Tube Bird Feeders


The tube bird feeder is one of the most versatile styles of feeder available today. They come in a range of styles, and more than one seed type, and sizes for almost any yard.

As you would expect, these feeders generally are long tubes, maybe a foot in length, but often longer, sometimes up to 36 inches in length. Tube feeders usually have a transparent tube as the main body. Because the tube is transparent, you can easily check the seed level without actually opening the feeder up. They generally have 2 to 4 ports, sometimes more, that allows the seed to be accessed by the birds, and perches beneath the ports for the birds so site on.

Some tube feeders are specialized for attracting some smaller birds such as goldfinches. By using thistle seed and special slots in the feeder that will dispense this small seed (also known as nyjer seed) you can often attract the spectacular birds. Nyjer feeders have a different design to best use the nyjer seed, with long slots instead of holes in the tube. They often have the slots under the perch since many finches like to feed upside down, while many competing birds will not.

For bird lovers with a large population of birds, you can of course put out more than one feeder, but a popular alternative is to use a triple tube feeder. This holds a lot more seed so you don't have to refill as often.

Squirrel Proof Tube Feeders - To add to their versatility, there are also tube feeders that are squirrel resistant as well. There are models that have the tuber feeder enclosed in a round cage to keep the squirrels out. You can find tube feeders that have weight sensitive perches that collapse under the extra weight of a squirrel, dropping them to the ground. The ultimate weapon against squirrels are the electric powered motorized bird feeders, which will spin the feeder when triggered by the weight of a squirrel, spinning them off and away from the feeder. Brome and Drool Yankees are two manufacturers of motorized bird feeders.

Be sure to look at the construction of any tube feeder you are considering to be sure that it is easily taken apart for cleaning. Once again the clear body of the tube feeder is great for letting you know when it's time to clean your feeder.