Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging

Bird watching is a delightful pastime, and one of the best ways to attract birds to your backyard is by providing them with a bird feeder. Outdoor hanging bird feeders come in various types, styles, and sizes, making it challenging to choose the right one. This guide will help you understand the different types of bird feeders, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs to help you make an informed purchase decision.

1. Tube bird feeders - These are cylindrical-shaped bird feeders with multiple feeding ports. They are ideal for feeding small birds such as finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.

2. Hopper bird feeders - These are large bird feeders that can hold a considerable amount of birdseed. They are perfect for feeding larger birds such as cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers.

3. Suet bird feeders - These are designed to hold suet cakes, which are high-energy food blocks made from animal fat. They are perfect for feeding woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.

4. Platform bird feeders - These are flat bird feeders that can accommodate a variety of birdseed mixes. They are ideal for feeding ground-feeding birds such as sparrows, doves, and juncos.

1. Material - Choose a bird feeder made from durable and weather-resistant materials such as metal, plastic or wood.

2. Capacity - Consider the number of birds you want to attract and how often you want to refill the feeder when choosing the size and capacity of the bird feeder.

3. Ease of cleaning - Choose a bird feeder that is easy to clean and maintain to prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants.

4. Squirrel-proofing - If you have squirrels in your backyard, consider purchasing a bird feeder with squirrel-proofing features such as baffles, cages, and weight-activated mechanisms.

1. Feeding ports - Choose a bird feeder with enough feeding ports to accommodate the number of birds you want to attract.

2. Perches - Perches provide birds with a place to rest while they feed. Choose a bird feeder with sturdy perches that can accommodate the weight of the birds.

3. Seed tray - A seed tray catches spilled seed and prevents it from accumulating on the ground, attracting rodents and other pests.

4. Rain guard - A rain guard protects the birdseed from getting wet during rain and snow.

Outdoor hanging bird feeders range in price from $10 to $100, depending on the size, material, and features.

1. Clean your bird feeder regularly to prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants.

2. Position your bird feeder in a safe and visible location away from predators such as cats and hawks.

3. Use high-quality birdseed to attract a variety of bird species to your backyard.

4. Change the birdseed regularly to ensure that it is fresh and free from contaminants.

Q: How often should I clean my bird feeder?

A: Ans: Clean your bird feeder at least once a month or more frequently if you notice mold, bacteria, or other harmful contaminants.

Q: Can I use any type of birdseed in my bird feeder?

A: Ans: Use high-quality birdseed that is appropriate for the bird species you want to attract. Avoid using birdseed mixes that contain filler seeds such as milo and wheat, which are not preferred by most birds.

Q: How can I prevent squirrels from raiding my bird feeder?

A: Ans: Purchase a bird feeder with squirrel-proofing features such as baffles, cages, and weight-activated mechanisms. You can also position your bird feeder away from trees and other structures that squirrels can climb.