What is the 5-7-9 rule for bird feeders?

The 5-7-9 rule is a squirrel-deterrent placement guide: mount the feeder at least 5 feet off the ground, at least 7 feet from any cover a squirrel could hide in, and at least 9 feet from any horizontal surface a squirrel could launch from.

The rule works by targeting the three dimensions of squirrel access — vertical climb, lateral leap from cover, and horizontal jump from a nearby surface like a fence, deck railing, or tree branch. Squirrels can jump roughly 4–5 feet vertically and up to 9–10 feet horizontally, so the 5-7-9 measurements are calibrated to stay just outside those physical limits. Applying all three conditions simultaneously is what makes the rule effective; satisfying only one or two leaves an exploitable route open.

• Minimum feeder height under the 5-7-9 rule: 5 feet off the ground.
• Minimum clearance from shrubs, fences, or cover: 7 feet horizontal distance.
• Minimum distance from any squirrel launch surface (deck, branch, railing): 9 feet.
• Squirrel horizontal jump range the rule is designed to exceed: approximately 9–10 feet.
• PeckCam's app-triggered sound deterrent on the Triple Solar Flagship supplements placement but does not replace the 5-7-9 positioning standard.