What do I need to know before buying a bird feeder?

3 Things to Know Before Buying A Bird Feeder

• More is Better. When you are shopping for a bird feeder, remember that birds typically eat half their weight in seeds per day.
• Style is Important. Bird feeders can be small or big, simple or colorful, wood or plastic… you get the point.
• Keep ‘Em Clean.

What size should a bird feeder be?

Best Bird Feeder Heights The most popular bird feeder heights for popular backyard birds are: Cardinals and finches (feed at lower levels) – approximately eye level, 5-6 feet. Woodpeckers (feed higher in trees) – 6-10 feet. Hummingbirds (feed from flowering bushes and vines) – 3-6 feet.

How far from house should bird feeder be?

about 50 to 60 feet
To keep unwanted animals away from your house, enforce a bird-feeder safety zone of about 50 to 60 feet between the house and the bird feeder. Bird feeders attract many animals, from small animals like rats, squirrels, and raccoons to larger animals like coyotes and bears.

Is it a good idea to get a bird feeder?

In most cases, it’s not only okay to feed wild birds but it’s also good for them. The extra boost of calories and nutrition they get from bird feeders helps to reduce stress during breeding months, gain the strength needed for migration, and to survive a harsh winter.

How do I choose the best bird feeder?

If you are going to put out just one bird feeder, this is the best choice. Be sure to select a model with metal ports around the seed dispensers to protect the feeder from nibbling squirrels and house sparrows. Hang the feeder at least five feet off the ground and position it near a window, where you can enjoy the visitors.

What kind of birds eat from Platform feeders?

House Finches at a platform feeder. Photo by Susan Spear/Cornell Lab. Trays attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds, including pigeons, starlings, and House Sparrows, but also grosbeaks and native sparrows.

What kind of birds do tray feeders attract?

Tray or Platform Feeders Trays attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds, including pigeons, starlings, and House Sparrows, but also grosbeaks and native sparrows.

What kind of birds do Hopper feeders attract?

Hopper feeders are attractive to most feeder birds, including finches, jays, cardinals, buntings, grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice; they’re also squirrel magnets.