Which wild bird food feeder should I use?

Different styles of wild bird food feeders will attract a larger variety of garden birds. The basic feeders for an all around good feeding programme include:

Tubular Feeders - made to be versatile and convenient. Some tube feeders will come with interchangeable fittings that will give you flexibility with different food, but many do not. Keep in mind what kinds of birds you would like to attract when purchasing a tube feeder. Tube feeders are usually very easy to maintain. "Snap apart" assembly makes cleaning and refills an easy job. Many tube feeders provide a good amount of space between feeding portals to help reduce competition, but also consider the size of the perches. Larger birds cannot land on small perches. Tube feeders use black sunflower seed, sunflower hearts, mixed seed or any nut based mix. Special Nyjer tube feeders are available for the small fresh Nyjer seed much loved by the finch family particularly Goldfinch. This is primarily a feeder for attracting a variety of small birds.

Hopper Feeders - these traditional style feeders are still a popular choice today because of their simplicity and large food capacity. Hopper feeders are gravity fed, so birds will continue to receive food until the hopper is empty. These feeders are designed with a cover to keep the feed dry and preserved so you won't have to refill it after every rain. Hopper feeders use black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, safflower seed or any nut based mix. This is a good all around feeder for attracting both large and small birds.

Mesh Feeders - are used for dispensing larger seeds such as black sunflower seeds. These feeders are designed to resist squirrel damage and help birds avoid avian diseases (though squirrels can use these feeders, but may be frustrated that they can only pick one seed at a time). Mesh feeders are meant to attract birds that cling because other birds cannot perch on them, which will keep starlings and other larger birds away.

Platform Feeders - these tray-like feeders allow you to combine a multitude of seeds, nuts and fruits that attract a variety of different birds and are hung from tress or posts. A platform feeder should have a large feeding area and a 1-inch rim that prevents your feed from spilling. Because of its design, squirrels and larger birds will also use this feeder. Platform feeders use black oil sunflower seed, sunflower hearts, safflower seed or any nut based mix. A good feeder for peanuts, fruits, raisins and meal worms. This feeder does not, generally, exclude any birds.

Block Feeders - made for easy and safe dispensing of bird food in block form. They usually are constructed of a heavy gauge wire. Ideal for peanuts and large seeds.

Suet Block Feeders – these feeders are constructed of a heavy gauge wire and are made specifically for ease of dispensing suet blocks. The suet block is merely placed inside the feeder and the feeder is closed. The feeder is then placed where birds are most likely to visit.

Mesh/Sock Feeders - sock feeders are mesh bags that allow birds to cling to them, while discouraging other birds from stealing seed. They are usually filled with Mixed Seeds or Peanuts. The mesh bag also allows air to flow through, keeping seeds fresh.

Ground Feeder - for general wild bird mixes, millet or safflower seed. A perfect feeder for ground foraging birds such as Wren, Robins, Blackbirds and Dunnocks. Keeps seed off the ground and reduces spoilage.

The Importance of Fresh Water

Providing a fresh source of water for birds is just as important as providing food during all seasons. Puddles of rain water may contain pollutants and toxins that are harmful to birds. In winter, open water is a rare commodity. Searching for water in low temperatures can waste precious energy needed to get birds through cold winter nights. See our All Seasons Water Feeder.