Caged bird feeders can be an effective way to feed wild birds while deterring larger, more aggressive birds from taking over the feeder. The cage bars allow smaller birds like finches, chickadees, and nuthatches access to the seed while keeping out jays, grackles, squirrels, and other “bully birds”. However, caged feeders aren’t necessarily the right choice for every situation. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if a caged feeder is right for you.
What are the advantages of using a caged bird feeder?
There are several potential benefits to using a caged or mesh bird feeder:
- Keeps large aggressive birds out – Larger birds like grackles, jays, and starlings often scare away smaller birds and monopolize feeders. The cage bars block their access.
- Allows small birds to feed peacefully – With large birds deterred, smaller birds like chickadees, nuthatches and finches can feed undisturbed.
- Prevents squirrels from stealing seed – Squirrels are notorious for scaring birds away and raiding feeders. A cage makes it harder for them to access the seed.
- Reduces wasted/scattered seed – Aggressive birds often toss seed out of feeders leading to waste. The cage contains the mess.
- Feed smaller birds selectively – Certain seeds attract smaller birds preferentially. Caged feeders allow focusing on these seeds.
- Protects seed from rain and snow – The roof and wire mesh provide shelter from precipitation.
For people looking to attract smaller backyard birds, deter larger bullies, and reduce wasted seed, a caged feeder can be an excellent solution.
What are the disadvantages of caged bird feeders?
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to caged feeders:
- Bars obstruct view of birds – The cage mesh can make it harder to see and enjoy feeding birds up close.
- Not all small birds can access seeds – Extra small birds like chickadees and kinglets may not be able to reach food through the wire.
- Seed capacity is limited – Caged feeders are typically smaller and have less room for seed than open feeders.
- Difficult to clean – Wire mesh can make caged feeders tricky to clean and maintain properly.
- More prone to squ squabbling – Small birds may quarrel more when confined to a small space.
- Not squirrel/crow proof – Clever squirrels and crows can sometimes still access the seed.
- Reduced bird diversity – Aggressive birds chased away by cages provide less diversity.
For people wanting to maximize bird watching opportunities, attract a wide range of bird species, or fill feeders less frequently, these drawbacks may outweigh the benefits of a caged feeder.
What types of birds can access caged feeders?
The small birds best able to access seeds through caged feeder openings typically include:
- Finches – American goldfinch, purple finch, house finch
- Chickadees – Black-capped chickadee, Carolina chickadee
- Nuthatches – White-breasted nuthatch, red-breasted nuthatch
- Titmouse – Tufted titmouse
- Woodpeckers – Downy woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker
- Warblers – Yellow-rumped warbler, pine warbler
- Wrens – Carolina wren, house wren
- Creepers – Brown creeper
Larger bird species that are often excluded by caged feeders include:
- Jays – Blue jay, Steller’s jay
- Starlings – European starling
- Robins – American robin
- Grosbeaks – Evening grosbeak
- Doves – Mourning dove
- Sparrows – House sparrow
- Blackbirds – Red-winged blackbird, common grackle
- Crows – American crow
- Squirrels – Gray squirrel, red squirrel, flying squirrel
The exact species able to access a particular caged feeder depends on the size and shape of the openings. Finer mesh generally excludes more species.
Where should I place a caged bird feeder?
Here are some tips on placement to get the most out of a caged feeder:
- Hang at eye level – Position the feeder 5-6 feet off the ground for best visibility.
- Avoid overhanging branches – Don’t allow perches for swooping down or dropped debris.
- Clear access route – Keep the area below the feeder open so birds have a clear approach.
- Funnel seed – Place on a small tray or platform to catch dropped seeds.
- Shelter from wind/rain – Locate in a protected spot to keep seed dry.
- Rotate locations – Periodically move feeders to expose new birds.
- Avoid windows – Prevent bird strikes on glass with proper placement.
Placing feeders near trees or shrubs for quick escape while keeping them open for approach and visibility often works well. As with any feeder, regular cleaning and seed replacement are key.
How do I prevent squirrels from invading a caged feeder?
While caged feeders help deter squirrels, these resourceful animals can sometimes still find ways to steal seed. Here are some tips to squirrel-proof a caged feeder:
- Use metal mesh – Squirrels can chew through plastic netting.
- Choose small openings – Openings of 1″ x 1″ may exclude squirrels.
- Avoid nearby trees – Don’t give squirrels an easy overhead jump.
- Employ baffles – Surround post with a cone baffle.
- Apply hot pepper oil – This irritant deters chewing.
- Try motion activation – Devices trigger water spray when triggered.
- Supplement nutrition – Provide alternative squirrel-proof feeders.
- Adjust placement routinely – Keep squirrels guessing.
A combination of small mesh openings, strategic placement, additional deterrents, and provision of separate squirrel food may be needed to completely protect a caged feeder.
What features should I look for in a good caged bird feeder?
The most important features in a quality caged bird feeder include:
- Durable metal mesh – Should resist chewing and prevent enlargement of holes.
- Small mesh openings – Generally 1″ or less to exclude larger birds.
- Good capacity – Should hold multiple cups of seed to require less refilling.
- Roof coverage – Provides shade and precipitation protection.
- Easy cleaning – Seed should be simple to replace; tray removes easily.
- Squirrel deterrent – Slick surfaces, weight, etc. make mounting difficult.
- Stable mounting -solid hanger and strong base prevent tipping.
High quality materials, smart construction focused on excluding large birds and squirrels, and ease of use are key factors that separate the best caged feeders from low quality options.
What are some highly rated caged bird feeder models?
Based on buyer reviews and expert recommendations, some top-performing caged bird feeder models include:
Brand | Model | Capacity | Mesh Size | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Perky-Pet | Squirrel-Be-Gone | 2.4 quarts | 1″ x 1″ | 4.5 / 5 |
Woodlink | Going Green | 3 quarts | 1″ x 1.25″ | 4.7 / 5 |
Erva | Tool-Less Clean | 4 quarts | 0.8″ x 0.8″ | 4.2 / 5 |
Nature Anywhere | Squirrel Buster Plus | 2.4 quarts | 1″ x 1″ | 4.8 / 5 |
These models tend to do a superior job keeping large birds and squirrels out while allowing small birds easy access. They’re constructed of durable chew-resistant metals, hold ample seed, and feature convenient cleaning options. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with their effectiveness from most buyers.
Conclusion
Caged bird feeders can be highly effective for deterring bully birds and squirrels while allowing preferred smaller birds access. The rigid metal mesh prevents enlargement of holes, providing durable and long-lasting protection. Models with ample seed capacity require less frequent refilling while quality materials withstand years of exposure to the elements. Proper placement deters squirrels, enhances visibility, and prevents strikes. For backyard birders seeking to attract chickadees, nuthatches, finches and other small species in peace, a caged feeder can be an excellent feeding solution.