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What type of feeders should I get? All feeders have their advantages and disadvantages and will vary depending on what types of wild birds you want to attract. You will want to find feeders that will endure the weather, are easy to fill and clean and will keep your seed dry. If you are looking for a variety of bird species, select a variety of feeders and foods. 

There are 7 basic bird feeders; tray/platform, house/hopper, tube, peanut, Nyjer, suet & hummingbird. Placing tray feeders near the ground will attract juncos, doves and sparrows. Most species of birds are attracted to house feeders.  Tube feeders will attract different birds depending on the perch size as well as the feeding ports. Peanut feeders hold shelled peanuts and attract wild birds such as jays, nuthatches and woodpeckers.  Nyjer feeders are special feeders with small holes for the Nyjer seed. Nyjer should be used in a Nyjer feeder because this seed is expensive and could go to waste, by being blown away, in other feeders. American goldfinches love Nyjer.  Suets are a source of high energy for birds.  Suet feeders will attract different birds depending on the type of suet you purchase.  Of course, hummingbird feeders attract hummingbirds with a sweet nectar.  For more information on wild bird feeder preferences, visit our Bird Preference Chart.

Where should I place my bird feeders? First, make sure your feeders are where you can see them and enjoy the birds you will attract. Then, place your bird feeders at varying heights to accommodate the preferences of different bird species. Also, when considering where to place your bird feeders, look for a place that is sheltered and out of the wind, rain or snow. Do not put a feeder in an area where predators may be lurking.

Finally, clean feeders often to prevent disease. Scrape droppings and moldy food from your feeders, rinse and wipe clean with a disinfectant solution of one part vinegar to twenty parts water. Allow feeders to dry completely before refilling. Store your bird food in airtight and waterproof containers or seed cans to keep it dry and out of the reach of rodents.  Rake the ground below your feeders of seed and bird droppings to prevent a build up of waste and rodents.  A build up can be unhealthy for you, the birds and other outdoor animals.