When purchasing a bird feeder system, make sure to think of the birds first. Durable, functional and accessible feeders will keep your bird food clean and dry. Also remember to look for feeders that are easy to maintain. These factors will keep you and your outdoor pets happy.
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.
Tubular Feeders
Tubular feeders are 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 refilling easy tasks. 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.
Mesh Feeders
Mesh feeders are used for dispensing larger seeds such as black oil sunflower seeds. Small seeds such as millet grains will pour out of it. These feeders are designed to resist squirrel damage and help birds avoid avian diseases. Squirrels can use these feeders, but will 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. 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 use this feeder, and thus it is sometimes used as a decoy to keep these animals away from your smaller feeders.
Block Feeders
Block feeders are made for easy and safe dispensing of bird food in block form (for example, try our Nut N’ Berry® Block). They usually are constructed of a heavy gauge wire.
Finch Sock Feeders
Finch sock feeders are mesh bags that allow finches to cling to them, while discouraging other birds from stealing seed. They are usually filled with Nyjer® Seed* or finch food. The mesh bag allows air to flow through, keeping seeds fresh.
*Nyjer® has been sterilized to help prevent germination. Nyjer® is a registered trademark of the Wild Bird Feeding Institute.
Here is a general guideline for attracting birds to various types of feeders and recommended 3-D® Pet Products.
| Feeder | Birds Attracted | Recommended 3-D® Pet Products |
| TUBE (Large Holes) |
Titmice, Chickadees, Finches, Jays, Grosbeaks, Nuthatches, Redpolls, Pine Siskins, etc. | Cardinal Food Nut N’ Berry® Sizzle N’ Heat® Deck, Porch N’ Patio® |
| TUBE (Small Holes) |
Finches, Nuthatches, Chickadees. | Finch Lovers Blend™ |
| HOPPER FEEDER | Cardinals, Songbirds, Jays, Titmice, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Buntings, Grosbeaks, etc. | Cardinal Food Songbird Food Sizzle N’ Heat® Deck, Porch N’ Patio® Nut N’ Berry® Dove & Quail |
| PLATFORM (Tray) |
Cardinals, Songbirds, Jays, Titmice, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Buntings, Grosbeaks, etc. | Cardinal Food Songbird Fod Dove & Quail Sizzle N’ Heat® Deck, Porch N’ Patio® Nut N’ Berry® |
| WIRE MESH |
Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees and other clinging birds. | Cardinal Food Songbird Fod Dove & Quail Sizzle N’ Heat® Deck, Porch N’ Patio® Nut N’ Berry® |
| SQUIRREL FEEDER | Squirrels, Chipmunks, Raccoons, Jays. | Squirrel Food |