Bird Feeders and Tables

Choosing the Right Bird Feeder

The feeder you choose determines which species can access your food and how safely they can do so. A well-chosen combination of feeder types at different heights attracts a far wider variety of birds than a single station and reduces competition between species at the same feeding point.

Types of bird feeder

Each feeder type is designed with specific food and specific birds in mind. Understanding what each one does makes it straightforward to build a garden setup that works well.

• Tube seed feeders: the most versatile option, suitable for most seed types and attracting a broad range of perching birds including tits, finches and sparrows
• Nyjer seed feeders: have smaller feeding ports specifically designed to dispense nyjer seed; essential for attracting goldfinches and siskins, which will rarely visit standard seed feeders
• Fat ball feeders: wire or mesh cage designs that hold fat balls securely; always remove the plastic mesh packaging from fat balls before placing them in the feeder to prevent birds becoming trapped
• Peanut feeders: metal mesh construction that dispenses peanuts safely in small pieces accessible to birds but prevents large portions being taken and fed to nestlings
• Ground feeders: shallow trays positioned at ground level that attract ground-feeding species including blackbirds, robins, dunnocks and collared doves that rarely use hanging feeders

Bird tables and positioning

Bird tables attract a different range of species to hanging feeders and are particularly valuable for birds that prefer to feed on an open flat surface.

• Bird tables attract a wider range of species including larger birds and those that do not use hanging feeders, making them a valuable addition to any garden feeding station
• Position all feeders at least 2 metres from dense cover such as hedges or dense shrubs: this gives feeding birds time to spot approaching cats and other predators before it is too late
• Setting up multiple feeding stations at different heights simultaneously attracts different species and significantly reduces competition and aggression between birds at a single feeding point
• Clean all feeders regularly, at minimum once a fortnight, to prevent the build-up of mould and the spread of disease between birds visiting the same feeding point

Why Buy Bird Feeders from Newcastle Pets?

We stock a practical range of seed feeders, fat ball feeders, peanut feeders, bird tables and ground feeders to suit different garden sizes and the species you want to attract. Our team can advise on the best combination of feeders and positioning to get the most from your garden feeding station.

• Range of seed feeders, fat ball feeders, peanut feeders, bird tables and ground feeders
• Our in-store team can advise on the best feeder setup and positioning for your specific garden and the species you want to attract
• Practical guidance on positioning and regular maintenance to get the most from your feeding station year-round
• Free local delivery for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers