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Garden Birdwatch
What Feeder?
There are a huge amount of bird feeders on the market and it can be difficult to decide what to buy. Whether you are new to feeding the birds or an experienced garden bird watcher it is always good to hear, from others, what feeders work best in their space. The ones I am showing are mainly squirrel resistant and I rarely use thin plastic feeders as the these are quickly destroyed,
Below are a selection of feeders that I have used. I have highlighted the elements that I like about them. Some are just a few pounds, others are more expensive. As with most things, if it is something you use a lot, then it can be worth spending a bit more, to get something that lasts and performs really well. I will keep adding to this page and do contact me if you would like to recommend a feeder.
Top Tips
Make sure your feeder is easily cleaned. Ideally, it should come apart. Feeder hygiene is very important for a healthy feeding station.
If you have squirrels around, avoid feeders with plastic parts.
Finches Friend Feeders
This range of British made feeders are one of my absolute favourites. Sturdy, functional, well made with design driven through a need for good hygiene, they are win-win in the garden. Watch them on my live camera
Food kept dry to prevent mould and rotting
2, removeable feeding platforms for easy cleaning
Range of sizes available
Comes apart completely for easy cleaning
Big Easy Feeder
This is one of my favourite feeders. It will offer you years of use and is brilliantly easy to clean as everything comes apart. Their Ring-pull feeders are also good. You'll often see this feeder on my live cameras. The port are a hard, squirrel resistant material
Jacobi Jayne
Sturdy tube, squirrel resistant ports & large capacity
Seed tray available
2, 4 and 6 port available with good perching position
Comes apart completely for easy cleaning
PestOff Feeder
Roamwild
Weighted ports prevent squirrels & larger birds feeding
Different models for seed, fat balls and nuts
This really is squirrel proof and prevents larger birds dominating as well. It is quite easy to clean and fill, its only downside is only 2 birds can feed at once.
2 ports with perch expenders available
Comes apart for easy cleaning
Fat Ball & Bar Feeders
Cheap & Cheerful from Wilco and B&M and Home Bargains
A simple hanging cage for for fat squares
Budget fat ball holder
Budget suet log feeder
These are the generally the cheapest feeders as they are simply a cage to hold the product. These are some of the ones I have used.
Suet filled coconut feeders
Most favourite of fat balls in my patch
Squirrel Buster Range
Guaranteed to keep squirrels off your feeders
These are expensive feeders, but do what they say on the tin and there is a lifetime guarantee on parts. They come apart completely to clean and are fab feeders. I have bought mine from CJWildlife
Squirrel proof, easy access for smaller birds
Different sizes available with good perching position
Comes apart completely for easy cleaning
Fat Ball / Peanut cake Guardian feeder
Squirrel resistant & longer lasting
Guardian Feeder
Squirrel proof, easy access for smaller birds
This is my favourite squirrel proof fat product feeder. The blackbirds and woodpeckers can reach the food. This feeder can often be seen on my live cameras.
Multi 3-in1 Feeder
One feeder, 3 food types
If you have limited space or funds, a feeder like this can offer 3 food stuffs in one feeder. A bit tricky to clean, but good value. If possible get the one with metal ports. Cheaper ones are available with plastic ports
Window Feeder
Perfect for getting up close to birds
If you don't have a garden, or are working from home and would like to get up close to visitors, then a window feeder could be for you. I have tried many and this is by far the best! It live streams on my website.
Comes apart completely for easy cleaning
Powerful suction cups
