Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper
Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder User Manual
Model: Yankee Flipper
Product Overview
The Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper is a highly effective squirrel-proof bird feeder designed to ensure your feathered friends are well-fed while deterring unwanted squirrel visitors. This feeder features a sturdy polycarbonate feeding chamber, measuring 4-3/4 inches in diameter and 21 inches long, which minimizes the need for frequent refills and prevents squirrels from reaching the seed from above. Four feeding chambers are easily accessible via the perch ring, with an interior design that efficiently directs seed to the ports.
A key innovation of the Yankee Flipper is its encased motor and rechargeable batteries. The motor is connected to a weight-activated perch ring. While birds, even larger species like woodpeckers and cardinals, will not trigger it, any squirrel landing on the perch will activate the motor, causing the feeder to spin. This gentle spinning motion dislodges the squirrel, providing a humane and entertaining solution to squirrel deterrence. Birds can then feed without disruption.
Key features include:
- Squirrel-Proof Design: Weight-sensitive, collapsible perches with a spinning mechanism deter squirrels.
- Ample Seed Capacity: Holds up to five pounds of bird seed, reducing refill frequency.
- Durable Construction: Heavy-duty metal base and UV-stabilized polycarbonate seed tube ensure longevity.
- Efficient Seed Flow: Internal baffle maintains steady seed delivery to all four feeding ports.
- Made in USA: Crafted in Plainfield, Connecticut, since 1969, ensuring quality and reliability.
Figure 1: The Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper bird feeder, showcasing its clear seed tube filled with mixed bird seed and the green base with perches.
Setup and Installation
Figure 2: The feeder's components, including the clear seed tube and the green base, ready for assembly and filling.
- Unpack Contents: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Ensure the feeder body, motor, rechargeable battery, and AC adapter are present.
- Initial Battery Charge: The feeder contains an encased motor and rechargeable battery. Locate the battery inside the feeder. Connect the battery to the provided AC adapter. Charge the battery overnight (or for at least 2 hours) before first use. Ensure the ON/OFF switch located on the bottom of the feeder is in the OFF position during charging.
- Assemble Feeder: Insert the bottom piece, which houses the battery and motor, and twist to lock it securely into place with the clear seed tube.
- Fill with Seed: Lift the green top of the feeder. Pour up to 5 pounds of your preferred bird seed (such as sunflower or mixed seed) into the clear tube. Once filled, push the green top down firmly to secure it in place. The internal baffle will guide the seed to the feeding ports.
- Hang Feeder: Use the looped bail wire at the top of the feeder to hang it from a sturdy hook, branch, or pole. Ensure it is hung in an open area, at least 8-10 feet away from structures like fences or tree trunks that squirrels could use to bypass the feeder's mechanism.
- Activate Feeder: Once hung and filled, turn the ON/OFF switch on the bottom of the feeder to the ON position. The feeder is now ready for use.
Figure 3: Illustrates the process of filling the feeder with bird seed. The top lid is removed, and seed is poured into the clear tube.
Operating Instructions
The Yankee Flipper operates automatically to provide a safe feeding environment for birds.
- Bird Feeding: When a bird lands on the perch ring, its light weight will not activate the spinning mechanism. Birds of various sizes, including larger species like woodpeckers and cardinals, can comfortably feed from the four accessible ports. The internal baffle ensures a consistent flow of seed to these ports.
- Squirrel Deterrence: If a squirrel attempts to access the seed by landing on the perch ring, its heavier weight will trigger the encased motor. The perch ring will then begin to spin, causing the squirrel to lose its grip and gently fall off. This humane method prevents squirrels from consuming the bird seed.
Figure 4: Small birds comfortably feeding from the feeder's perches, demonstrating the feeder's accessibility for avian visitors.
Figure 5: Diagram showing the weight-activated spinning perch, which deters squirrels by rotating when their weight is detected.
Figure 6: A squirrel attempting to access the feeder, showcasing the moment the spinning mechanism is activated to deter it.
Maintenance
- Refilling Seed: Monitor the seed level regularly. When low, turn the feeder OFF, lift the green top, and refill as described in the "Setup" section.
- Battery Recharging: The rechargeable battery will require periodic recharging. When the spinning mechanism becomes less effective or stops, it's time to recharge. Turn the feeder OFF, remove the battery compartment (located at the bottom), and connect it to the AC adapter. Charge overnight or until fully charged.
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential for bird health. While the top does not completely detach, the feeder can be cleaned by disassembling the bottom section and using a brush and mild soap solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before refilling and reassembling.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the feeder for any signs of wear, damage, or blockages in the seed ports. Ensure the perches move freely.
Figure 7: The base of the feeder, highlighting the ON/OFF switch for power management and access to the battery compartment for charging.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder not spinning when squirrel lands. | Battery is low or depleted; ON/OFF switch is OFF; Motor malfunction. | Recharge battery; Ensure switch is ON; Contact customer support if motor is faulty (refer to warranty). |
| Squirrels are still accessing seed. | Feeder is too close to a jumping-off point (e.g., fence, tree branch); Squirrels are finding a way to distribute weight. | Relocate feeder to an open area, at least 8-10 feet away from structures; Ensure feeder is hung freely. |
| Seed not flowing to ports. | Seed ports are clogged; Internal baffle is obstructed. | Clean seed ports and internal baffle thoroughly. |
Specifications
- Brand: Droll Yankees
- Model: Yankee Flipper
- Target Species: Cardinal, Chickadees, Finches, Grosbeaks, Jays, Juncos, Nuthatches
- Recommended Uses: Seed
- Material: Metal, Polycarbonate
- Special Feature: Heavy Duty, Squirrel-Proof (Weight-Activated Spinning Perch)
- Mounting Type: Hanging Mount
- Product Dimensions: 8.5"L x 8.5"W x 28.5"H
- Power Source: Rechargeable Battery (Motorized)
- Included Components: Feeder, Motor, Rechargeable Battery, AC Adapter
- Capacity: 5 Pounds (Seed)
- Color: Green (Base and Top), Clear (Tube)
- Item Weight: Approximately 5 Pounds
- UPC: 021964920074
- Manufacturer: Droll Yankees
Figure 8: Visual representation of the feeder's 5-pound seed capacity.
Warranty and Support
Droll Yankees stands behind the quality of its products.
- Feeder Body Warranty: The feeder body is covered by a lifetime warranty.
- Motor and Battery Charger Warranty: The encased motor and battery charger are covered by a one-year warranty from the date of purchase.
For further assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please refer to the official Droll Yankees resources:
- Official User Manual (PDF): Download User Manual
- Instructions for Use (IFU) (PDF): Download IFU
- Visit the Droll Yankees Store: Droll Yankees Official Store