How to Choose, Care for Bird Feeders

While choosing attractive bird feeders is exciting for bird lovers, caring for them is a different story. The requirements for caring for bird feeders vary based on their types. For most types of bird feeders, harsh weather in the form of wind, rain, and snow will take a toll on both the bird feeder and the food. Some helpful tips for choosing and caring for bird feeders are reviewed below.

Description of Types of Bird Feeders

The common tube feeder is designed as a clear, plastic tube containing several small openings that lie above plastic or metal arms for perching. It is filled with bird seeds by unscrewing the top lid. Narrow tube feeders attract smaller birds including Chickadees, Hummingbirds, and Finches. Wider tube feeders are more suited for larger birds such as Cardinals and Woodpeckers. Plastic or wooden bird feeders known as tray feeders have a roof connected to a tray by a pole creating an opening that is large enough for various-sized birds to perch and eat. Further, spacious bird feeders called seed dispensers have wooden, plastic, or metal trays and roofs joined by clear plastic walls. A draw string that is attached to the roof is loosened so that the roof can be lifted to add food, and the food gradually filters down to the base. Then, there is the suet feeder that comes in the form of a metal cage or wooden log used to hold bird suet.

Comparison of Bird Feeder Care Requirements

Tube, tray, and suet feeders and seed dispensers, have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to caring for them. Seed dispensers and tube and suet feeders have the advantage of holding more food, requiring fewer trips to replenish; in contrast, tray feeders must be refilled more often with food. Another benefit of plastic and metal seed dispensers, tube and suet feeders that are securely hung from branches is their ability to withstand strong wind and rain for several years; whereas, wooden seed dispensers and tray feeders that are held together by tiny nails or glue are prone to tear apart within a year of exposure to wind, rain, and snow storms along with the weight of large birds.

Further, seed dispensers and tray feeders have several advantages over tube feeders. Seed dispensers and tray feeders have adequate ventilation allowing the bird seeds to remain fresh and become dry after it rains; whereas, tube feeders require frequent cleaning or taking down during damp and humid weather. As the small openings allow rain to enter in, moisture can become trapped inside causing bird seeds to rot and become musty. The tube feeder must then be cleaned using a brush and a vinegar/water solution.

With these comparisons in mind, bird lovers may choose between tube, tray, and suet feeders and seed dispensers based on their preferences. While tray feeders are well-ventilated, they must be frequently refilled with food and become flimsy after a short period of time if made of wood. In comparison, as tube feeders are durable and able to hold many seeds, they must be sheltered from rain and snow since they are messy to care for when damp.