Contents
A Stunningly Gorgeous Squirrel And Blue Jay Feeder With A Deep Platform Tray That Holds A Plethora Of Nuts & Seeds. You’ll Love The Durable, Clean, Appealing Overall Design Too.
Please indulge me for a moment…
The sun is shining brightly on a frigid winter morning. You see a handful of squirrels running around your backyard while climbing trees, dashing back and forth in the snow, and having a great time.
Suddenly, one of the squirrels notices The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder off in the distance. As if on cue, it darts over to the picnic table to gobble up some tasty whole peanuts right from the shell.
The squirrel’s friends notice as he makes a beeline for the picnic table and they want to see what all the fuss is about. These happy little squirrels were delighted to find tasty whole peanuts sitting there waiting for them on a cold winter morning.
Before long, a blue jay swings by and toward the picnic table bird feeder, swooping down to grab a whole peanut before it dodges away from the squirrels to enjoy a healthy snack in seclusion.
Does this seem appealing?
While testing 10 bird feeders, I discovered that The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder
is the Most Unique Platform Feeder for Blue Jays and other ground dwelling animals.
How did I figure it out?
I tested it based on 5 categories over a period of two weeks.
And the categories I used for this review include:
- Ease of Refilling
- Cleaning & Care
- Ease of Installation
- Aesthetics
- Durability & Warranty
Are you prepared to discover the reasons why The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder is the Most Unique Platform Feeder for Blue Jays? Keep reading to learn the truth.
Picnic Table Platform Feeder
- Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 6 inches
- Feeder Type: Tray Feeder
- Capacity: 10 ounce peanuts in shells
- Material: Cedar
- Brand: The Squirrel Shop
Overall Score:
80
The Bottom Line:
It’s my pleasure to mention that if you’re looking for a unique, attractive, and interesting bird feeder, you’ll definitely get it in spades with the Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, it has a sturdy cord so you can hang it up or lay it on the ground, and it’s a great feeder for numerous types of seeds and mealworms.What’s Good
- 10-ounce package of unsalted peanuts included
- Handmade design
- Decay resistant cedar
- Unconditional money back guarantee
- Holds peanuts, bird seeds, mealworms, and more
What’s Bad
- Tips while hanging
- Attracts squirrels
- Nuts and seeds fall out when it tips
Our Verdict: The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder
What did I think about The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder?
For starters, I’m a really big fan of the overall design and unique style of this bird feeder. I think the picnic table and benches are really fun and cute, especially when birds and squirrels perch on the end of the bench to eat tasty treats from the feeder.
As far as installation is concerned, this bird feeder is really easy to install. You can place the bench on a flat surface and you’re done! Or, if you want to hang it up via the green wires, you can connect it to a hook or a sturdy branch and install it with that method.
The cedar material is durable to say the least. This wood is naturally resistant to insects and the outdoor elements.
I don’t like that it’s put together with thin staples. The staples can easily pop out and become loose as one or two reviewers have attested to.
Refilling the bird feeder is also incredibly simple. Just dump out the excess bird seed from the tray and add new whole peanuts, mealworms, suet balls, or black oil sunflower seeds so the birds and squirrels can enjoy them from the comfort of your secluded property.
Cleaning and caring for this product is one of the easiest things in the world to do. Just take a damp cloth and wipe it down. If it’s particularly dirty, you should feel free to clean it off using soapy water.
Overall, I think The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder is an absolute must for anyone looking to feed squirrels, blue jays, wild birds, and other ground dwelling animals.
Related: My All-Time Favorite Blue Jay Feeders
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Consider the following…
You intend to buy a high-quality blue jay bird feeder but you don’t know where to look. You’ve decided to scour the web to discover pertinent information to help you make your final decision.
Well, look no further. You’ve discovered a wellspring of information about a gorgeously attractive picnic table platform feeder that I know you’re gonna love.
How do I know?
I tested this bird feeder and 9 others over a 20 week stretch. And during this time, I tested, researched, and analyzed each product to see how they compared to one another.
I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that I found the Most Unique Platform Feeder for Blue Jays that you’ll ever see.
Care to find out how it did in each category? Continue reading to learn the final results of my testing and analysis below.
Aesthetics
From an Aesthetics standpoint, I awarded The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder with a robust 90 out of 100 overall score.
Why wasn’t it perfect?
It almost was to be totally honest with you. But I like the overall look and style of the Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Bird Feeder with Suet just a little bit more, so it edged it out in the end.
But if you’re paying attention…
It’s plain to see that the Squirrel Shop Platform Feeder is absolutely stunning. It truly is a beautiful marvel of a squirrel and bird feeder.
Here’s the deal:
I love watching squirrels perch on the bench as they eat tasty whole peanuts out of the feeder tray. It’s one of my favorite things to see in this world.
And it’s even better watching it take place on a gorgeous snowy day in the middle of December right around Christmas time when the holiday lights are glowing, the decorations are on display, and the world looks happy and beautiful.
How do you feel about The Squirrel Shop picnic table feeder? Do you think it looks amazing? Or is it the wrong style for your tastes?
I love it, really. But only you can decide if it’s the perfect aesthetic fit for your outdoor decor and ideal personal style.
How the Picnic Table Platform Feeder stacks up in the aesthetics ratings:
Ease of Installation
The category Ease of Installation is one that I particularly hold near and dear to my heart.
Why?
As much as I love feeding birds, I am not the biggest fan of hanging up bird feeders! That may seem strange since I test so many different types.
But here’s the deal…
I go out of my way to choose bird feeders that are easy to install. So, no matter what I review, the installation factor is going to be relatively simple and straightforward.
As is the case with The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder. I gave it a very thoughtful and respectable 80 out of 100 score.
On a side note…
Almost every feeder but 2 of the 10 received an 80 out of 100 overall score.
What’s the deal?
As I said, I like easy to install bird feeders. Most of all, I like them because I know I will need to take them down, clean them off, refill them, and perform minor maintenance on them from time to time.
The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table can be installed using two different methods. You can hang it from a hook or branch or protruding pole, or you can rest it on the ground or a flat surface just like you would a picnic table.
Installing the picnic table is one of the simplest things in the world to do. Just pick a spot and leave it there.
Hanging it up is a little more complicated but it doesn’t need to be mind-numbingly difficult. You can use an existing tree branch or install a simple hook that you can connect the green wire to.
But no matter which way you install it, just know that it’s going to be very easy to accomplish. Otherwise, I may not have tested the bird feeder in the first place!
How the Picnic Table Platform Feeder stacks up in the ease of installation ratings:
Durability & Warranty
The category Durability & Warranty is just as important, or even more so, then some of the other vital categories that I review and analyze as I test out a new product.
In this category, I gave The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder the worst score out of the 10 products that I reviewed. I gave it a 60 out of 100.
Why did I bury it on the bottom of the list, you might be wondering?
Well, although it’s made of strong cedar wood, which certainly is durable and can withstand the elements and harmful insects, the overall design is a bit more on the fragile side than the other bird feeders that I reviewed during this test.
What do I mean?
Take a look at the platform feeder itself. You’ll see numerous parts that are stapled together.
On the surface, they remain very sturdy and strong. But I have a feeling that they’re going to loosen up and become less stable over time.
Do I know this with absolute certainty? No, I don’t because I’ve only owned and tested out this bird feeder for a short while.
But other reviewers mentioned that occasionally the staples come loose, which undoubtedly takes away from the overall durability of the product.
The good thing is that the manufacturer, The Squirrel Shop, is willing to put their money where their mouth is. They give all of their customers an unconditional money back guarantee.
Personally, I know they wouldn’t give this guarantee if they didn’t stand by their products. So, they obviously believe in their bird feeders and they’re willing to back it up with this enticing guarantee.
Do you believe they stand by their product?
How the Picnic Table Platform Feeder stacks up in the durability & warranty ratings:
Ease of Refilling
For the category Ease of Refilling, I awarded The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder with the absolutely amazing score of 90 out of 100.
To keep things clear and on the up and up, I also awarded 3 other blue jay bird feeders with the same high score including the Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Bird Feeder, the Nature’s Way Hanging Platform Feeder, and the Seed Saver Domed Feeder.
So…
Why was this product only deserving of a 90 out of 100 instead of a perfect score?
Well, it all depends on where and how you mount this bird feeder.
If you decide to hang it up in a tree 20 feet in the air, you’re going to have a tougher time refilling it then you would if you were to simply place it on the ground or on top of your deck within easy reach.
Do you see what I mean?
When the bird feeder is hanging high up in a tree, you’ll need to take out your ladder and climb all the way to the platform tray with your peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet cakes, or other tasty treats in hand.
And you’ll need to wipe down and refill the bird feeder while you are high up on a ladder, which can be dangerous for some people that have a difficult time keeping their balance.
Do you have a tough time keeping your balance?
I highly recommend avoiding hanging this platform feeder high up in a tree if this is the case. If you absolutely must hang it up, hang it from a lower branch or hook within easy reach.
This way you’ll be able to take it down, clean it off, refill it, care for it, or do anything else without suffering through the difficult ordeal of climbing 20 feet in the air on a ladder.
How the Picnic Table Platform Feeder stacks up in the ease of refilling ratings:
Cleaning & Care
In the category Cleaning & Care, I gave The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder a highly respectable score of 80 out of 100.
For context, I gave the Amish Poly Ground Bird Feeder Tray a 100 out of 100 and the Songbird Essentials Whole Peanut Feeder a 70 out of 100.
The Amish feeder is so easy to clean and care for because it’s lightweight, it rests directly on the ground or on top of a sturdy surface, and you can effortlessly pick it up, wipe it off, clean it out, spray it with a hose, and clean it with soap and water without any resistance at all.
The Songbird Essentials feeder is an entirely different story altogether. It’s a wire peanut feeder, so it requires lots of finite cleaning with a brush or a rag.
It can get somewhat tedious even though it isn’t mind-numbingly difficult and it won’t take too long to clean.
Now:
The Squirrel Shop Feeder Tray is a little more complicated to clean when compared to the Amish Poly Bird Feeder.
How so?
Well, the Amish feeder is a simple tray with four walls. The Squirrel Shop feeder has the same type of tray, but it also has benches that need to be cleaned as well as other wooden support structures at the bottom of the bird feeder.
So, even though the degree of difficulty is minimal to clean this bird feeder, it requires a little more time and finesse, which is why I knocked off a couple of points from the overall score.
How the Picnic Table Platform Feeder stacks up in the cleaning & care ratings:
The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder FAQs:
Does The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder Collect Unwanted Water And Is It Easy To Drain?
The last thing you or I need is to add a picnic table platform feeder to our backyard that constantly fills up with unwanted water collecting in the tray.
This would defeat the purpose of feeding healthy, tasty, and delicious bird seeds and other foodstuffs to your favorite blue jays and a plethora of other wild birds.
Guess what?
I’m happy to say that after testing this product on a rainy day, I can tell you that there are enough cracks and crevices within the feeder that it doesn’t actually hold water.
Even better…
The manufacturer foresaw this problem and added 2 drainage holes drilled into the picnic table. So, if for some reason it does retain water, you can open the drainage holes to let the water filter out without disturbing the bird seed.
Although…
If rain is on the horizon, your best bet is to take the platform feeder down and bring it in the house. This will preserve the bird seeds and keep them from getting ruinously wet.
Has The Wood On The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder Been Treated For Weather To Repel Unwanted Outdoor Elements?
This is a great question for two reasons.
First, you might be worried that they treated the wood with harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, these unnecessary chemicals might be so harsh that they’re disastrously dangerous to outdoor birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife.
Thankfully, I can tell you beyond the shadow of a doubt that they never treated the wood with weather-proofing chemicals. So, you don’t have to worry about your favorite birds getting sick or worse after eating out of the picnic table platform feeder tray.
Another reason to ask this question includes:
Is it going to become damaged in the rain?
I haven’t tested it out long enough to say with absolute certainty that the rain and other outdoor elements will not damage this bird feeder. But I can tell you that after leaving it outside in a pretty heavy rainstorm, I didn’t notice any damage at all.
Even better, the product is created with cedar wood, which is really strong, unsurprisingly bug resistant, and can withstand the natural elements. So, fearing damage because of rain, wind, sleet, or snow is unnecessary because this product is sturdy, durable, and particularly robust.
Can I Mount The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder To A Tree?
Although this sounds like a really good idea, the picnic table platform feeder wasn’t specifically designed to be mounted to a tree. So, unless you have the ability to create modifications on your own, you will not be able to mount it this way.
On the other hand, it’s quite possible to hang it from a tree branch, which may satiate your desire to have it mounted to a tree.
In fact, if you look at some of the pictures that come with this product, you’ll see the picnic table bird feeder successfully hanging in a natural setting. It’s hard to tell precisely what it’s hanging from, but it surely could be a sturdy tree branch.
At the end of the day, you’ll have to figure out a way to mount the squirrel picnic table to a tree or decide if it’s good enough to hang it from a hook, a tree branch, or another sturdy and protruding object.
Our Final Verdict: The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder
I feel that it’s truly astonishing that you made it all the way to the end of this detailed and thoughtful review. And like always, I really and truly hope that this information provided timeless wisdom and better understanding of this exciting blue jay platform feeder.
My ultimate goal was to tell you why I believe The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder is the Most Unique Platform Feeder for Blue Jays.
I also wanted you to see precisely how this bird feeder stacked up against the 9 other blue jay feeders that I tested during a 20-week trial run.
During this time, I learned a great deal about the Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder. To recap the most important highlights, I discovered the following:
- I absolutely adore the beautifully unique and stunningly attractive design that the picnic table platform feeder presents
- I found this bird feeder relatively easy to install without too much difficulty
- I discovered that the manufacturer made this bird feeder with durable cedar, which is incredibly tough and difficult to ravage or destroy
- I learned that this lightweight platform feeder is very easy to refill by simply adding more peanuts, orange slices, suet cakes, mealworms, or bird seeds to the tray
- I discovered that cleaning the Squirrel Shop Feeder was so simple that even little kids found it easy to take a wet rag and wipe it down with soap and water
Would it help you to read other reviews about amazing blue jay bird feeders?
If you answered yes, then you should take a moment to look at my detailed analysis and review of the 10 blue jay feeders that I’ve talked about throughout this article. You can find the complete unbiased review by going here: Best Blue Jay Bird Feeders Favorites
Or if you’re up for it…
Click the link below and take time to read even more reviews directly from customers that have thoroughly tried and tested The Squirrel Shop Picnic Table Platform Feeder. And while you’re there, you can also discover the real-time price to find out if this platform tray fits within your allotted budget.
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