Bird Feeders

Frequently asked questions about bird feeders and bird feeder stations

What kind of bird feeder attracts the most birds?

Platform feeders, wooden bird table feeders or large bird feeder stations with lots of food sources will naturally attract a lot of birds, but the downside is that this abundance of food can attract unwanted visitors like rats and squirrels. Plus, bird droppings can accumulate on the platform, making it necessary to clean the bird feeder and replace the food more frequently.

A bird feeder house will also hold a lot of food and therefore attract lots of birds, with the additional benefit of providing shelter to preserve the bird food for longer. However, like platform feeders or bird table feeders, these bird houses can be overrun by squirrels. 

If you’re looking for squirrel-proof bird feeders that will still attract a lot of birds, hanging bird feeders with multiple tubes of bird seed or suet may be your best option. For example, our Tambora Bird Feeding Station is a free-standing bird feeder that can hold multiple bird seed feeder tubes.

In the winter months, suet bird feeders provide much-needed high-energy food and can therefore attract many birds. However, since suet can quickly go rancid in warmer weather, these feeders are typically only used when it’s colder.

In short, there isn’t one specific type of bird feeder that’s definitely the best. Consider the amount of space available in your garden and the types of species you want to attract before making a purchase.

How do I attract birds to my bird feeder?

Keep your bird feeder clean and well-stocked to attract more birds. You can make your bird feeder station even more appealing by adding a water source and a variety of different bird feeder foods, such as suet and multiple types of seeds.

You also need to consider the placement of your bird feeder. It should be in a sheltered spot close to plenty of plants so that birds don’t feel too exposed or unsafe. If your current location isn’t working, move your feeder to a different part of your garden to see if this makes a difference. There may be a bit of trial and error before you find the perfect spot!

Still struggling? Check out our post titled ‘Why Aren’t Birds Visiting My Bird Feeder?’ to discover more bird feeder tips and tricks, or read our post on attracting more wildlife to your garden for some general advice.

How do I feed birds without attracting rats?

The best way to avoid attracting rats and other pests is to keep your bird feeder station clean. Don’t allow old food to accumulate and clean up bird food that falls onto the ground.

What’s the best bird feeder for large birds?

To attract larger birds like crows, doves and starlings, choose a larger platform bird feeder or bird table. 

What’s the best bird feeder for small birds?

To attract smaller birds like goldcrests and finches, pick a bird feeder house or hanging bird feeder with smaller entrance holes.

How do I find out what birds are in my area?

If you’re a keen bird watcher, you may have already gained a pretty good understanding of which bird species are most prevalent in your area. But if you’re still unsure, you can look for guidance online. Here at Green Feathers, we have plenty of informative guides on UK birds, including posts on how to identify bird eggs, the 15 smallest British birds, when British birds start nesting, and even the evolutionary history of birds!

What’s the best thing to clean bird feeders with?

Remove the contents of your bird feeder and wash it with warm, soapy water, using a brush to scrub off more stubborn particles. Rinse the feeder with water and allow it to dry. As a final step, you can spray your bird feeder with veterinary disinfectant to prevent disease without introducing harmful chemicals.

How do I make a DIY bird feeder?

We stock a wide range of affordable bird feeders, but if you prefer the idea of making a homemade bird feeder, we’ve got you covered too. Check out our helpful step-by-step guide on how to make an eco-friendly bird feeder for all the advice you need.