How to Buy a Finch Feeder

Finch feeders attract many birds besides goldfinches, house hinches and purple ginches. Add a finch feeder to your yard to attract indigo buntings, pine siskins and other colorful, active birds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose from many different materials. Glass looks nice and withstands sun better than plastic, but it's heavier and breaks easily. Wood frames with plastic panels are a good value for durability and attractiveness. Fabric mesh or sock feeders are easy to use if you don't have squirrels.

2. Use feeders and seed vents with smaller holes to keep the small thistle and grass seeds from spilling. Shorter perches keep off larger pests like starlings.

3. Look for a feeder that is easy to fill and clean. Empty and clean finch feeders every week to prevent spoilage and clumping.

4. Avoid feeders with seed catching trays because they also catch droppings and can attract pests. Keep the area under the feeder cleaned, as the seeds will sprout into thistles.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your feeders in a location where you can see them from your windows but where the birds will feel safe. Use wrought iron poles or hang lightweight feeders from thin tree branches to foil squirrels and mice.
• Different types of finches will fight over the feeder, so a couple of feeders spaced apart can bring more birds.