What type of bird feeder should I choose?

The best bird feeder depends on the birds you want to attract and how you plan to mount it. <a href="/collections/tube-bird-feeders" title="Tube Bird Feeders">Tube feeders</a> are great for finches and chickadees, <a href="/collections/platform-feeders" title="Platform Feeders">platform feeders</a> attract a wide variety of birds, and <a href="/collections/hopper-bird-feeders" title="Hopper Bird Feeders">hopper feeders</a> hold more seed for busy feeding areas. If squirrels are a concern, <a href="/collections/squirrel-resistant-feeders" title="Squirrel Resistant Feeders">squirrel-resistant</a> or <a href="/collections/caged-bird-feeders" title="Caged Bird Feeders">caged feeders</a> help protect your seed.

What bird feeder attracts the most birds?

<a href="/collections/platform-feeders" title="Platform Feeders">Platform</a> and <a href="/collections/hopper-bird-feeders" title="Hopper Bird Feeders">hopper</a> feeders tend to attract the widest variety of birds because they accommodate different feeding styles and seed types. Offering <a href="/products/duncraft-black-oil-sunflower-wild-bird-seed-5-lb-bag" title="Duncraft Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag">sunflower seed</a> or <a href="/collections/bird-seed-blends-mixes" title="Bird Seed Blends & Mixes">mixed blends</a> and placing feeders near cover will also increase bird activity.

Which bird feeder is best for cardinals?

Cardinals prefer feeders with wide perches or open trays that accommodate their size. <a href="/collections/platform-feeders" title="Platform Feeders">Platform</a> feeders, tray feeders, and large <a href="/collections/hopper-bird-feeders" title="Hopper Bird Feeders">hopper</a> feeders work especially well when paired with sunflower seed or <a href="/products/duncraft-safflower-wild-bird-seed-5-lb-bag" title="Duncraft Safflower Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag">safflower seed</a>.

What feeder should I use for finches and goldfinches?

Finches are best attracted to <a href="/collections/tube-bird-feeders" title="Tube Bird Feeders">tube</a> or <a href="/collections/fruit-nut-feeders" title="Fruit & Nut Feeders">mesh</a> feeders designed for<a href="/products/duncraft-nyjer-r-wild-bird-seed-5-lb-bag" title="Duncraft Nyjer® Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag"> Nyjer®</a> (thistle) seed. These feeders feature small ports or mesh surfaces that finches can cling to while feeding.

Where should I hang my bird feeder?

Hang bird feeders 5–10 feet off the ground and near natural cover like trees or shrubs so birds can easily escape predators. Keep feeders far enough from branches or structures to limit squirrel access. Follow the <a href="/blogs/birding-tips/using-the-5-7-9-rule-for-keeping-squirrels-off-your-bird-feeders" title="Using the 5-7-9 Rule for Keeping Squirrels Off Your Bird Feeders">5-7-9 rule</a> for keeping squirrels off your bird feeders.

How often should I clean my bird feeder?

Bird feeders should be cleaned every 1–2 weeks, or more often during wet weather. Regular <a href="/collections/cleaning-supplies" title="Cleaning Supplies">cleaning</a> helps prevent mold and disease, keeping birds healthy and your feeding area safe.

What bird feeders are best for beginners?

Beginners often start with <a href="/collections/tube-bird-feeders" title="Tube Bird Feeders">tube</a>, <a href="/collections/hopper-bird-feeders" title="Hopper Bird Feeders">hopper</a>, or <a href="/collections/platform-feeders" title="Platform Feeders">platform</a> feeders because they attract many bird species and are easy to maintain. Choosing a feeder that’s simple to clean and refill will make bird feeding more enjoyable.

Bird Houses All | Outdoor Weather-Resistant Bird Homes

Learn More About Bird Houses

Bird houses and nesting boxes are specially designed shelters that provide birds with a safe place to nest, rest, and raise their young. These structures are built to mimic the small cavities found in trees, which many bird species rely on for protection from predators and harsh weather. Our bird houses include features such as ventilation holes, predator guards, and innovative designs that make cleaning and maintenance a breeze. By installing a bird house in your back yard, you can welcome species such as bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees to find shelter during breeding season. For those who enjoy birdwatching, a birdhouse creates an opportunity to observe nesting behaviors and fledglings up close. To enhance your back yard bird habitat and attract a wider range of birds, consider offering food or water with a bird feeder or a bird bath nearby your new nesting box.

Types of Bird Houses

While certain styles of bird houses may attract various species, others are tailored to increase the chances of attracting a particular type of bird. Bluebird houses typically feature a 1 ½ inch entry hole, perfect for preventing larger birds from accessing the shelter. Small songbirds such as chickadees, wrens, and titmice will occupy houses with entries as small as 1 ⅛ inch, tight enough to exclude bluebirds from competing with them. Woodpecker houses contain a deeper cavity space, accessible by a larger entry hole of about 2 ½ inches. Some birds, such as hummingbirds and robins, prefer an open nesting shelf rather than a traditional bird house.

Our collection of bird houses features products built from various materials, including durable wood and eco-friendly recycled plastic. Bird houses constructed from these materials are built to last for years to come, with aesthetic options to suit any back yard bird habitat.

Birdhouse Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your birdhouse remains safe and appealing to birds year after year. It is important to clean out old nesting materials after each season to prevent parasites from harming future occupants. Many birdhouses in our collection feature panels that open to make this process much easier. Non-toxic cleaning solutions can also help to extend the life of your birdhouse and keep it even safer for birds.

Bird Feeder Buying Guide & FAQs

The best bird feeder depends on the birds you want to attract and how you plan to mount it. Tube feeders are great for finches and chickadees, platform feeders attract a wide variety of birds, and hopper feeders hold more seed for busy feeding areas. If squirrels are a concern, squirrel-resistant or caged feeders help protect your seed.

Platform and hopper feeders tend to attract the widest variety of birds because they accommodate different feeding styles and seed types. Offering sunflower seed or mixed blends and placing feeders near cover will also increase bird activity.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders are designed to close access to seed when a squirrel’s weight is detected or to block squirrels with protective cages. They help reduce wasted seed and keep food available for birds, making them a smart investment for many backyards.

Cardinals prefer feeders with wide perches or open trays that accommodate their size. Platform feeders, tray feeders, and large hopper feeders work especially well when paired with sunflower seed or safflower seed.

Finches are best attracted to tube or mesh feeders designed for Nyjer® (thistle) seed. These feeders feature small ports or mesh surfaces that finches can cling to while feeding.

Hang bird feeders 5–10 feet off the ground and near natural cover like trees or shrubs so birds can easily escape predators. Keep feeders far enough from branches or structures to limit squirrel access. Follow the 5-7-9 rule for keeping squirrels off your bird feeders.

Metal bird feeders are typically more durable and resistant to chewing by squirrels, while plastic feeders are lightweight and allow you to see seed levels easily. Many birders choose metal feeders for longevity and all-weather use.

Bird feeders should be cleaned every 1–2 weeks, or more often during wet weather. Regular cleaning helps prevent mold and disease, keeping birds healthy and your feeding area safe.

Beginners often start with tube, hopper, or platform feeders because they attract many bird species and are easy to maintain. Choosing a feeder that’s simple to clean and refill will make bird feeding more enjoyable.