These are some of our most frequently asked questions about birds.

Q. How can I buy a Droll Yankees product?

A. It’s easy. You have a few options:

1.    Use the “The Find a Retailer” search on our home page.
2.    If you can’t find a retailer in your area you can purchase online at www.justfeedbirds.com
3.    You can call us directly at 800-352-9164.


Q. How should I clean my tube feeder?

A. To clean, begin by emptying all remaining food from the feeder. Remove all the metal components from the feeder. Note: Some models will require a screwdriver to remove the seed ports. Soak the feeder in a tub, large sink or bucket with warm soapy (dish soap) water or use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Use the Droll Yankees Bird Feeder Brush (BFB) to clean the inside of the tube –  Rinse the feeder well and let it air dry before refilling it with seed. Do not use a dishwasher to clean your feeder or the oven to dry it.

If you notice that the bird feed is not being eaten, check to see if it has become moldy or wet from rain. If so please dispose of the seed, clean the feeder and refill with fresh seed. It is important for the health of the birds that the feeder be cleaned on a regular basis. Please for the sake of the birds, keep your feeders clean!


Q. Is there any way to keep the Grackles away from my feeder?

A. There are two ways to deter Grackles. Change the feed or use a feeder that denies them access. Many seed mixes contain cracked corn fillers that attract Grackles. Most Grackles are not fond of Nyjer (sometimes referred to as thistle) seed. Another suggestion is to try substituting your usual mixed seed or sunflower seed with safflower seed. Most songbirds enjoy safflower seed but the Grackles will typically avoid it. After using safflower seed for a few weeks you can try using your regular seed again. In most cases, the Grackles will not return to the feeder after the safflower seed has been offered.

We also offer 2 lines of feeders that are designed to keep large birds and squirrels off. First, Shelter Feeders come in 3 models B7DC, SDC and THDC. The Yankee Whipper and Dipper  make it uncomfortable for large birds to feed.

Q. There is a hole in the bottom of my Classic tube feeder. Is the seed going to fall out? Do I need a plug?

A. Your bird feeder does not need a plug in the base as there is a clear plastic seed baffle inside the tube. This baffle keeps the seed level with the bottom pair of feeding ports. The threaded hole allows you to add a seed tray or to pole mount the feeder. 


Q. What is the RLS Squirrel Slinky®?

A. The Squirrel Slinky® is a pole mounted predator guard. Squirrels, raccoons and other climbing critters can’t gain any headway when they try to climb over a squirrel slinky. Fitted with a high tensile spring, when weight is put on it, the Slinky lowers toward the ground. Squirrels and raccoons are not comfortable climbing onto a moving pole. If they get far enough to move their weight from the Slinky to the pole above, the Slinky rises and pushes their paws off. Simple and effective. Use for pole mounted bird feeders and Nest Boxes.

Q. How do I order replacement parts for my feeder?

A. Please call our customer service representatives at 800-352-9164.


Q. How do I contact you?

A. You can reach our Customer Service Department at 1-800-352-9164 (M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm EST) or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


A. How can I find a retailer in my area?

A. You can locate a Droll Yankees Retailer in your area by using the search feature that can be found on our home page.

Q. What does your warranty cover?

A. All of our bird feeders are covered by a Lifetime Warranty against squirrel damage.

“Droll Yankees will replace any defective part free of charge for as long as you own your Droll Yankees feeder.  If your feeder is badly damaged by squirrels, to the extent that the effectiveness of the feeder is compromised, Droll Yankees will, at its option, either repair, replace or send replacement parts, free of charge.  This warranty does not extend to damage through neglect, accident, or misuse.”

The Yankee Flipper bird feeder body is covered by our Lifetime Warranty and the power stick and battery charger have a limited warranty.

“The Yankee Flipper (YF) power-stick and battery charger are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase.”

Q. How do I recharge the original version of the Yankee Flipper?

A. To charge the original version of the YF, tighten the 2 silver lockdown screws on the bottom of the feeder. Be sure the feeder is in the upright position. Attach the adapter (only use the adapter that came with this feeder) to the side of the base of the feeder. This area is located under the black rubber flap on the bottom of the feeder. Charge the feeder for 24 hours straight. After 24 hours, remove the charger and loosen the 2 lockdown screws. Test it by placing your hand on the perch ring. It should spin. If it does not, please call us at 800-352-9164 and we will be glad to troubleshoot the problem with your feeder.

Q. How can I be sure I have the correct charger?

A. The correct Yankee Flipper charger will have on the following information on the face label:

DVE
AC ADAPTER
Model No. :DV-4530
Input:120vac 60 Hz 4.5W
Output 4.5 vdc 300mA
Class 2 Transformer
CAUTION
YY-1  MADE IN CHINA

Newer chargers have “Yankee Flipper” on them.

Q. How do I order a charger?

A. You can order a Yankee Flipper charger directly from us for $14.99 plus $7.25 shipping.  To place an order, please call us at 1-800-352-9164 (M-F 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST).

Q. Can I adjust the Yankee Flipper Perch ring tension?

A. The tension on the Yankee Flipper cannot be adjusted. The feeder is designed to spin when an animal 8 ounces or more sits on the perch ring. Any adjustments can affect the mechanics of the feeder.

Q. How do I buy a new motor unit (YF03) for my Yankee Flipper?

A. You can purchase a new motor unit with charger for $75.00 plus $11.95 shipping. The Motor Unit is the entire base unit of the bird feeder and includes everything that attaches to the bottom of the feed tube. The new motor unit is needed when you are upgrading from our original version Yankee Flipper. Before purchasing a new unit, please call us to be sure that this is the part that is needed to fix your feeder. Call us at 1-800-352-9164 (M-F 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST).

Q. My Yankee Flipper isn’t holding a charge. I think it needs new batteries. How do I order new batteries for my Yankee Flipper?

A. The motor, batteries and power sticks have a 1 year warranty. Many stores carry replacement batteries or power sticks for the Yankee Flipper. If you cannot find them locally, please call us.

Our current version of the Yankee Flipper requires a power stick.  This model has an on/off switch and is charged by removing the power stick from the bottom of the feeder and attaching the charger to the end of the power stick. The cost of a new power stick is $39.99 plus $10.50 for shipping and handling.  Before ordering a new power stick, please call us so that we can help you determine that the problem is with your power stick and not another issue.

The original model Yankee Flipper requires 2 C-cell rechargeable NiCad batteries. This model is charged from the base of the feeder.  The cost for the batteries is $19.99, plus $7.25 shipping. You can order a two-pack directly from us by calling 1-800-352-9164 (M-F 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST) The motor, batteries and power sticks have a 1 year warranty. If you call us before replacing these batteries we can help you trouble shoot the issue.

Q. My Yankee Flipper is not working properly. How can I trouble shoot the issue?

A. Please refer to the troubleshooting section of the Yankee Family Manual.

Or call us directly at 1-800-352-9164 (M-F 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST)