The Best Hanging Bird Feeders
Installing hanging bird feeders around your home offers wild birds safe spots to rest and snack. They also provide the chance to birdwatch from the comfort of your home. From tube feeders to suet feeders, there are plenty of options to accommodate the region where you live. So, whether you're trying to spot woodpeckers, cardinals, or even a rare species or two, we're here to help. We've rounded up a few of our favorite hanging bird feeders that we think will fit the bill.
What to Look For
After researching hanging bird feeders, we found the best ones are decorative, squirrel-proof, and easy to refill. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the Perky-Pet tube feeder. This metal feeder holds up to two pounds of birdseed and has a removable top to pour in more when needed. The feeder releases food when birds land on the weight-activated perches, keeping squirrels and other animals from breaking in. We also love the Twinkle Star hanging bird feeder because it would be a simple and attractive addition to any garden space. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite picks.
Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder
Safe and secure
Keeping squirrels away from your bird feeders is never an easy task. But with Perky-Pet’s squirrel-proof feeder, the birds will always have plenty of seed to snack on. This tube feeder is easy to fill from the top and holds up to two pounds of birdseed. Every time a bird lands on one of the U-shaped perches, a small door opens to reveal the food inside. But if a squirrel tries to gain access, the decorative metal leaves will feel their weight and cover up the openings to keep the birdseed safe.
Pros:
- This metal bird feeder is powder-coated to withstand various weather conditions.
- The seed reservoir is clear, so you can always see when to refill it.
Cons:
- Large birds may have trouble getting their beaks into the small openings to feed.
Twinkle Star Hanging Wild Bird Feeder
Decorative design
With Twinkle Star’s hanging feeder, you can make a stunning sanctuary for the birds in your neighborhood. The hexagon-shaped feeder features a sloped roof to protect birds from the rain and sun when they land. And there are six openings for multiple birds to eat simultaneously from this large feeder. Plus, it holds 2.15 pounds of birdseed and is easy to clean and refill.
Pros:
- This affordable bird feeder is fully assembled with a metal loop to hang it from a tree or post.
- The lid locks tightly onto the feeder to keep squirrels from getting inside.
Cons:
- The entire bird feeder is constructed from plastic, not metal.
XDW-Gifts Solar Hanging Bird Feeder
Nighttime delight
While the primary goal of a bird feeder is to encourage birds to land and eat, we also like to use them for decorating our outdoor space. This modern bird feeder features two built-in solar panels that absorb sunlight during the day so that the feeder glows once it gets dark. The tube design has a mosaic pattern that won’t scare the birds away, even when it lights up. And there are metal perches for larger birds to sit on, giving them more room to access the birdseed.
Pros:
- We appreciate that the entire bird feeder is waterproof.
- When fully charged, this hanging bird feeder will glow for up to 12 hours.
Cons:
- Due to the electrical components, it isn’t as affordable as other bird feeder options.
Gtongoko Hanging Bird Feeder Tray
Steady and sturdy
If you don’t want to deal with cleaning and refilling a tube feeder, this hanging platform feeder is a great option. The sturdy metal tray can hold any birdseed, so you don’t have to purchase a specific type. And you can hang the heavy-duty hook from a tree or pole around your home. The metal chains prevent the platform from spinning or tipping when birds land, ensuring the food doesn’t end up on the ground.
Pros:
- We found that water can drain through the mesh tray, allowing the birdseed to dry out between rainstorms.
- Birds of all sizes will love eating from this affordable feeder.
Cons:
- This hanging bird feeder isn’t squirrel-proof.
Kingsyard Hanging Suet Bird Feeder
Filled with tasty treats
While most birds love loose birdseed, a few prefer pecking on suet blocks. Kingsyard’s hanging bird feeder has two metal cages to hold suet, a combination of animal fat and birdseed. Woodpeckers, cardinals, wrens, chickadees, and other similar species will love landing on the cage to feast on this delicious seed. You can use the metal hook to hang this feeder, and the plexiglass roof will protect birds from the rain as they feed.
Pros:
- You can leave this durable bird feeder outside in all seasons.
- The plastic roof is easy to remove if it gets in the way.
Cons:
- The suet may be challenging to reach once it gets smaller and thinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of birdseed should I buy?
The most common birdseed contains one or multiple types of sunflower seeds, including black oil, striped, or hulled sunflower seeds. Wild birds love these seeds because they have a high oil content, and the shells are easy to crack open. But if you have an issue with squirrels, we recommend using safflower seeds because these pesky critters aren’t as interested in it.
How do I keep squirrels away from my hanging bird feeder?
Even though there are squirrel-proof bird feeders, there is still a chance these clever creatures will find a way to break in. You can try setting up your hanging feeders at least 12 feet away from a tree or sturdy platform, making it harder for the squirrels to jump. But if you need to hang your feeder from a tree, you can add a protective baffle above or below the feeder. It creates a barrier between the bird feeder and the squirrels, so it will be much more challenging for them to climb onto it.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.