Are you searching for the best types of bird feeders to keep your feathered friends well fed throughout the long, chilly winter season?
Winter is a crucial time to lend a hand to birds by providing them with an extra food supply. Cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees and other birds that stick around instead of migrating to warmer areas face challenges finding food when the weather turns cold.
Unfortunately, many of the natural food sources they are used to eating disappear. As the cold months settle in, the berries, nuts, and other treats birds usually rely on are nowhere to be found. Even when food remains, it’s frequently hidden under layers of snow and ice.
Because of that, it can be very difficult for overwintering birds to survive – but that is exactly where a few well placed, well stocked bird feeders can make all the difference!
The 3 Best Types Of Bird Feeders To Use In The Winter
Feeding birds in the winter takes a little planning because not all bird feeders work the same once the weather turns cold. One thing is for sure – winter feeders need to a have a few extra characteristics compared to spring and summer feeders.
First, you need a feeder that birds can use easily and quickly. It also needs to be sturdy to hold up to the winter elements. In addition, it should be easy to fill – after all, it is winter outside! And most importantly, a good winter bird feeder needs to keep food safe from bad weather.
During winter, rain, ice, and snow can cause seed and feed to stick together in clumps. This makes it harder for birds to eat and can even spoil the food, making it unusable and unsafe.
When it comes right down to it – there are 3 great feeders that fit the bill. The first are hopper feeders with built in side protection. The second are suet feeders which can quickly and easily feed birds with high nutrition suet. Last but not least are tube feeders which keep feed safe and sound and let birds feed as they need.
Here is a look at each – and how to best use them!
#1 Hopper Feeders – The 3 Best Types Of Bird Feeders To Use In The Winter
Some birds prefer eating with their food right in front of them. Cardinals and chickadees are perfect examples of this behavior. During the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall—tray feeders work wonderfully to meet their needs.
However, regular tray feeders are not ideal for winter. Harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and sleet can soak the seed or blow it away from the tray. Even trays with overhead covers can’t always protect the food from wind and side blown precipitation. In the end, it leaves food exposed and unusable.
Hopper feeders, on the other hand, are perfect for winter feeding. They feed much like a tray feeder, but keep the food protected while still allowing birds to eat comfortably with their food right in front of them.
A well designed hopper feeder usually has clear, protective sides to shield the seed from bad weather. Many also include small trays on each side for birds to perch and feed, mimicking the tray feeder experience.
Some models even offer additional suet cages, providing birds with a nutrient rich food source to help them survive the cold winter months. And speaking of suet cages – they are great to use all by themselves too!
#2 Suet Feeders – The 3 Best Types Of Bird Feeders To Use In The Winter
Giving birds suet along with seeds and nuts is one of the best ways to provide them with the energy they need throughout the winter. And the best way to feed suet is with a suet feeder! Affiliate Product Link: Kingsyard Double Suet Bird Feeder with Weatherproof Roof & Perch
Suet is a block of fat that often contains seeds, nuts, and even small bits of fruit. It’s packed with calories and fat, which is perfect for helping birds stay warm in the cold weather. You can buy suet cakes ready to use or make them at home, and either option will be a big hit with birds!
The key to feeding suet in winter is making sure the cakes are securely placed to make feeding easy. Suet cages or holders are great for this. They’re affordable, lightweight cages made of metal or plastic, designed to hold suet in place for birds to enjoy.
Using suet is simple. It’s as easy as placing the suet block into the cage. Next, all that is left is to hang it anywhere – from a tree, a clothesline or any post. Once in place, birds can then easily perch on the cage to peck at the food.
These feeders are easy to refill and provide birds with a quick, high-energy snack that can help them survive the harsh winter months. See: How To Make Bird Suet – The Perfect Way To Feed Birds In The Winter!
#3 Tube Feeders – The 3 Best Types Of Bird Feeders To Use In The Winter
A tube feeder with a clear protective cover is another great option for feeding birds in the winter. Especially when you have one that has multiple perches and feeding holes to allow birds to feed all at once.
Tube feeders with plastic, see-through covers work great to keep the seed safe from freezing or getting wet and spoiled. Plus, the tall, slim design with small feeding holes helps keep the food out of reach of larger, more aggressive birds – and even squirrels. Affiliate Link: Kingsyard 2 Pack Tube Feeders For Outdoors Hanging, Premium Hard Plastic Weatherproof & Steel Hanger.
Hanging a few tube feeders under a tree, on a clothesline or from a post is an easy way to provide plenty of food for smaller birds like chickadees, titmice, finches, sparrows and more. Not only are they easy to take down, but you can also re-fill them quickly!
Here is to feeding the birds in your landscape this winter. Not only will it help to keep them safe, but it will also have them quite happy as well! Happy Gardening – Jim & Mary.
Old World Garden Farms
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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