Tube Feeders
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Some have suction cups ready to attach to windows.
Some are considered throw away feeders and others come with lifetime guarantees.
There are basic tubes and ones that have elaborate decorations. These feeders can be easy to clean and fill or they can be a big pain in the neck.
These feeders are in price ranges from a few dollars to over $100.00.
After you are finished here, you will know just what to look for in your investment.
You want a feeder that is easy to maintain.
One that you can fill without wrestling with it and one you can clean with little effort.
Three manufacturers fit the bill for what I am looking for in a tube feeder. Aspects, Droll Yankees, and Duncraft. Why?
Because they are easy to clean and fill.
They're also American made products and most of them come with a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee.
Droll Yankees even guarantees against squirrel damage!
I like guarantees, don't you?
They can Guarantee their products because they are made well.
Zinc or aluminum is used for the base, tops and feeder ports.
The polycarbon (plastic) is coated with a UV inhibitor so your tube feeder doesn't yellow and become brittle.
You can lift the top and fill them with no hassles and the top stays put in the most severe wind storms.
Cleaning is a breeze with these feeders as well. With minimal effort, ports and bottoms can be removed for a thorough cleaning. I like that!
All three companies give me several options in size and color.
I can add a tray if I want to and accessories like cages and hangers are also available.
I like that, because I don't like seed trays on my tubes feeders.
Birds get sick by messing around in other birds messes.
Trays also invite unwanted guests like starlings.
Tube feeders from Perky Pet, Opus and other companies fit in the middle to lower end of the scale.
Many feeders are made in China and I have yet to find one with a lifetime guarantee.
These tube feeders though they may look attractive are built to throw away.
The clear plastic tubes yellow from the weather and become brittle. Plastic feeder ports get chewed off or in time crack off.
To many times, trays are attached that you can't remove and if they crack off, your tube feeder is toast.
Metal ports and caps will last longer, but the whole design concept is flawed.
I don't want caps that blow away or domes I have to unscrew just to fill my feeder.
Cutesy feeders from companies like Bird Brain are functional, yet I want a feeder that is practical and easy to take care of, Don't you?
If a less expensive tube feeder is all you can afford, then by all means purchase it and hope you can buy one that will last next time around.
Yard art is great, but not on my tube feeders. I want something that attracts the birds.
NEVER buy a glass feeder.
While glass feeders look pretty and artsy, they are not practical.
Glass Shatters!
Wind storms, hail damage, cold weather, wayward objects, all can do damage to glass feeders.
The last thing I want to do is pick up pieces of glass or worse, have someone step on a sharp piece of glass.
I want a tube feeder I can fill quickly if the weather isn't co-operating.
I want a feeder that I can maintain with few hassles.
I want a feeder that will last.
Do you want to buy one feeder now and have it last or keep buying a feeder every other year?
Sure you pay a few bucks more now, but after you buy two or three of the cheap feeders, you are paying more in the long run.
I want trays to be optional.
I want a guarantee.
Don't you?
Hopper Feeders
Platform Feeders
Suet Feeders
Specialty Feeders
Predators and pests
Placing your Feeders
Besides tube feeders, there are several other styles to choose from
Know your bird feed and seed
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