Easy Bird Feeding
With Hopper-Style Feeders!

Would an easy to use, low-maintenance bird feeder be perfect for you? If so, consider the Hopper Feeders . . . they are very popular for good reasons. There is a bonus, too! . . . they come in a wonderful array of styles and designs.

The main difference between a hopper feeder and the platform feeders is the addition of a storage bin to contain the seed. More to the point, a "hopper" is a box-like storage system that holds the seed so it can be dispensed by gravity. By design, they often resemble a little house and are commonly made of wood. Like platforms, the ideal hoppers have a fine screen mesh floor which allows water to drain.

Visit Hopper Feeders for a good selection of styles. When the page opens select Specialty Feeders.

Because of the seed container, hopper feeders won't have to be filled as often as platform feeders . . . a nice benefit.

Most hoppers are top loading. When you need to refill them just lift the lid and pour in more seed.

Most often, the storage container is glass or plastic which allows monitoring. You can see when it needs refilling and make sure the seeds stay dry during wet weather.

One of our wooden hopper feeders has a copper-clad roof that extends beyond the base. It is not only attractive, but also does a pretty good job of keeping seed dry in rainy weather.

Another of the hopper feeders that we really like is known as a gravity feeder. These metal feeders are a little different because the feeder perch dispenses the seed when the birds land on it. Pretty neat! It is also helpful in preventing squirrels access to the seed.

Hopper feeders attract many birds common to our backyards including cardinals, jays, various sparrows, grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice, purple and house finches and nuthatches.

It is usually best to place your feeder in an area of less disturbance. But do place it where it's easy to see and fill.

Like platform feeders, hoppers are commonly placed high on a post, hung from a tree, pole, overhang ... even attached to a deck rail.

The feeder should be near trees and shrubs that offer shelter and protection. If you are fortunate to have evergreens they will provide good wind protection and safety from predators. You'll want to keep the feeders no less than 10 feet away from the foliage to prevent squirrels from jumping to the feeder. That is also a good distance to provide protection from predatory cats. A loosely stacked brush pile near feeders will protect small ground-dwelling birds.

Feeders need to be kept clean and can be washed with soap and water. Dipping them into a mild bleach solution (nine-parts water to one-part bleach) will rid them of any mold or bacteria that might have invaded. Be sure to rinse the hopper feeder well and let it dry completely before refilling.

The trays of hopper feeders are somewhat the same as platform feeders . . . they are designed to contain seed but not prevent it from being scattered by the birds. There are some solutions if scattered seed becomes a concern . . .

• First, it is helpful to feed seeds that birds prefer . . . i.e. black-oil sunflower seed or a good-quality seed mix. When preferred food is offered birds have less desire to "scratch" around looking for their favorite seeds. Why waste your money on seeds the birds won't eat.
• Second, hang a catch-tray underneath the feeder. It can be something as simple as a screen to catch seed or any sort of collection device on the ground.

Rake up scattered seeds and debris under your feeders periodically. Decomposing seed hulls can harbor bacteria which could spread disease to your feathered visitors.

Providing assorted bird feeders, including the wildly popular hopper feeder, opens the door to nature right in your own backyard. By assisting birds in their quest for survival we all win . . . birds, people and the planet. Look close and enjoy our natural world . . . it heals, relaxes and entertains. There is so much value and beauty right in your own backyard . . . we hope you're taking the steps to enjoy it.