot be returned to store. If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t need DIY skills, extendable poles can be sized and resized as needed without cutting. Without installing the Kettle Moraine fully into the ground I couldn’t recommend it for stability purposes. Similar to the Sequoia model, the Deluxe’s center pole is made from solid steel construction. While the Sequoia’s center poles are an impressive 1.5″ in diameter, the Deluxe is 2″ ! This is the largest diameter in the industry.

Many brands claim they’re “squirrel-proof”. In my experience, the ones that are close to 100% squirrel-proof are built-in (vs add-on baffles), large, smooth, and have some movement so the squirrel can’t gain leverage on it and launch upward to a feeder.Using lined rings is beneficial for metal curtain poles as the nylon coating provides a smooth, silent gliding motion when opening and closing your curtains. The lower/moveable hooks are only 7.5″ from the center pole and are likely only suitable for tube feeders. However, I liked the ability to arrange these 2 at the level and angle you desire for versatility. I thought the Kettle Moraine was going to make my top 3 but as I proceeded to install and assess it, it failed a few key areas. The center pole is a standard 13/16″ but only had 3 sections which is a plus for stability. The pole sections are inserted into one another for a tight fit. The stability was acceptable considering the fork style.