Tube Feeders

Tube feeders are popular and widely used. They are available in different materials and in different colors.

Tube feeders are produced in two different styles.

• Finch feeders: Feeding ports are designed for dispensing the small Nyjer® seeds popular with goldfinches and Pine Siskins.
• Seed feeders: Feeding ports are designed for dispensing sunflower or mixed seed.

Look for these features in selecting a tube feeder:

• Removable bottom for easy cleaning
• Locking mechanism for the top to prevent access by squirrels
• Metal tops and bottoms
• UV stabilized polycarbonate tube
• Threaded base for pole mounting or the addition of a seed tray
• Seed baffle at bottom of tube to keep all seed within reach

A typical tube feeder. Droll Yankees is a leading manufacturer of tube feeders.

What you should know...

• Tube feeders made of plastic are less expensive than those with metal parts but do not last as long.
• Squirrels will chew through plastic feeders to reach the seed.
• Some tube feeders use plastic tubes that are not UV stabilized. They will tend to crack after exposure to sunlight.
• Seed left for long periods at the bottom of a feeder can become moldy. Be sure to circulate the seeds and keep the feeder clean.