Three science-backed benefits to feeding the birds. Then, you can just wait for the birds to come and feed. … A bird feeder that has a window makes it simple for you to see the level of seed left in the feeder, so you will know when you need to buy more at the store or go out and refill it. Tube bird feeders do a great job of keeping your seed dry, while also allowing you to see exactly how much is left so that you know when you need to refill the feeder. Bird feeders come in all different shapes, materials & sizes all with the same goal of attracting the widest variety of birds as possible to your garden to feed. Some people are concerned about metal suet feeders, afraid bird tongues or eyes can stick to the metal. Depending on the size of the feeding ports, you can offer tiny nyjer seeds or larger seeds. Additionally, knowing what types of animals and birds you wish not to attract, (squirrels, house sparrows, starlings) will help in your feeder decision. As a result, the birds can fly in and out to access the seed, but the small holes in the cage prevent squirrels from being able to enter it. So what kind of bird food should you get for your birds? As a result, there will be much more seed available to your birds all at once, and this will prevent you from having to go out on a daily basis to refill them. As tiny as nyjer seeds are, the black part on the outside is merely the shell—finches slit through this to extract the even tinier seed within. If you have a problem with starlings, mockingbirds, or other large and pushy birds eating all of your songbirds’ food, then a bird feeder with a top can help deter them and ensure that the seed is left behind for smaller birds to enjoy. It’s a good idea to make it as easy as possible for yourself when it comes time to refill your bird feeders, especially if you have a number of them in your yard. Suet cages are probably a safer way of offering suet. Make sure to clean your hummingbird feeder on a regular basis to deter the growth of bacteria. You should buy ant guards that will prevent ants from being able to access the feeder. Having a regular supply of seed is important so that birds know they can rely on you to continue to provide them food each time they stop by your home. Hollow tubes keep seed fairly clean and dry and, if they have metal feeding ports, may be somewhat squirrel resistant (though squirrels often chew through the end caps or the plastic tube itself). Best Tray: Cedar Tray Wild Bird Feeder Fresh Seed Tray. They are well loved because of the charm that they add to a backyard or garden. One major problem that can occur with a hummingbird feeder is that it will often attract ants. One of the easiest ways to attract wild birds to your backyard is to hang a seed feeder. A big advantage is the seed stays dry when it rains! Additionally, it will last for a long time. Very Good. 6 types for 4 seasons. Otherwise, if you avoid this task, you will quickly find that your feeder becomes dirty and does not entice birds. They come in two forms—tube feeders with very small feeding ports, and “thistle “socks”—fine-mesh bags to which birds cling to extract the seeds. Although anecdotal information about this actually happening is scarce or nonexistent, it’s easy to find plastic-coated suet cages. As my interest grew I bought other feeders and different types of bird seed but still use the old feeder. More than 50 million Americans are said to be involved in bird feeding or observation at the very least. Thistle or Nyjer Seeds. They come in a number of styles, sizes, and materials, and you will easily be able to choose one that fits your personality. Your choice will depend highly on the types of birds you want to attract. One benefit of using this type of bird feeder is that squirrels are not fond of thistle and will tend to leave it alone. It’s best to block the bottom of the tube below the bottom feeding ports. One thing to consider when buying a window bird feeder is how you will be able to replenish the food, as windows that are higher from the ground can make it very difficult to do so regularly. And some people put peanut butter or suet in crevices of tree bark, too. Some tube feeders are huge, accommodating a dozen or more birds at a time. The seed within thistle socks can become quite wet with rain, so only use large ones during periods when you have enough finches to consume the contents in a few days. https://www.perkypet.com/advice/bird-feeding/types-of-feeders Food slides down to the open feeding tray below. You are much more likely to have a bunch of birds on your feeders when they are all able to eat simultaneously. ... Peanut feeders hold peanuts inside, but the mesh … During periods when only a handful of birds use these feeders, use smaller models so the seed is used up fairly frequently. Another benefit of these feeders is that they generally will have more feeding holes as well, and so your birds will be able to access the food all at the same time. These bird feeders are incredibly easy to fill, and, as long as you choose a clear bottle, you won’t have any problem determining how much seed is left in the feeder. Different types of food attract different kinds of birds. One of the best ways to avoid spending all of your free time refilling your bird feeders is to opt for one that has multiple tubes to hold the seed. By choosing a feeder that has an easy-refill top, you will not have to worry about pouring seed into small holes or fiddling with latches. Tray feeders do not have covers, so your seed is open to the elements and can become damaged and rot after a lot of rain. Look for a decorative bird feeder that has ornate or intricate designs, one that is painted and has interesting colors, or one that otherwise inspires you with its shape. Types Of Bird Feeders Whether you’re new to feeding birds or want to see more species, hanging a variety of bird feeders is one of the simplest ways you can attract birds to your garden. Unless constructed with an effective squirrel baffle on the pole or suspension chain, tray feeders are an open invitation to squirrels and chipmunks. It is true that squirrels are generally very fun to watch, but these animals can quickly eat through all of your seed and deter birds from coming to your feeders. By doing this, you will know that the fruit will not fall off or be taken by a hungry squirrel. Which type of bird feeder is best? Nyjer (also called thistle) feeders are especially popular with American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, and Common Redpolls. Offer only enough seed in tray feeders for birds to finish every day or two, and shake out the bottom every time you add new seeds. You can be sure that it will become an attractive and integrated part of your property. You can help make your birds feel significantly safer when you choose a bird feeder that provides them with a safe place to eat. Related: 78 Decorative, Painted, Outdoor & Wooden Bird Houses | 25 Different Types of Birdhouses | 46 Splashy Bird Baths. One benefit of a handmade bird feeder is that you will not have to worry about its quality of construction as long as you trust the source from which you bought it. By offering fresh fruit to birds in your yard, it will be much more likely that you will attract a wider variety of birds. A freestanding bird feeder can quickly become a focal point in your yard, as long as you choose an attractive feeder, mount the pole correctly, and make sure to replenish the seed as needed. There are four main types of garden feeders you can buy. Woodpeckers, grosbeaks and blue jays frequent hopper feeders. Suet feeders may be constructed of wire mesh or plastic-coated wire mesh, or be a simply mesh onion bag. Hopper feeders can be mounted on a pole or suspended. This kind of feeder protects seeds fairly well against the weather and bird droppings, but if the seed within the hopper does get wet, bacteria and fungus can thrive. Niger seed is very small, each seed is about the size of an ant. The first step in making your yard a paradise for hungry birds is choosing the best type of bird feeder (or feeders) for your situation. Suet feeders attract a variety of woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, jays, and starlings. Otherwise, the seed at the bottom of the feeder may get old and rot. Top Rated Bird Feeders - Durable, Easy to Fill & Clean (2020) Some models have a roof to provide some protection from the weather. The ideal bird feeder is sturdy enough to withstand winter weather and squirrels, tight enough to keep seeds dry, easy to assemble and, most important of all, easy to keep clean.