Best bird feeders

I constantly shop for bird feeders - seed and nectar. I have a number of them, but each has limitations. I am always looking for a well designed hummingbird feeder. My new location includes bluebirds, a new experience for me. Also lots of woodpeckers, and way too many clever squirrels. I am thinking of a squirrel feeder just to get them off of the bird feeders. What have you found that works well?

Hi gazer, I'll be right back with some answers.

I have 2 of these and love them! Squirrel Buster Plus feeder- http://cgi.ebay.com/SQUIRREL-BUSTER-PLUS-SQUIRREL-PROOF-WILD-BIRD-FEEDER_W0QQitemZ370342595570QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item563a238bf2#ht_1371wt_941

Hot Pepper Suet (which is also sold in a NO MELT), squirrels do not like it. http://cgi.ebay.com/Pine-Tree-Farms-Hot-Pepper-Suet-Cake-5-Pack_W0QQitemZ320211347239QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a8e156727#ht_500wt_956

Hummingbird Feeder, very easy to clean and well made. http://cgi.ebay.com/Aspects-HummZinger-Excel-Hummingbird-Feeder_W0QQitemZ310156147102QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4836bf399e#ht_1066wt_941

I make my own hummingbird nectar using 3 part water to 1 part sugar.

If you'll be feeding live mealworms to the Bluebirds this is a good feeder that keeps larger birds out. http://www.tmbstudios.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ERV%2DBBF1

This message was edited Mar 9, 2010 9:27 PM

Most people I've talked to have not had completely good results from putting up a squirrel feeder to keep the squirrels off the bird feed.

Another thing you can do to beat squirrels would be to get a pole system with a baffle on it. Some of them can be expensive but then you can use any feeders you want. I have one like in the picture but with 4 hooks.

http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-146/Bird-Feeder-Pole-System/Detail

My husband made me a pole with 2 arms and I went and bought a pole baffle for it. Here is a page with a few on it. You just have to make sure there the right size for what you have.

http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/squirrel-baffles.php

This message was edited Mar 9, 2010 9:53 PM

Thanks Pelletory. I have my feeders on shephard's hooks. I had bought a wrap around cone baffle to block the squirrels. It worked well except for one squirrel, who used the top of the baffle as a projectile point to the feeder. I think the baffle in your picture will stop that problem. I haven't started with the mealworms yet - my bluebirds are happy to eat from my feeder at this point. My original mix had peanuts, safflower, and cracked corn in it. I'm not sure what attracted them initially, but I've added chopped raisins, which they are definitely eating. I purchased a bluebird house, with protective front entrance, which will go up soon. I am open to all bluebird advice. There has finally been a hummer sighting in Louisiana on the migration maps at hummingbirds.net. Yeah!! My feeder has been out for a number of weeks, and the perrenial planting is going on at full gear at my place.

For anyone interested here is that same baffled pole system for a better price. http://cgi.ebay.com/80-Bird-Feeder-Pole-Package-and-Its-Squirrel-Proof_W0QQitemZ320230758785QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a8f3d9981#ht_500wt_956

Hi Gazer, Yes the shepherds hooks would have to be high enough that you could put the baffle past their jumping point. Sorry

This message was edited Mar 9, 2010 11:36 PM

This is by far the favorite feeder of my Rubys. It's only about $5 at Walmart. I have 3 of them. I also have some window feeders, a saucer type and one without perches, but they aren't the favorite. I've got 3 feeders up now waiting for my first hummer. No flowers here yet, but plenty of gnats.

I have that one too missy. I would say my hummingbirds favorite feeder is this Perkey Pet Rose Petal feeder. Many different places sell them.

http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-14394

My hummers like that type of feeder too. Last year I painted little yellow and red stars on the side. The hummers would fly up to the flowers and stare at them. They didn't try to feed from they, they just liked the decoration :)

The feeder I have does not have perches. I had an incidence once where a hummer flew up to the feeder, only to find a much larger house finch sitting and sipping nectar. In fact, when I first put my feeder out several weeks ago, the finches went to it immediately. I am considering putting up an oriole feeder which would not only attract the orioles but also provide for the finches. And is there a hummer feeder that does not bleach out in the sun????
Deb

I have had both mine (that I've already mentioned) for about 3 years and they have not faded.