Best Bird Feeder

All the information you need to know when looking to buy the best bird feeder

Introduction

A bird feeder is a great little tool if you have plenty of birds, or if you have birds which fly onto your property, and want to feed them. Most feeders function by allowing the food or seeds to drop in level, as the birds eat it out of the bottom base.

Who would benefit from having a bird feeder? If you have more than one bird, you might choose to invest in a bird feeder, rather than having individual spaces in each cage. If you live in an area where birds frequent your property, and you have sufficient outdoor space, a bird feeder is also beneficial, so you can feed several birds at the same time, or at any time which they visit your property.

About Bird Feeders

Bird feeders serve the simple function of feeding birds. You can place different types of seed, or bird-feed in the feeder. As it is eaten by the birds, the levels will get lower, and you will simply refill the feeder when it is empty, or close to being empty.

A bird feeder is a great investment in homes where you have many birds. If you run an aviary, or if you simply want to add a bird feeder to the garden area, it is also beneficial to place in the middle or a highly accessible area, where birds will easily see and can eat food whenever they choose.

A bird feeder is also a good option if you don’t want to have to set food out at certain times of the day. So, if you don’t want to have to maintain a feeding schedule, the bird feeder is a simple way in which you can ensure your birds are fed, do not go hungry, and have food, no matter when they visit your property.

FEATURES

Capacity

Height

Accesibility

Coverage

Style

  1. Capacity - How much feed or seeds can the feeder hold? If you have several birds, or are placing the feeder in an area where many birds will be feeding from, a larger capacity holding for seeds, is of high importance. Not only will you have to refill less often, it also ensures you will have a constantly flow of feed, when birds visit.
  2. Height - If using in an outdoor, open-space setting, a taller feeder is beneficial. It is easier for birds to see, reach, and it is going to be easier for you to maintain levels of food when you are feeding birds with this feeder.
  3. Accesibility - You want to choose a bird feeder which is easily accessible. Basically, one which allows the birds to see the food, and where they can easily eat the food. The feeder should flow freely, so it avoids jamming, or food getting stuck, which will hinder the birds who visit the feeder. With many feeders, there is more than one feed area. For larger feeders, this is a nice feature to look for when you are deciding which bird feeder to choose.
  4. Coverage - Many bird feeders have coverage, so that only birds can access the seeds. They come with plastic covers so squirrels, or other small animals, don’t take the food which is intended for your birds. Plastic coverage, or some type of seal is placed in front of the feeder, so only birds flying in, can access the feeder and the food in it.
  5. Style - Many bird feeders have a window feed, others come on a pole where birds can perch and feed on. Some are hanging feeders. Depending on how many birds you have, or where you plan on placing the feeder, you should consider the different styles, setup, and maintenance you must do. All of this will help you in choosing the right bird feeder for your outdoor space, and something that is easy to maintain going forward when placing food in the feeder system.
The Best Budget: Window Feeder

This simple bird feeder is made of plastic/acrylic finish. It has an XL feed holder, so you can place a large amount of seeds or feed, and do not have to refill it on a daily basis for your birds.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • It has a squirrel-guard. You do not have to worry about small animals getting the feed.
  • An XL feed space. You can put more seeds in at once, and refill the feeder less often.
  • It has a perch, so birds can fly in and out, and sit in front of the feeder while eating.
Pros

It is compact in size, so it will not take up too much space, however, it has a larger feeding tray, so you can place more seeds in the feeder. It also has a protective guard, so animals, other than birds, can’t access the bird feeder.

Cons

It is a plastic material frame. So, it is not as durable as wood, or other material finishes. It is also a hanging feeder, so you need to affix it to a covered space, such as a porch area, rather than an open field or space.

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The Cheapest Product: Perky Pet

This bird feeder has a plastic frame, and is a hanging-rod feeder. You can easily attach it to a porch, or large pole in an open field, and birds can easily access the feeder.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • It has a perch, so birds can sit in front of the feeder.
  • The plastic feed tray allows you to see feed levels, so you know when to refill it with bird feed.
  • A simple, hanging rod design. You simply place it on a pole, or area where birds can fly onto.
Pros

It is very lightweight, has a plastic feed system, and has a front perch so birds can easily access. It is also a very low-priced option for those who seek affordability when choosing a bird feeder for outdoor setup.

Cons

The plastic material is not as durable as other finishes. Additionally, the hanging rod isn’t easy to affix to any surface, or areas which are covered. You are quite limited in use, and in the potential areas where you can set up this bird feeder, in comparison to other models, which allows for different setup or placement options.

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Best of the Best: Copper Carousel Feeder

This highly-adorned bird feeder has a perch for several birds. It has a large feeder space, so you can place more seeds in at once. And, it is made with durable, water-resistant, copper finish for durability.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • It is wide open, so birds can freely fly in and out when coming in to feed.
  • You can easily place the perch in the yard or a large outdoor area.
  • It comes with mounting pole and accessories for ease of setup outdoors.
Pros

The ornate detail will truly set this piece apart. If you are looking for a decorative piece, then this is the feeder to purchase. A copper-finish is also weather-resistant, so won’t damage in rain or extreme conditions.

Cons

It is a very high-priced item. It will probably put it out of most people’s budget. It is also highly ornate, so if you want something simple in design, this might not be the best option. The open feeding system also allows other small animals to enter the feeder, such as squirrels, so there is no guard to restrict entry to the feeder.

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Wild Bird Hanging Bird Feeder

This simple feeder has a small feeding box where you place the seeds. You can hang it, and it is open, so birds can freely fly in and out after they’ve fed.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • A solid wood-base bottom. It is durable, and it holds a large amount of feed.
  • It is easy to hang. On the porch, patio, or any pole system, you can simply place the feeder for easy access into and out by birds.
  • You can hang it higher up, limiting access to birds, and blocking out other small animals from recaching the feed.
Pros

The decorative detail is simplistic, and goes well with any décor. The feeder box is sturdy, and wide open, so birds know exactly where to go when they fly onto the feeder. It also has a wood perch, so birds can comfortably sit on the feeder while eating.

Cons

The open box system won’t protect feed. So, in the event of rain, or heavy wind conditions, you might end up losing seeds or bird feed. The wide-open box system doesn’t protect seeds, as an enclosed bird feeder does either, so it is best to place in a covered space.

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Wild Bird Dome Mesh House

This feeder has a mesh enclosure, so it holds the feed and seed, and it limits penetration. Small animals, like squirrels, are guarded out with the mesh finish, and it protects seeds from weather such as heavy winds or rain.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • The covered mesh system. This protects the feed, and it also controls access, so small animals do not eat your bird feed.
  • A drop-down system. As the feed is eaten, levels will fall.
  • Multi-level perch. So, more than one bird can access the feeder at once.
Pros

The simplistic design and affordable price, make this a highly accessible feeder for any home. You can place it under a porch or patio, or you can hang it on a pole in an open space. It is easily accessible by birds flying in, and onto the perch.

Cons

It is a bit small in size, and does not hold as much feed as other bird feeding systems. The mesh lining might also cause feed to get stuck, so you have to keep an eye on the seed levels, and constantly monitor the feed tray dispensing system on this feeder.

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FAQ
  • 1. Why set up a bird feeder?
  • For some, it is simply a matter of not having to go out and feed their birds every day. For others, it is easier to leave larger amounts of feed out, if you run an aviary or have plenty of birds visiting your property. And, some simply want it for décor purposes, in their outdoor garden or patio space.
  • 2. Which feeder should I choose?
  • This depends on where you plan on setting it up, how much space you have, and the type of feeding mechanism chosen. For smaller spaces, a hanging feeder might work best. If you have large open spaces, then you might choose a pole feeder, where birds can fly in and out, as they desire.
  • 3. Which dispense style should I choose?
  • With most feeders, the seeds will dispense/fall, as the birds eat it. So, you would simply fill the feeder one day, and as the levels drop, will simply refill it in order to maintain a sufficient level, so you can feed all birds you care for, or those which visit your property.
  • 4. What material should I choose?
  • Again, this depends on where you plan on placing it, and even personal décor/taste. If you want something simple, a plastic or clear hanging feeder will work well in most spaces. If you want a larger, pole feeder, this might cost more, but will go great in an open field or open space. It depends on your budget, how much space you have available, and of course how many birds are going to access the feeder at any given time.
  • 5. How much are bird feeders?
  • You can find bird feeders for as little as $5-10, or for more than several hundred-dollars. It depends on the quality, the material finishes, and depends on the size and style of the bird feeder you choose to purchase.