Tube feeder: which birds use it
The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing.
Is a tube feeder right for your yard?
| Holds | Sunflower, hearts, mixes |
|---|---|
| Best for | Chickadees, Titmice, House Finches, Goldfinches, Nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers |
| Not for | Cardinals and jays, which are too big for short perches |
| Squirrels | Poor unless caged or weight-activated |
| Cleaning | Moderate; a long bottle brush is needed |
| Price range tracked | $17.99 to $25.99 |
Tube feeders from budget to premium
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Hopper feeder: A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
- 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.
- Nyjer (finch) tube: Tiny slit ports release one seed at a time.
Other feeder types
Hopper 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 tube feeder?
chickadees, titmice, house finches, goldfinches, nuthatches and downy woodpeckers use it most. The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing. It is not a good fit for cardinals and jays, which are too big for short perches.
What do you put in a tube feeder?
Sunflower, hearts, mixes. The foods that suit it best are black oil sunflower, sunflower hearts and chips and safflower. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a tube feeder squirrel-proof?
Poor unless caged or weight-activated. 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 tube feeder?
Moderate; a long bottle brush is needed. 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 tube feeder cost?
Listings we track run from $17.99 to $25.99. 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.