FAQ

What makes a good bird feeder?

A good bird feeder is one that is practical for birds and beautiful for people. It’s made with rugged materials that stand the test of time. Every (getbirdfeeders.com) bird feeder brings us closer to the natural world through the simple joy of feeding the birds. Our feeders are designed to blend with the habits and sizes of specific birds, so that the feeders attract the backyard birds that people enjoy, while the bird feeder itself blends beautifully with the backyard and will last for years to come.

Why are there different kinds of bird feeders?

There are different kinds of bird feeders for different kinds of birds and for different types of food. Birds are shaped differently, have differently shaped beaks, and have different seed preferences and feeding habits, so some feeders are made for large or small birds, for sunflower/mixed seeds or thistle (Nyjer®) seeds, others for suet, fruit, or nectar, some for hummingbirds and others for songbirds or finches. If there are specific types of birds you’d like to attract, we are certain to have the bird feeder that would best fit your needs.

What kinds of bird feeders does Get Bird Feeders offer?

We offer many different bird feeder models in a variety of sizes and styles. It’s easy to find a feeder to suit every backyard bird species. Feeders can be divided into a few basic categories: platform/bird selective feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders, window feeders, and caged feeders.

Platform bird feeders are open, flat surfaces that will accommodate birds of many shapes and sizes, even ground feeding birds. The seed is just placed out and spread across the surface and birds are able to land, grab a bite, and fly away again. These types of feeders can be hung, pole mounted, or fixed to a fence or railing. If a yard is limited on space or birders want to feed the largest variety of backyard birds with one feeder, a platform/tray feeder would be the way to go.

Hopper bird feeders are all-inclusive. Bigger is better! These feeders have a large seed capacity for lots of feeding between fillings. Adjustable valves regulate the flow of all types of seed.

Tubular bird feeders are by far the most popular style of bird feeder. Tube feeders can be hung, pole-mounted, or both, depending on the model and personal mounting preferences. There’s a tube feeder out there for every backyard birder!

Window feeders offer a unique perspective in backyard birding. These feeders mount directly to a window via suction cups and bring birds right up close. While the styles may vary greatly, the most common styles involve a covered dish were seed is placed and birds can land and perch on the edge of the dish to feed. These feeders are usually best suited for smaller songbirds to feed, as many do not offer enough clearance for larger birds to access. These feeders are great for birders who lack yard space for a larger feeder or want a more personal experience watching their feathered friend feeding.

Squirrel proof feeders are specially designed to ease the plight of the squirrel-plagued birder. Caged feeders have a tubular bird feeder surrounded by a large metal cage that restricts grey squirrels’ access to the feeder and seeds inside. The openings are only large enough for small songbirds to enter and the distance between the cage and the feeder makes it impossible for squirrels to reach-in and steal seed. The perfect choice for backyard birders tired of seed-stealing squirrels ruining the fun of feeding birds.

Oriole and Fruit feeders are great for giving sweet treats to colorful Orioles and other fruit-feeding songbirds. With wire or dish styles in hanging and window-mount varieties, these feeders leave fruit totally open for bird enjoyment. Add a fruity splash of jelly, a juicy orange half, or a handful of protein-packed mealworms and enjoy Orioles, Mockingbirds, Tanagers, and more like never before! 

Hummingbird nectar feeders are a crucial source of energy for hummingbirds, which have the greatest energy output, gram for gram, of any known warm-blooded animal. Hummers feed 5-8 times an hour, and a hummingbird’s wings can beat 200 times per second during courtship! Providing nectar feeders is the perfect way to encounter these magical birds.

Can the hummingbirds reach the nectar in my feeder?

A hummingbird’s tongue is roughly twice the length of its beak. It actually licks the nectar (approximately 13 licks per second!), instead of drinking from the feeder directly. Looking at its beak, it might seem that it can’t reach the nectar in the bottom of the feeder. But because its tongue extends much longer than its beak, it’s actually able to lick the nectar that is beyond its beak.  If you look closely with binoculars, you might even be able to see the hummer’s tongue.

Why aren’t birds visiting my new bird feeder?

Birds are creatures of habit, and it can take them days or even weeks to use a new bird feeder. There is something new in the yard that they are not used to, and they need to warm up to it first. We would suggest temporarily removing other bird feeders in the area, so that the birds must use the new one. Oddly enough, filling the feeder half-full seems to help attract the birds to the new feeder. Temporarily placing the bird feeder near  a shrub or tree where birds will feel safe can also encourage them to explore the new feeder (once they’ve discovered it, place it far enough away from a tree so that the squirrels won’t get to it). Adding something like a colorful ribbon can also help, as the movement in the wind can make the birds feel like another bird has found the feeder to be safe.

What bird food attracts the most birds? 

Black-Oil Sunflower is the most popular bird seed, and attracts a variety of birds to your feeder. Blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, and sparrows love it. 

Can I put hummingbird feeder next to regular bird feeder? 

Despite their bold personalities, however, hummingbirds can still be easily intimidated by larger birds, and it is never a good idea to position hummingbird feeders near seed or suet feeders that are popular with other birds. Instead, position hummingbird feeders at least 15-20 feet apart 

How high should a bird feeder be off the ground? 

Different types of birds are comfortable feeding at different heights but the ideal height for a standard bird feeder to be from the ground is about 5 feet. Additionally it should be about 10 feet from any trees, shrubs or structures. 

What time of day are birds most active? 

Early morning between the time the sun rises and mid-morning is often the time of the day when birds are most active. 

What direction should a birdhouse face? 

Face Birdhouses East. While other directions will work, facing birdhouses east has been shown to be ideal. If your climate has relatively hot summers, it can be better to face entrance holes east to avoid overheating the box from afternoon sun. 

What kind of birds use bird houses? 

Among the birds that like a roof over their heads are Eastern Bluebirds, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, Eastern Screech Owls, Barred Owls, Wrens, and Nuthatches. Different birds prefer different sizes for the hole (or opening), as well as how high that hole is from the birdhouse floor. 

What is the best size hole for a birdhouse? 

The birdhouse hole size chart below is meant to be a general guideline of how each species of bird prefer their home. Individual birds may use an entrance hole slightly smaller or larger than the size listed. Buy the next size up if you don’t see one that matches exactly. 

Bird Species Diameter of Hole Height above Ground 

(inches) (feet) 

Bluebird 1-1/2′′ 5-10 

Chickadee 1-1/8′′ 6-15 

Titmouse 1-1/4′′ 6-15 

Nuthatch 1′′ – 1-1/4′′ 6-10 

Wren 1-1/4′′ 6-10 

Carolina Wren 1-1/2′′ 6-10 

Swallow 1-1/2′′ 10-15 

Downy Woodpecker 1-1/4′′ 6-20 

Hairy Woodpecker 1-1/2′′ 12-20 

Purple Martin special crescent 12-20 

Crested Flycatcher 2′′ 8-20 

Flicker 2-1/2′′ 6-20 

Red-Headed Woodpecker 2′′ 12-20 

Barn Swallow OPEN SIDES 8-12 

Phoebe OPEN SIDES 8-12 

Robin OPEN SIDES 6-15