I'm pretty cheap, but the Droll Yankee Co. seems to have a good reputation so I wasn't too reluctant to part with the bucks for this feeder. My first impression was that it is a lot larger than I expected and seemed to be sturdier than most feeders.

I plugged it in and let it charge overnight (it charges like a power screwdriver), filled it with black-oil sunflower and hung it in my favorite bird feeder tree the next morning. My Carolina-chickadees and Cardinals were feeding within thirty minutes, Mr.Squirrel made his first attempt after about an hour. There is really no way I can describe what followed. Let's just say I have some really freaked out squirrels around my house.

I have had the feeder up for over a month, the squirrels have been forced to feed from the spilled seed on the ground and the feeder is still operating from the original charge.

This feeder is is worth every penny and then some. I wish I could give it more than five stars.

43 of 44 found the following review helpful:

Works great...until...  Jul 29, 2007
By Marty Pekar
This feeder is a lot of fun and it works great until the squirrels figure it out. It's easy for the smaller red squirrels and, eventually a gray squirrel will beat it and it's all over. When a gray squirrel finds a position that allows him to feed while the Flipper spins he can very quickly exhaust the battery, allowing him and other squirrels to feed effortlessly. See for yourself. Do a search on youtube for "Squirrel vs. Droll Yankee Flipper". (Amazon won't allow me to post the actual link).

38 of 39 found the following review helpful:

The last bird feeder you'll ever need to buy!  Dec 19, 2001
By Marc Andonian
Well, I've had many "squirrel-proof" bird feeders over the last 5 years - each promising to defeat our furry four-footed friends - and each only moderately successful! When I saw the Yankee Flipper video - I flipped...could it be that I found the last bird feeder I'll ever need to buy? YES - For over the last year - I've been very pleased with this bird feeder. It has not been successfully accessed by the squirrels - despite lots of attempts - and the associated gymnastics! But the birds? They don't have a problem unless two morning doves land on the same side at the same time...then...well that's another story. This is an exceptional product concept - well built and executed.
You do need to charge its internal battery 2X a year - but that's it. In the next generation, I'd probably redesign how the cord is placed in the charger receptical - but that is it. An outstanding product - and on amazon for a great price! I paid almost $100 for it at my local bird store - but even at that price - it is great. I will be buying these to replace my other feeders as they wear out (squirrels manage to eat their way through cages, plastic and even metal on some of the other feeders) - but not the Yankee Flipper. A GREAT product! You will NOT be sorry!

46 of 49 found the following review helpful:

You Will Love This Feeder!  Jan 27, 2001
By Jack Beery
We recently purchased the Yankee Flipper bird feeder and love it. So do the birds!

The feeder came completely set up; there was no assembly to do. Amazon had put the Flipper box into a larger box for shipping. It came in excellent shape.

As advertised, the Nicad batteries were completely discharged. Thus step one is to charge the batteries overnight.

How It Works: The ring that the birds sit on will not deflect with the weight of a bird. Bigger birds do not trip the mechanism; we've even had a red-bellied woodpecker taking sunflower seeds from the feeder. But when excessive weight is on the ring it tilts down, turns on the motor and starts the ring turning. Then the motor deactivates when the weight is off the ring.

There are two screws that you can tighten to prevent the mechanism from tilting (thus turning on). I recommend you use these when the unit is in the charge cycle.

The ports that the birds take seeds from are well designed and the birds can eat to the last seed without any problem.

When looking at the picture of the feeder, I thought it would be better if the feeder had more feeding ports. Now that we have the feeder, I think the ports only on the bottom are better. I let the feeder get pretty well empty before I refill it.

After filling the feeder two or three times I found it useful to turn the feeder over and dump out the dust and foreign particles that are in the seed. We've attached an S hook to the tree with a plastic tie wrap which has made it convenient to lift off the feeder to dump and refill.

Regarding the mechanism: I recommend that for the first few days when the feeder is out, keep the lock down screws turned to prevent rotation. Then the mechanism will not turn on when a squirrel jumps on the feeder. After you see some squirrels on the feeder, loosen the screws and watch the action!

If you like feeding the birds and agitating the squirrels, you will love this feeder.

26 of 27 found the following review helpful:

Truth in Advertising: Yankee Flipper Delivers  Aug 27, 2001

This is the first feeder I've found that is truly squirrel-proof. It works as promised, provides birds with squirrel-free dining, and people with uninterrupted bird-viewing. Now, if someone will make a feeder that discourages vast hordes of white wing doves, I'll be set. :) A few points about the feeder: The length of time the batteries hold a charge is affected by temperature extremes. In central Texas, where summer temperatures are often triple-digit, I've found the batteries will hold a charge for a week to ten days. The hotter it is outdoors (or, in winter, the colder), the less time between recharges. A recharge requires 24 hours. For those concerned about the feeder's motorized mechanism slinging squirrels at great force, not to worry. The spinning action doesn't actually sling the squirrels off the feeder, it just takes them for a ride they aren't expecting and don't particularly enjoy. They aren't slung off, they jump off. Always. :) According to the feeder's instruction booklet, red squirrels and chipmunks do not weigh enough to activate the motor; for anyone seeking to discourage those particular animals, this feeder will not be effective. This is a beautifully-designed feeder, well worth the expense. If you are like me, and have been wasting money on every new "squirrel-proof" feeder that comes on the market, your search is over. The Yankee Flipper will not disappoint.

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