Hopper feeder: which birds use it
A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
Is a hopper feeder right for your yard?
| Holds | Sunflower, safflower, mixes |
|---|---|
| Best for | Cardinals, Blue Jays, Grosbeaks, Titmice, Chickadees, House Finches |
| Not for | Very small ground birds |
| Squirrels | Poor unless weight-activated or baffled |
| Cleaning | Easy if the roof lifts |
| Price range tracked | $15.99 to $89 |
Hopper feeders from budget to premium
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Tube feeder: The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing.
- Platform or tray feeder: Draws the widest range of species, including ground feeders. Needs a mesh floor for drainage and daily cleanup.
- Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder: A spring-loaded shroud drops over the ports under a squirrel's weight. The most reliable squirrel-proof design at a hanging feeder.
- Caged tube feeder: A wire cage keeps squirrels and large birds (grackles, starlings, pigeons) out.
Ranked picks: Best bird feeder for cardinals.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Platform or tray feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Nyjer sock · Suet cage · Tail-prop suet feeder · Peanut mesh feeder · Peanut wreath · Window feeder · Hummingbird feeder · Oriole feeder · Mealworm feeder · Smart camera feeder
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Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds use a hopper feeder?
cardinals, blue jays, grosbeaks, titmice, chickadees and house finches use it most. A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals. It is not a good fit for very small ground birds.
What do you put in a hopper feeder?
Sunflower, safflower, mixes. The foods that suit it best are black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, sunflower hearts and chips, safflower, shelled peanuts and mixed seed blends. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a hopper feeder squirrel-proof?
Poor unless weight-activated or baffled. The only complete protection for any feeder is a smooth pole with a baffle whose bottom edge sits 4 to 5 feet up, placed at least 10 feet from trees, fences, decks and roofs.
How do you clean a hopper feeder?
Easy if the roof lifts. Every two weeks, or weekly in wet weather, empty it, scrub with hot soapy water, soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for ten minutes, rinse well and let it dry completely before refilling.
How much does a good hopper feeder cost?
Listings we track run from $15.99 to $89. The cheapest models work, but mid-priced ones usually add metal ports, sturdier hangers and easier cleaning, which is what decides whether a feeder lasts one season or ten.