Tube Feeders
#1 Way to Attract Goldfinches
and Other Fascinating Birds!

For a good-quality selection of these feeders visit Great Tube Feeders. When the
page opens select Tube Feeders.

First, consider the species and number of birds you plan to feed. Then choose a
feeder that is easy to assemble and clean.

Clear plastic tubes allow the ability to monitor the seed. Be sure that they have
metal feeding ports and perches for durability.

Plastic tubes also come in rugged opaque PVC. These ruggedly-built tube feeders
may offer a life-time warranty against squirrel damage.

The advantage of metal tubes is the durability.

Some versatile feeders attach two or three tubes together permitting more birds to
feed at the same time. They can also be used to offer different types of seeds
providing a choice for the birds.

If you want the versatility of feeding larger (sunflower) or smaller (nyjer) seeds with a single feeder look for one with interchangeable feeding ports.

Some tube feeders have a dome over the top to prevent rain from getting the seed
wet.

Another type of tube feeder is enclosed in a plastic-coated wire basket. This style is
a good squirrel deterrant because it only allows small birds access to the seeds.

There is a tube feeder especially for goldfinches. The perches on these feeders are above the feeding ports. Goldfinches have the ability to hang upside down from the perches to eat. They're quite comical and fun to watch. If you want to be selective and
just feed goldfinches this "upside-down" tube feeder is what you need.

• If you prefer to just attract goldfinches, place the feeder about 10 feet away from other feeders. Goldfinches prefer to eat in quieter, less-busy environments.

• Be sure to refill the feeders when there are only a couple of inches of seed left. Goldfinches will quit feeding if the seed gets too low or isn't fresh. This is a good rule to keep in mind for any feeder.

• There is some confusion about the "nyjer" name so here is a little background. Recently, there has been a drive to change the name of this seed from thistle to nyjer --- that's what we've decided to call it. Traditionally, the seed has been called thistle and niger. Real thistle seed, that grows into a prickly purple-colored flower, is not sold commercially. It is an invasive plant and considered a weed. What is commonly sold under this name is niger (what is now also known as nyjer). Nyjer is an oil-seed crop grown in India, Nepal, Ethiopia and Mynamar. Nyjer is the only major wild bird feeding seed that is imported.
• To prevent importation of noxious weeds, the USDA requires that nyjer be heat-treated to prevent germination. The name change was initiated to remove the misconception that the seed is thistle.

The other seed that attracts tube feeding birds is sunflower. The black-oil sunflower variety is preferred.This preference is true for most birds.

Nyjer seed is very small and can become packed in the feeders. To loosen the packed seed invert the feeder a couple of times occasionally.

Small feeding ports reduce scattering of seed --- so the spillage is minimal. However, if there is a concern about spillage place a tray or catch-screen under the feeder. Remember, nyjer will not germinate.

Be sure to replace the seed in your tube feeders if it becomes wet. To help the seed remain dry look for a feeder with a dome over the top.

Keep feeders clean 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 tube feeder well and let it dry completely before refilling.

Remove decomposing seed hulls that may fall beneath your feeder. This will prevent the spread of bacteria to ground-feeding birds.

You'll cherish the moment that a flock of Goldfinches arrive in their summer suits of brilliant yellow and black. Watching their comical and arobatic enthusiam should not be missed. Not much beats the enjoyment we've had seeing every species of bird that has visited our tube feeders. What a wonderful gift to backyard feeding they are!