Yankee Manual

FLIPPER 

YF 

TIPPER 

YCPT-360 

Yank e 

Family 

Instructional Manual 

WHIPPER 

YCPW-180 

DIPPER 

YCPD-90

Congratulations on your purchase of a Yankee Family bird feeder. 

After years of development and testing, Droll Yankees is proud to 

offer the most effective squirrel proof bird feeders in the world. 

Unlike conventional squirrel proof bird feeders, the Yankee Family is 

based on the revolutionary concept that it is preferable to prevent 

the squirrels from monopolizing the feeder, rather than only attempting 

to block their access to the seed. We think you will be delighted 

with the quantity and variety of birds these feeders attract, and the 

money you save on bird seed should make you smile too! 

Collect them all and enjoy the color and magnificent beauty 

of our feathered friends !!!

CONTENTS 

Feeder Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

YANKEE FLIPPER ® 

– Model YF 

Parts Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Important Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . 7 

Initial Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Recharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

YANKEE TIPPER 

– Model YCPT-360 

Parts Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Initial Set-Up and Use . . . . . . . . 11 

YANKEE WHIPPER 

– Model YCPW-180 

Parts Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 


YANKEE DIPPER 

– Model YCPD-90 

Parts Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


Warranty for Yankee Family . . . . . 16 

Cleaning Yankee Family Feeders . . . 17 

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

3

FEEDER PLACEMENT 

Hang the feeder far enough away from any deck rail, pole, tree, 

etc. so that the squirrel must place all of its body weight on the 

perch or perch ring. The recommended minimum is 14”, but a 

greater distance may be preferable. Since activation is based on 

weight, a squirrel that is able to lean across to the feeder, placing 

only part of its weight on the perch, may avoid activating the 

feeder or collapsing the perch. 

Red squirrels and chipmunks may not be heavy enough to activate 

models YF, YCPT-360 or YCPW-180, but placing the feeder so that 

they have to jump to it will significantly increase your chances of 

deterring them. If you have problems with raccoons, take your 

feeder in at night until they go elsewhere. If not deterred, raccoons 

can drain the batteries, damage your feeder, and deplete your seed 

rather quickly. Place your feeder within 30 feet of a bush or tree if 

possible. Due to the threat of hawks and other predators, birds are 

most comfortable when they are close to cover. 

Birds need to find food daily. Unlike birds, squirrels store foods 

and don’t necessarily need your bird seed. Squirrels are sturdy 

and resilient rodents. Their bone structures are ideally suited to 

their life in the branches. Their bushy tails provide balance and 

they have the uncanny ability, much like cats, of always landing on 

their feet. Feeder placement is important to prevent squirrels from 

stealing seed, but it is also important to give squirrels the 

opportunity to land softly. When we invite nature into our yards by 

feeding birds, we are inviting all of nature, and we ask that you 

bear in mind that all species have a place of importance in our 

world. 

Hang the feeder securely. When filled with seed the feeder may 

weigh 7 – 10 lbs. The warranty does not cover damage incurred 

if the feeder falls. The Droll Yankees Locking Chain model (#LC18) 

can be used as a safety lanyard and is an excellent method of 

ensuring that animals do not dislodge your feeder from its hook. 

Ask for one at your favorite store. 

4 

Also, we offer The Ultimate Pole System: a complete line of 

integrated poles, hooks and hangers that features a patented 

Locking Hook that holds feeders securely in place when squirrels 

try to jump on them. This Yankee Family line of Squirrel Proof Bird 

feeders, coupled with the Ultimate Pole System, allows you to 

customize a feeding station that will attract the widest variety of 

birds to your yard. Ask about the Ultimate Pole System at your 

favorite store.

FLIPPER 

YF 

TIPPER 

YCPT-360 

WHIPPER 

YCPW-180 

DIPPER 

YCPD-90 

5

YANKEE FLIPPER 

YF Parts Diagram 

YANKEE FLIPPER ® 1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

14 

key # 

part name 

part # 

13 

15 

6 

1 cap & bail wire assembly YF15 

2 bail rod YF50 

3 tube YF30 

4 silo assembly YF20 

5 power stick YF02 

6 spring YF06 

7 port YF10 

8 base assembly YF01 

9 tube screw (4) YF40 

10 switch bumper 

11 friction disc YF08 

12 perch ring YF04 

13 hub YF09 

14 lock washer YF11 

15 nut YF12

YANKEE FLIPPER – Model YF 

The Yankee Flipper is indisputably the state of the art in squirrel 

proof bird feeders. It utilizes “tried and true” reliable cordless 

power to spin the squirrels off the perch. This award-winning 

feeder is considered the most entertaining and effective squirrel 

proof feeder in the world. 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 

• Read and understand this instruction manual and all labels on 

this product before operating. 

• This feeder has motorized moving parts. Common sense should 

be exercised. Failure to heed any of the warnings contained 

herein could result in serious injury. 

• Always turn activation switch to the OFF position before 

removing base, cleaning, transporting, or charging the batteries. 

Turn feeder activation switch OFF if freezing rain is in the 

forecast. Use caution if icicles have formed on the perch ring. 

Do not contact the perch ring when turning feeder OFF or ON. 

• Keep feeder out of reach of children and pets. 

• Do not immerse the base, power-stick or charger in water. 

• Do not open the power-stick or battery housing for any reason. 

If power-stick is cracked, damaged, or if battery leakage is 

suspected, discontinue use immediately. Parts contained in 

the power-stick are not replaceable and all warranties are void 

if the power-stick is opened or tampered with. 

• The power-stick contains Nickel-Cadmium batteries. Do not 

incinerate. Dispose of properly in accordance with local laws. 

• Do not place charger or feeder near heat or fire. 

• Charge only with Droll Yankees approved battery charger. 

Use of the wrong charger may create a risk of fire or cause the 

batteries to burst. Do not use the battery charger in damp or 

wet conditions. Do not use the battery charger if it has been 

dropped or damaged in any way. Do not disassemble the battery 

charger. The battery charger is designed to operate on standard 

household electrical power of 120 volts, 60HZ only. Do not 

attempt to use it on any other voltage. Do not carry the charger 

by the cord or yank the cord to remove the charger from the 

outlet. Keep the cord away from moving parts, heat, oil, or 

sharp edges. Inspect the charger cord for damage before every 

use. Discontinue use of damaged chargers immediately. 

7

YANKEE FLIPPER – INITIAL SET-UP 

• The Yankee Flipper is shipped with the batteries in a discharged 

condition. 

• Check to ensure that the activation switch is in the OFF position. 

• Remove the base of your Yankee Flipper by twisting 

counterclockwise (viewed from bottom). A distinct click will be 

felt and the base can be lowered from the feeder. 

• Place the base in a location that is out of reach of children and 

where it will not be dropped or knocked over. It should be 

charged indoors only and at room temperature. 

• Insert the charger output plug into the input jack located at the 

top of the power-stick. Never loop cord through the perch-ring. 

See the photo on page 9. 

• Plug the charger into a standard household electrical outlet. 

120 volts, 60HZ only. 

• Initial charge time should be at least 14 hours, but not more 

than 24 hours. Repeated undercharging can result in a battery 

condition known as “memory” to occur. Overcharging can 

damage the batteries, resulting in shortened battery life. The 

Yankee Flipper is powered by premium Panasonic ® batteries 

and should provide many years of trouble free service. 

• Unplug the charger from the electrical outlet and store in a safe 

place when charging is complete. 

• Insert the base into the feeder by aligning any one of the three 

arrows on the underside of the base with the left hash mark on 

the side of the feeder port. Twist the base clockwise (viewed 

from bottom) until it clicks into place. 

• Fill the feeder with sunflower seed, safflower, sunflower hearts, 

or your favorite specialty mix. Premium black oil sunflower seed 

is highly recommended as it is very nutritious and attracts the 

widest variety of birds. 

• Hang your feeder securely on a rigid hook. Attach a Droll 

Yankees Locking Chain for added security. 

• Turn the activation switch to the ON position. Do not contact the 

perch-ring. If one of the four perch spokes is obstructing access 

to the activation switch, the perch can be rotated by hand with 

the switch in the OFF position. 

8

RECHARGING YANKEE FLIPPER BATTERIES 

Recharge the batteries only when they 

fail to produce sufficient power to spin 

the perch and remove the squirrels. 

• Turn the activation switch to the OFF 

position. 

• Remove the base of your Yankee Flipper 

by twisting counterclockwise (viewed 

from bottom). A distinct click will 

be felt and the base can be lowered 

from the feeder. 

• Place the base in a location that is out of reach of children and 

where it will not be dropped or knocked over. It should be 

charged indoors only and at room temperature. 

• Insert the charger output plug into the input jack located at the 

top of the power-stick as shown above. Never loop the cord 

through the perch-ring. 

• Plug the charger into a standard household electrical outlet. 

120 volts, 60HZ only. 

• Recharge for at least 14 hours, but not more than 24 hours. 

Repeated undercharging can result in a battery condition known 

as “memory” to occur. Overcharging can damage the batteries 

resulting in shortened battery life. The Yankee Flipper is 

powered by premium Panasonic ® batteries and should provide 

many years of trouble free service. 

• Unplug the charger from the electrical outlet and store in a safe 

place when charging is complete. 

• Insert the base into the feeder by aligning any one of the three 

arrows on the underside of the base with the left hash mark on 

the side of the feeder port. Twist the base clockwise (viewed 

from bottom) until it clicks into place. 

• Turn the activation switch to the ON position. Do not contact the 

perch-ring. If one of the four perch spokes is obstructing access 

to the activation switch the perch can be rotated by hand with 

the switch in the OFF position. 

9

YANKEE TIPPER 1 

YANKEE TIPPER 

YCPT-360 Parts Diagram 

2 

3 

4 

5 

7 

6 

8 

9 

key # 

part name 

part # 

1 cap & bail wire assembly YCP3615 


3 tube YF30 

4 silo assembly YCP3620 


6 port YCP3610 

7 cable assembly YCP3627 

8 tray YCP3604 

9 knob YCP3608 

10

YANKEE TIPPER – Model YCPT-360 

The Yankee Tipper is a squirrel proof feeder. It holds the 

distinction as the only tray feeder on the market that is not an 

“all you can eat” invitation for the squirrels. Just like the Yankee 

Flipper and Whipper, cardinals love this one. The tray is 

calibrated to sufficiently support 4 cardinals at the same time. 

INITIAL SET-UP AND USE 

• Remove the tray and then the feeder from the box. 

• Unscrew the knurled knob from the bottom of the feeder. 

• Install the tray with the lip facing up and the center seated on 

the shoulder of the black fulcrum plate. 

• Reinstall the knurled knob and tighten securely. 





• Hang your feeder securely. We recommend using a Droll 

Yankees Locking Chain to protect your feeder from falls. 

• The Yankee Tipper should be hung in a location where it is 

sheltered from the wind. Due to the large surface area of the 

tray, high wind gusts can cause the tray to collapse. 

• To remove the base for cleaning; remove the tray by unscrewing 

the knurled knob, twist the base counter clockwise (viewed 

from bottom) until the hash mark on the base lines up with the 

left hash mark on the feed port. The base can now be lowered 

from the feeder. To reinstall the base; align any of the three 

hash marks on the base with the left hash mark on the feed 

port, insert the base and twist clockwise (viewed from bottom) 

until it clicks into place. 

11

YANKEE WHIPPER 

YANKEE WHIPPER 

YCPW-180 Parts Diagram 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

key # 

part name 

part # 



3 tube YF30 




7 perch assembly YCP180 

12

YANKEE WHIPPER – Model YCPW-180 

The Yankee Whipper is a squirrel proof and bird selective 

feeder. The perches are gracefully arched around the feed ports 

to allow the birds to feed straight ahead. Just like the Yankee 

Flipper, cardinals love this one. Each perch is individually 

sprung and calibrated for birds up to the weight of a cardinal. 

This feeder is fantastic if you have problems with red squirrels. 


• The Yankee Whipper comes fully assembled and ready to use. 







• To remove the base for cleaning, remove the solitary Phillips 

screw in the outside ring on the bottom of the feeder. Twist 

counterclockwise (viewed from bottom) until the hash mark on 

the base aligns with the left hash mark on the feed port. The 

base can now be lowered from the feeder. To reinstall; align the 

hash mark on the base with the left hash mark on the feed port, 

insert the base and twist clockwise (viewed from bottom) until it 

clicks into place. 

13

YANKEE DIPPER 

YANKEE DIPPER 

YCPD-90 Parts Diagram 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

key # 

part name 

part # 



3 tube YF30 




7 perch assembly YCP90 

14

YANKEE DIPPER – Model YCPD-90 

The Yankee Dipper is squirrel proof and bird selective! The 

independently sprung perches are calibrated to support smaller 

songbirds such as goldfinches, chickadees, etc. The perches 

that protrude at 90º angles from the feeder collapse under the 

weight of a small red squirrel or a bird larger than a cardinal. 


• The Yankee Dipper comes fully assembled and ready to use. 







• To remove the base for cleaning, remove the solitary Phillips 

screw in the outside ring on the bottom of the feeder. Twist 

counterclockwise (viewed from bottom) until the hash mark on 

the base aligns with the left hash mark on the feed port. The 

base can now be lowered from the feeder. To reinstall; align the 

hash mark on the base with the left hash mark on the feed port, 

insert the base and twist clockwise (viewed from bottom) until it 

clicks into place. 

15

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. In the event of a 

manufacturing defect, Droll Yankees will repair or replace, at the 

company’s option, the power-stick or battery charger free of 

charge. This limited warranty does not cover the following: failure 

due to improper use, cleaning, neglect, abuse, modification, 

disassembly, or falls. This limited warranty applies only to the 

original purchaser possessing a valid sales receipt. 

LIFETIME WARRANTY 

The YF feeder body – comprised of the tube, bail wire, bail rod, 

cap, feed port, cone and silo assembly, and the base – is covered 

by Droll Yankees Lifetime Warranty. 

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. 

Except as set forth above, no other express or implied warranty of 

any kind or nature is given by Droll Yankees in connection with 

the purchase or use of the Yankee Flipper. In no event shall Droll 

Yankees be liable for special, incidental or consequential 

damages arising from the ownership or use of the Yankee Flipper. 

The YCPT-360, YCPW-180 and the YCPD-90 are all covered by 

the Droll Yankees Lifetime Warranty. 

If you need to obtain parts, or are seeking return authorization for 

warranty service, please contact our Customer Service Department 

at 1 800-352-9164, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. 

Fax: 1-860-779-8938, or via email at custserv@drollyankees.com 

16

CLEANING YANKEE FAMILY FEEDERS 

For the health of the birds, it is important to wash your bird 

feeder periodically to prevent the growth of mold and the spread 

of contagious diseases. We recommend cleaning at least once a 

month in the winter and more often in hot and humid weather. 

The Yankee Flipper, like other outdoor products, is designed to be 

water resistant. However, it is not designed to be waterproof in 

unnatural situations. Submerging or spraying the feeder with a 

garden hose can damage the electronics and voids the warranty. 

Always turn the activation switch OFF on model YF, and remove 

the base on all models prior to cleaning (see initial set up and use 

instructions for individual models). If desired, the cap can be 

removed by sliding it up as far as it will go on the bail wire and 

then gently spreading the bottom ends of the wire, thus 

separating it from the bail rod. The tube and feed port assembly 

can be cleaned as a unit, or separately, by removing the four 

Phillips-head tube screws. Clean these components with a 50/50 

solution of water and white vinegar. Rinse and allow to dry 

thoroughly before reinstalling the base (see initial set-up and use 

instructions for individual models). 

A Droll Yankees Bird 

Feeder Brush (BFB), with its 

long handle, is the perfect 

tool for cleaning the tube. 

Use the Droll Yankees 

HummerPlus ® Brush (HUM) 

to clean underneath 

and between the baffles 

in the seed port. 

BFB – Bird Feeder Brush 

HUM – HummerPlus ® Brush 

17

TROUBLESHOOTING 

The perch ring fails to activate (model YF only). 

Make sure activation switch is turned to the ON position. 

The feeder needs to be recharged frequently (Model YF only). 

1. Raccoons, deer, bears or other large animals may be 

attempting to eat at the feeder. You may need to bring the 

feeder in at night until they go elsewhere for food. 

2. Upon initial installation the squirrels will attempt to defeat the 

feeder repeatedly. If you have many squirrels in your yard you 

may have to recharge the feeder more frequently at first. 

However, they should quickly give up and move on to food 

sources that require less effort. 

3. Frequent unnecessary recharging or undercharging can result 

in a condition known as “memory” to occur. It is possible to 

correct this condition by carefully following the charging 

instructions, but it may take multiple charge/discharge cycles 

to bring the batteries back to capacity. 

Damages due to Raccoons or other large animals are not 

covered under the Lifetime Warranty. 

The squirrels knock some seed out on the ground when they jump 

on the feeder. 

1. The Yankee Family bird feeders are engineered to minimize 

seed spillage while providing optimum seed dispersal 

to the feed ports. It is normal to lose a few seeds when a 

squirrel jumps on the feeder. The squirrel will eventually 

recognize that their energy expenditure outweighs the seed 

gain and will concede defeat. 

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

Droll Yankees is committed to excellence in customer service. 

If you have questions, need parts, or are seeking return 

authorization for warranty service, call us at 1 800 352-9164, 

weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. 

To see the complete line of Droll Yankees products, please visit 

our websites, www.drollyankees.com and www.yankeefamily.com 

where you’ll find information on all our feeders. 

Our “Find a Retailer” page on our website will help you locate a 

store in your area that stocks a selection of our products. 

18

The World’s Best Bird Feeders ® 

Since 1969 

Keep it full, Keep it clean, 

Keep it safe, Keep it charged- 

Yankee Family Essentials 

SS2 

DCH LC18 BFB 

PWRSTK 

DCH Deck Clamp, Pole and 16” Hanger Arm (feeder not included) 

LC18 18” Locking Chain saves your feeder from falls 

BFB Long handled Bird Feeder Brush easily cleans the tube 

SS2 Largest capacity Seed Scoop available. A Scoop and Funnel in one. 

PWRSTK Replacement Power Stick 

We encourage you to support your local Droll Yankees retailer. However, if you are 

unable to find our products in your area, we invite you to shop our complete line of 

quality bird feeders, nest boxes and accessories at www.justfeedbirds.com 

Droll Yankees Inc. 109 Connecticut Mills Ave. Danielson, CT 06239 

www.drollyankees.com

Yankee Manual

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