Bird Feeders: The Different Types and What You Need To Know

 As there are many different types of birds, there are many different types of bird feeders, and if you want to attract a variety of bird species to your garden, it is a good idea to stock up on lots of feeders and tables. You’ll find that some bird species are more inclined to use one kind of feeder over another.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the different types of bird feeders, what feeders to use to attract certain birds, and our top recommendations.

Types of Bird Feeders

1. Peanut Feeder

Peanuts are popular amongst birds like house sparrows, chaffinches, and the tit family. Peanut feeders are made of steel mesh or coarse plastic. The mesh size needs to be large enough for birds to peck through and not cause damage to their beaks, but small enough so they don’t choke on a whole peanut.

Feeders like the GARDMAN Black Steel Peanut Feeder are easy to clean and refill, as well as durable and robust. You can also find pre-filled feeders such as PECKISH Pre-filled Peanut Feeder. Squirrel-proof peanut feeders are also available, such as GARDMAN Squirrel Proof Fat Snax Feeder, which has a  plastic coated wire cage designed to exclude squirrels and larger birds.

2. Seed Feeder

Seed feeders are tubular, clear containers which birds are able to access the seed through holes. They sit on the perches near the holes and remove the loose seed. Sunflower seeds and seed mixes work best in these types of feeders.

The PECKISH All Weather Large Seed Feeder is easy to fill and hang, and its tough polycarbonate tube makes it suitable all year round. Another great option is the PECKISH All Weather 3 Seed Twist Feeder, which can feed three different types of seeds at once, attracting many birds with its 6 feeding ports.

Seed feeders appeal to many types of birds, including tits, siskins and greenfinches.

3. Nyjer Feeder

Nyjer seeds are popular amongst goldfinches and siskins. As it is a smaller seed, it needs a special type of seed feeder. They are tubular feeders with small feeding ports. Feeders like the GARDMAN Flip Top Nyjer Seed Feeder and PECKISH Secret Garden Nyjer Feeder are suitable options if you decide to leave out some nyjer seeds for your birds, as they are perfect for keeping food dry and easy to fill up and clean and easily.

4. Suet Feeder

Suet feeders are usually made of wire mesh or plastic-coated wire mesh. They are available in different shapes, accommodating for the type of suet block, which may be in the form of a cylinder, square or ball.

Suet balls are high in energy and are a great source of nourishment for birds, especially when the weather gets cold during the winter. To get the best results, you should use them with a specially designed fat ball feeder, such as The TRIXIE Circular Fatball Feeder, which can hold up to 8 fatballs.

5. House Feeders

These types of feeders are able to shield seeds against the weather and bird droppings. They are attractive to most feeder birds, including finches and sparrows. Any seed mixes can be used in these feeders, but is important that the seeds inside do not get wet as this can pose serious health risks for any birds who ingest them.

The TRIXIE Natura Hanging Bird Feeder High Roof is a great option if you are looking for a flat surface for your birds to land on. It is made of glazed pine, and has an ornate roof with windows. The roof is felted for protection from the elements.

Health and Hygiene of Garden Birds

While feeding garden birds is important, it is also essential to provide them with a clean feeding place. You should never feed mouldy seed or peanuts as it may cause birds to become ill, and always wash your feeders, nesting boxes, table and water-baths regularly to keep them free from dirt and prevent illness. Prevent pests and rodents from visiting your garden by clearing away fallen foods from the ground, and positioning feeders out of the reach of pests and vermin.

Any more questions?

Got any more questions about feeding garden birds? Be sure to ask one of expert Pet Care Advisors at your local Petmania store today.