Copper Bird Feeders
If you are looking for a simple feeder that has a touch of
elegance to it, a copper feeder is a great choice. Copper has
been used for many outdoor items for centuries because of its
ability to handle the elements. Wooden feeders that have
suffered the elements can have a rustic weathered look, but
too often that quickly changes to a decayed look. Copper
feeders can handle exposure to the elements for a much longer
time.
There is more than one finish used with copper. A brushed
copper finish can keep that bright shiny copper look for
years, while the natural copper finish will quickly develop
the natural patina finish. This results in a color that is
called verdigris (as the name suggests its more of a green
color.) This coloring can be found on a variety of other
copper based compounds like brass as well. Very often you
will find verdigris feeders and birdhouses that already have
the verdigris patina formed.
One other common use is in pest control. Wooden feeders and
houses often present little barrier to pests like squirrels.
The use of copper either in the construction of a feeder like
a tube feeder, or the barrier itself can be an effective way
to control the damage from these furry friends. Be sure that
the feeding surface has no finish, as many of these are
toxic.
Copper has been a common building material for years, and you
can find it used as flashing or roofing on church buildings
that are hundreds of years old, or on today's single family
housing. It has certainly shown durability over the years,
and can make a great choice for your feeder.