Bird Feeder questions answered
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
Start with a simple tube or hopper feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seeds, place it near protective cover but at least ten feet from windows, and plan to clean it every two weeks to keep birds healthy. Add a baffle below the feeder if squirrels become a problem. Observe which birds visit, then adjust the feeder style or seed mix to suit your local species.
What type of bird feeder should I start with?
For a first feeder, you can’t beat a tube feeder or a classic hopper feeder. Tube feeders with multiple perches work well for small songbirds like chickadees, finches, and titmice, while hopper (house-shaped) feeders attract a wider range including cardinals and jays. Both are widely available and relatively simple to fill and clean. If you have a specific bird in mind, you might choose a nyjer feeder for goldfinches, a suet cage for woodpeckers, or a platform feeder for ground-feeding birds like doves and juncos. Starting with one versatile feeder and a bag of black-oil sunflower seed will usually draw the most variety, letting you see what your yard attracts before investing in multiple specialty feeders.
Where should I place my bird feeder?
Place your feeder in a spot that gives birds a quick escape route to nearby shrubs or trees, but keep it at least ten to twelve feet from dense cover so cats and other predators can’t easily ambush visiting birds. An open view from a window is nice, but position the feeder either very close to the glass (three feet or less) or farther than thirty feet away to reduce the risk of fatal window collisions. A height of about five to six feet off the ground works well for most feeders, though hanging feeders can be a bit lower if needed. Aim for a location that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade. That helps keep seed dry and reduces mold growth.
How often should I clean a bird feeder?
Clean your feeder at least once every two weeks under normal use, and more often in warm, wet weather when mold and bacteria thrive. A simple scrub with hot water and a stiff brush—no soap needed—followed by a thorough rinse and complete drying is usually enough. For tube feeders and nectar feeders (hummingbird feeders), soak the parts in a dilute bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) every few cleanings, then rinse very well. Empty and brush out seed hulls and debris each time you refill. A dirty feeder can spread diseases like conjunctivitis and salmonella, so regular cleaning isn’t optional—it’s one of the most important things you can do for the health of your backyard flock.
What bird seed attracts the most variety?
Black-oil sunflower seed is the single best all-around choice for attracting the widest variety of songbirds. Its thin shell is easy for small birds to crack, and the high oil content provides valuable energy. Striped sunflower seeds are larger and harder to open, which can deter some smaller species. A quality seed mix should list black-oil sunflower as the first ingredient. Avoid cheap mixes that are mostly milo, wheat, or red millet—those are often left uneaten and attract pests. White proso millet is excellent for ground-feeding birds like sparrows and doves, and nyjer (thistle) seed is a favorite of finches and siskins if you want to target them. Adding a suet feeder in cooler months will bring woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens.
How can I keep squirrels out of my bird feeder?
Squirrels are clever and persistent, but a combination of strategies works best. Installing a squirrel baffle—a dome or cone-shaped guard—on the pole or hanging cable below the feeder blocks most climbers. Feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close the seed ports when a heavy squirrel climbs on are also effective, though some determined squirrels learn to hang upside down to feed. Place your feeder at least ten feet from any tree, fence, or structure squirrels can leap from. If a feeder is simply too accessible, consider switching to a cage-style feeder or a feeder made of metal, which squirrels cannot chew through. Offering a separate, low-cost feeder filled with cheaper corn or peanuts in a spot far from your main feeder can also distract them.
Which bird feeder material lasts the longest?
Metal feeders, particularly those made of coated steel or aluminum, tend to be the most durable and chew-proof. They hold up well to sun, rain, and squirrels, though they can be heavier and may cost a bit more. Recycled plastic feeders are also long-lasting, lightweight, and easy to clean—many come with a limited lifetime warranty from reputable brands. Wooden feeders, especially cedar, look natural and can survive for years if kept dry and well-sealed, but they eventually weather and may warp. Clear plastic tube feeders are budget-friendly but can become brittle in the sun and are easy for squirrels to crack. Choose a feeder that suits your climate and how much maintenance you’re willing to do: metal or recycled plastic are the set-and-forget options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide water for birds too?
Yes, a clean water source—like a birdbath or shallow dish—attracts many species that may not visit feeders. Change the water every few days and scrub the bath weekly to prevent algae and mosquito larvae. In freezing weather, a heated birdbath can be a lifeline.
What is the best feeder for finches?
A tube feeder with very small ports designed for nyjer (thistle) seed is ideal for goldfinches and house finches. Some finch feeders have mesh sides that let birds cling and pick out seeds. You can also use a standard tube feeder with fine seed, but dedicated nyjer feeders are the most effective.
How do I stop mold from growing in the feeder?
Mold starts when moisture sits in the seed or on feeder surfaces. Use a feeder with good drainage and a rain guard (a dome overhead). Only fill with as much seed as birds will eat in a few days during wet weather, and dump out any seed that looks clumped or smells musty. A thorough drying after each cleaning is critical.
Should I take feeders down in winter?
No, winter feeding provides critical energy for birds when natural food is scarce. Keep feeders filled with high-fat foods like black-oil sunflower, suet, and peanuts. Just be sure to brush snow off the feeder and keep the seed dry, because wet seed can freeze into clumps that birds can’t eat.
Can I feed birds bread or table scraps?
Bread, crackers, and most human leftovers offer very little nutrition for birds and can fill them up without the calories they need. Stale bread can also grow mold. Stick to proper birdseed, suet, nuts, and occasional fruit like apple slices instead of table scraps.
What should I do if I see a sick bird?
Immediately take down your feeders and birdbath and clean them thoroughly with a diluted bleach solution (part bleach, nine parts water). Do not put them back up for at least two weeks to reduce the chance of disease spreading. Report severe outbreaks to your local wildlife agency if you see many birds with swollen eyes or crusty faces.