Bird Feeders Buying Guide

Whether you're a avid birdwatcher or just looking to spruce up your yard, bird feeders  can be a great idea. Nothing turns a house into a home like a little life does! By attracting birds into your yard, a bird feeder will enhance the appearance of your home and garden, provide entertainment while you lounge outdoors, and serve as a permanent pick-me-up whenever you need it. If you're willing to assemble and stock a bird feeder, you've come to the right place.

Food will attract a greater diversity of birds than you might realize, even in cities. Before committing to a bird feeder, make sure you are willing to keep it stocked (see Wild Bird Food). Once the neighborhood birds know that you're good for a snack, they will clean you out almost every day! The results are definitely worth the hard work. Everyone from age 1 to 121 can enjoy watching birds at a feeder, and they can be a great way to teach kids about science, wildlife, and respectfully enjoying nature. 

Types of Feeders

Seed Feeders

These are the most common feeders. People like these because food is usually cheap and easy to obtain, they attract wide variety of birds, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Try stocking with mixed seeds  - seed blends will have something for every bird appetite, so you'll appeal to a wide variety of winged friends.

However, they may attract unwanted visitors, such as rats, mice, squirrels, etc. To avoid this, seed should be kept in tightly sealed, preferably metal containers. The feeder will need frequent refilling, but that's the price for boutiful birds! Try hulled seed  to minimize waste underneath the feeder - birds don't have the best dining etiquette.

 Suet Feeders

Suet is solid kidney fat, usually from a cow. Birds that live in cold climates during the winter will flock to a suet feeder ; the pure fat gives them lots of energy to keep warm and active in the cold winter. Suet comes in blocks, and sometimes extra ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and flavorings are added. These blocks are usually suspended in a wire or mesh box, allowing the birds to peck at it from all sides.

People like suet because it is squirrel-resistant (especially when formulated with chili-pepper) and attracts a number of familiar birds, including chickadees and nuthatches, and certain birds that don't eat seeds, such as woodpeckers. Compact feeders are relatively mess-free; a block can last several days, and there won't be shells all over the place. However, suet can't be used in the summer, unless you buy specially formulated blocks that won't melt or spoil. It's not vegetarian, and it doesn't appeal to all varieties of bird.

Fruit Feeders 

Fruit feeders  attract many species, particularly orioles and mockingbirds. Orioles won't come to regular seed feeders, so you can attract them with oranges and grape jelly, and mockingbirds have a taste for apples. That isn't all - many other birds have a sweet tooth as well.

However, fruit may attract unwanted visitors, particularly ants. Fruit can spoil quickly, and also dry out quickly, rendering it unappealing.

 Nectar Feeders

Although certain other species, such as orioles, will also eat visit them, nectar feeders  are mainly for attracting hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are fun to watch, very pretty, and not messy (hummingbirds are neat eaters). Plus, it's easy to make your own food - simply mix water and sugar. (Food coloring may be harmful to birds.) Or if DIY isn't your cup of tea, you can also buy hummingbird food mix. The bad news is,ants love sugar water. It will need frequent cleaning and changing of food (every 3-5 days) to prevent spoilage.  Hummingbirds are not that common in the eastern United States, although ruby-throated hummingbirds do appear in the summer.

Bird Feeder Styles

Aside from the type of seeds you'll use, you need to choose a style of feeder. Check out these popular styles!  

Hanging Feeder	Pole Mounted Feeder	Ground Feeder	Window Feeder	Goldfinch Feeder

Related Products

Ready for more? Try these accessories to maximize your feathery friend experience!

Wild Bird Food	Seed Scoop	Bottle Brush	Bird Baths