When it comes to selecting the best metal bird feeder, there are a few key factors to consider. Metal bird feeders are popular because they are durable, chew-proof, weather-resistant, and easy to clean. The best metal bird feeders have the following features:
- Made from high quality, thick metal that won’t rust or deteriorate
- Wide feeding ports and perches to accommodate different sized birds
- Adequate drainage and ventilation to keep seed dry
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- Squirrel-proof design
In addition to construction, the capacity, number of feeding ports, and compatibility with pole mounting kits are other variables to take into account. Taking the time to find the right metal feeder for your space and bird species ensures happy and healthy backyard birds.
What types of metal bird feeders are there?
There are a few main types of metal bird feeders:
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are cylindrical containers with multiple feeding ports and perches arranged in a circle around the tubular body. Tube feeders are versatile, accommodating most common bird seed blends and attractive to many songbirds. They come in a range of capacities from 1 pound up to 5 pounds or more. Squirrel baffles are easy to add to tube feeders.
Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders have an enclosed, box-like area to hold birdseed, with feeding stations around the base. The specialized hopper shape keeps seeds contained and dry. Hoppers allow birds like chickadees and cardinals to perch and eat comfortably. Large hopper feeders with expanded weight capacities minimize refills.
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders are simple flat trays that feeders sit on top of. They are well-suited for serving specific seeds that birds prefer like safflower and sunflower. Platform feeders are easy to clean and accommodate larger birds.
Window Feeders
Window feeders attach right to windows for up-close bird watching. Smaller capacity window feeders cater to hummingbirds and butterflies specifically. Larger tray-style window feeders allow you to observe songbirds feeding from inside the house.
Suet Feeders
Suet feeders hold suet, a high-fat bird feeding supplement enjoyed by woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Tailored suet cages keep suet intact in weatherproof wire mesh. Other styles mimic hopper and platform feeders with the addition of suet cages.
What size metal bird feeder is best?
The ideal metal bird feeder size depends on a few considerations:
- How many birds do you want to feed? The number of feeding ports impacts how many birds can eat at once.
- What types of birds do you hope to attract? Larger birds like cardinals and jays need bigger feeders.
- How often do you want to refill? Large capacity feeders require fewer refills.
- Do you plan to mount on a post, hang, or set on the ground? Weight matters if hanging or mounting.
- Is the feeder easy to fill and clean? Large openings simplify loading seed.
Most backyard birders find a medium 2-3 pound tube feeder with 4-6 perches provides adequate capacity without being too bulky. But you can size up or down based on your specific needs and birding goals.
Where is the best place to position a metal bird feeder?
Finding the optimal spot for your metal bird feeder improves visibility and bird access:
- Place near trees or shrubs to provide birds shelter and disguise them from predators.
- Avoid areas where cats roam freely.
- Set feeder at least 5-6 feet off the ground to deter squirrels.
- Face feeder towards windows or seating areas for easy viewing.
- Select a shady area to keep seed from spoiling in hot weather.
- Keep adequate distance between multiple feeders to reduce crowding.
Positioning feeders correctly takes trial and error. Observe bird traffic patterns and collisions to identify any necessary adjustments. Relocating feeders every few months provides variety for you and your feathered friends.
What is the most squirrel-proof metal bird feeder?
Squirrels are notoriously talented at stealing birdseed from feeders. The best squirrel-proof metal bird feeders utilize some key deterrents:
- Smooth metal poles – Slick metal poles prevent squirrels from climbing up to the feeder.
- Caged feeding ports – Feeding ports enclosed in metal caging allow bird access but block squirrels.
- Weighted perches – Perches attached to a weighted mechanism close off the feeder when squirrels climb on.
- Dome tops – Rounded dome lids on feeders deny squirrels a handy landing spot.
- Seed baffles – Angled seed baffles block squirrels from reaching the seed.
Combining two or more deterrents like perches with caged feeding ports makes squirrel access nearly impossible. Check that any anti-squirrel mechanisms still allow straightforward bird feeding and cleaning.
How do you clean a metal bird feeder?
Regular cleaning keeps metal bird feeders fresh and free of bacteria and mold:
- Wash feeder with mild soap and water. Use a bottle brush to scrub inside tubes and crevices. Rinse thoroughly.
- Soak feeder occasionally in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to kill bacteria. Rinse well.
- For tough grime, use baking soda. Make a paste with water and scrub. Wipe clean.
- Allow all parts to air dry completely before refilling and reassembling.
- Once dry, spray feeder with diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water) and let sit 5 minutes before one final rinse.
Disassemble feeders as much as possible to access all interior spaces. Clean monthly or anytime buildup is visible. Deep clean at least annually with soap, vinegar, and bleach.
How do you stop a metal bird feeder from rusting?
Rust is problematic for any metal bird feeder placed outdoors. Here are some tips to inhibit rusting:
- Choose galvanized or stainless steel feeders instead of bare metal or thinly powder coated metals.
- Apply rust inhibiting sprays and lubricants made for metal bird feeders.
- Use quality birdseed and discard old seed to prevent feeder contamination.
- Check for dents, chips, or scratches in the metal that allow moisture in.
- Bring feeder indoors during wet weather and extended periods of non-use.
- Clean and dry feeder thoroughly before storage.
- Spot treat any visible rust with naval jelly to halt spread.
- Repaint lightly rusted areas with rust-resistant spray paint.
Regular upkeep helps, but metal feeders will show age over years of outdoor exposure. Replace feeders that become excessively rusted.
What is the quietest metal bird feeder in windy conditions?
Windy conditions generate annoying noise as feeders blow back and forth on their hooks. Look for these features to minimize wind noises:
- Tight tolerances between moving parts with no room for rattling.
- Thick durable metal rather than thin tin prone to vibrating.
- Secure hooks, chains, and connections that don’t sway.
- Rubber gaskets around lids and openings to dampen vibration.
- Internal baffles to absorb rather than amplify sound.
- Textured powder coat for a little extra wind resistance.
- Screw mountings rather than hooks for stability.
Tube and hopper feeders tend to stay quieter in wind versus platform feeders. Weigh down bottoms of feeders to keep them grounded in the breeze.
How much birdseed do metal bird feeders hold?
Metal bird feeder capacities vary significantly based on size and style:
- Small tube feeders hold 1-2 pounds of birdseed.
- Medium tube feeders hold 2-5 pounds.
- Large tube feeders hold 5-12 pounds.
- Mini hopper feeders hold 1-3 pounds.
- Standard hopper feeders hold 4-8 pounds.
- Jumbo hoppers hold 10 pounds or more.
- Platform feeders range from under 1 pound for small trays to 5+ pounds for extra large trays.
- Window feeders may accommodate only 4-6 ounces of specialized nectar or seed.
- Suet feeders hold 1-2 suet cakes at a time.
Check manufacturer specs for exact maximum capacities. Big birds like cardinals and jays consume a lot of seed, so go larger if attracting these species.
Should you buy or build a metal bird feeder?
When it comes to metal bird feeders, buying a pre-made feeder tends to be the best option:
Benefits of buying
- Wide selection of styles from reputable brands to choose from.
- Can get high quality materials like stainless steel.
- Professional welding provides leak-proof construction.
- Assembly is quick and easy.
- Often cheaper than sourcing materials and tools to build.
Downsides of building
- Have to purchase metal sheets, hardware, and tools.
- Need welding skills and equipment.
- Vulnerable to leaks if construction is subpar.
- Painting and finishing is tricky to do well.
- Hard to incorporate useful features like baffles.
Constructing your own basic metal feeder is definitely feasible for the committed DIY-er. But for most birding enthusiasts, an expertly crafted pre-made metal feeder is money well spent.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best metal bird feeder, prioritize solid durable construction from weatherproof metals like galvanized steel or powder coated aluminum. Look for generous capacities of 2 pounds or more, easy cleaning and filling, and built-in squirrel deterrents. Carefully placed feeders with quality seed attract the widest variety of songbirds. With the right metal bird feeder, you can enjoy watching birds flock to your yard for years to come.