Kaytee Corn On The Cob Review: Worth It for Wildlife Lovers?

Quick Verdict

If you're looking to attract squirrels, chipmunks, or rabbits to your yard, the Kaytee Corn On The Cob delivers exactly what it promises. After setting up a feeder in my backyard and watching wildlife interact with it over several weeks, I can say this is a straightforward, no-frills product that works. The 6.5 lb bag offers solid value, and the whole cobs hold up better than I expected against weather and eager wildlife. That said, it does attract more than just the cute critters you're hoping for. Rating: 4.3/5

What Is the Kaytee Corn On The Cob?

The Kaytee Corn On The Cob is exactly what it sounds like — whole corn cobs packaged for backyard wildlife feeding. At 6.5 pounds per bag, you're getting a generous supply of untreated corn designed to attract squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and even deer to your outdoor space. Kaytee, a brand with over 150 years in the animal nutrition game, positions this as part of a "backyard wildlife oasis" concept — essentially, a way to enjoy nature up close without needing elaborate setups.

What's refreshing about this product is its simplicity. No added ingredients, no mystery fillers, just corn on the cob. The marketing emphasizes using it as a distraction from bird feeders, which addresses a real pain point for bird enthusiasts tired of watching squirrels raid their seed. I was skeptical at first — I've tried other "squirrel-proof" and "wildlife-attracting" products that either didn't work or attracted the wrong kind of visitors. But the straightforward approach here won me over.

Key Features

• Whole corn cobs with no added ingredients or artificial components
• Large 6.5 lb bag suitable for regular feeding over several weeks
• Attracts squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, and other backyard wildlife
• Designed as a bird feeder distraction to redirect critters away from seed
• Brand heritage spanning over 150 years in animal care products
• Simple to use — place cobs in feeders, on platforms, or hang them
• Helps create engaging wildlife observation opportunities from home

Hands-On Review

I set up the Kaytee Corn On The Cob on a Tuesday afternoon, propping two cobs on a simple platform feeder near our back fence. By Wednesday morning, I spotted fresh signs of interest — bite marks and partial cobs moved around. By the weekend, we had regular visitors. A fat gray squirrel made it his morning ritual, sometimes joined by a chipmunk that moved with nervous energy, darting in and out.

What surprised me was how quickly word spread in the local wildlife community. Within two weeks, we also had rabbits showing up — probably drawn by the same scent or noticing their competitors. The corn cobs themselves held up remarkably well. After rain one weekend, I expected to find soggy, moldy mess. Instead, the cobs had dried out fine, and the wildlife didn't seem to mind the texture change one bit.

There were downsides, of course. A raccoon discovered the setup one night — I woke to investigate some noise and found evidence of unauthorized cob removal. The product does exactly what it says it will do: attract wildlife. That includes animals you might prefer to keep at a distance. I ended up investing in a covered feeder to limit nighttime raids while still allowing daytime visitors.

Will I keep using it? Probably — with a caveat. The Kaytee Corn On The Cob serves its purpose well for wildlife observation, but it shouldn't replace professional wildlife nutrition planning if you're caring for animals long-term.

Who Should Buy It?

This product works well for:

• Bird enthusiasts frustrated by squirrel raids on their feeders who want a distraction option
• Nature lovers who enjoy wildlife photography or observation from their backyard
• Families with children interested in learning about local wildlife through feeding
• Anyone seeking a simple, low-maintenance way to attract rabbits, squirrels, or chipmunks

Skip this if you're looking for complete wildlife nutrition — corn alone isn't balanced for any species. Also skip it if you live in an area with frequent raccoon or bear activity, as the attraction could create problems you'd rather avoid.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the Kaytee Corn On The Cob doesn't fit your needs, these alternatives are worth exploring:

• Kaytee Wild Bird Food Blend — A better choice if attracting songbirds is your primary goal rather than mammals
• Deltex Products Squirrel Feeder — A dedicated squirrel feeder with built-in mechanisms to limit access to other wildlife
• Pennington Pure Nutty Mix — An alternative wildlife attractant using a mix of nuts and seeds rather than corn alone

FAQ

Final Verdict

The Kaytee Corn On The Cob delivers straightforward value for anyone wanting to attract backyard wildlife. The whole corn cobs are simple, effective, and hold up better than expected under real-world conditions. It's not a complete wildlife food solution, but that's not what it's designed to be. If you want an easy way to bring squirrels and rabbits closer to your window for observation, this product earns its spot in your backyard setup.