Tail-prop suet feeder: which birds use it
An extended board below the cage lets big woodpeckers brace on their tails the way they do on a trunk.
Is a tail-prop suet feeder right for your yard?
| Holds | Suet cakes |
|---|---|
| Best for | Woodpeckers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Nuthatches |
| Not for | Nobody; small birds use it too |
| Squirrels | Squirrels chew suet |
| Cleaning | Easy |
| Price range tracked | $15.19 to $39.99 |
Tail-prop suet 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.
- 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.
- Suet cage: The simplest feeder there is. Hang on a trunk or pole.
- Peanut mesh feeder: Birds peck pieces through the mesh, which is safer for nestlings than whole kernels.
Ranked picks: Best suet feeder.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Hopper feeder · Platform or tray feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Nyjer sock · Suet cage · 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 tail-prop suet feeder?
woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers and nuthatches use it most. An extended board below the cage lets big woodpeckers brace on their tails the way they do on a trunk. It is not a good fit for nobody; small birds use it too.
What do you put in a tail-prop suet feeder?
Suet cakes. The foods that suit it best are suet and suet dough. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a tail-prop suet feeder squirrel-proof?
Squirrels chew suet. 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 tail-prop suet feeder?
Easy. 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 tail-prop suet feeder cost?
Listings we track run from $15.19 to $39.99. 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.