Hopper Feeders

Hopper Feeders: A Comprehensive Guide
Bird feeding is a rewarding activity, bringing a range of colorful, song-filled birds to your backyard and providing a critical food source for them. One popular type of bird feeder is the hopper feeder, known for its large capacity, versatility, and ability to attract a wide variety of birds. Hopper feeders, characterized by a central reservoir that dispenses food out onto a tray, allow multiple birds to feed simultaneously from different sides.

In this guide, we have curated a list of the best hopper feeders available on Amazon and other websites, aiming to help you select the perfect one for your bird feeding needs.

1. Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder
   Available on Amazon, the Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder features an attractive antique copper finish. The innovative design dispenses food into the tray only as birds feed, preventing waste and keeping the seed fresh. Its circular perch allows birds to feed from all angles.
2. Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Bird Feeder
   The Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Bird Feeder, purchasable on Amazon, offers an impressive 5 lbs capacity. This feeder is constructed of reforested, kiln-dried, inland red cedar and comes with a zinc chromate screw. Its overhanging roof helps protect the seed from the weather.
3. Stokes Select Bird Feeder
   Found on Amazon and the Stokes Select website, this hopper feeder has a large two-compartment seed capacity of 6 lbs. The built-in seed diverter ensures that the seeds are evenly distributed, preventing empty ports. Its four feeding ports and a perching ring allow multiple birds to feed at once.
4. Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder
   Available on Amazon and Nature’s Way website, this cedar platform tray feeder can hold up to 3 quarts of seed. The open design attracts a wide variety of birds and allows for easy viewing. Its rust-free hardware and insect and rot-resistant premium cedar body ensure long-lasting durability.
5. More Birds X-2 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
   Sold on Amazon and the More Birds website, the X-2 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder features two sizable seed compartments. Its adjustable weight settings help deter squirrels, and the four feeding ports make it accessible for a variety of birds.
6. Audubon Hopper Gazebo Bird Feeder
   The Audubon Hopper Gazebo Bird Feeder, available on Amazon, offers a distinctive gazebo design. Its hexagonal shape, with six wide perches, allows multiple birds to feed simultaneously, and its 10 lbs seed capacity ensures it will keep birds coming back again and again.

Each of these hopper feeders provides a valuable and reliable source of food for birds, especially during times when natural resources may be scarce. Remember, no matter which feeder you choose, regular cleaning is essential to maintain bird health and prevent the spread of diseases. Adding a hopper feeder to your yard not only supports your local bird population but also offers hours of bird-watching enjoyment. Choose from the options above and step into the delightful world of bird feeding.

What is a hopper feeder?
A hopper feeder is a type of bird feeder designed to attract a wide variety of bird species. It gets its name from its resemblance to a farmyard grain hopper, which it mimics in function as well. The feeder features a central reservoir that holds birdseed, dispensing it onto a tray below as birds eat. The design allows multiple birds to feed simultaneously from different sides. Hopper feeders often have a protective roof to shield the seed from weather elements, and many models are squirrel-resistant. Due to their large seed capacity, they don’t need to be refilled as frequently as other types of feeders.

What birds eat from hopper feeders?
Hopper feeders attract a wide variety of bird species due to their large capacity and the fact they can hold different types of seed. They are popular with larger birds that can comfortably perch and feed, such as cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers. Smaller birds such as sparrows, finches, chickadees, and nuthatches are also regular visitors to hopper feeders.

What is the best bird food for hopper feeder?
The best bird food for a hopper feeder depends on the species you aim to attract. However, a blend of black oil sunflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds, and safflower seeds is often a good choice as it appeals to a broad range of birds. Sunflower seeds are a favorite for many bird species, while safflower seeds are less attractive to squirrels, which can sometimes deter these critters.

Do blue jays like hopper feeders?
Yes, blue jays are fond of hopper feeders. Hopper feeders’ large design and multiple perching spots make them an attractive option for bigger birds like blue jays. These birds are particularly drawn to feeders that offer black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, or cracked corn, all of which can be accommodated by a hopper feeder.

Where do you hang a hopper bird feeder?
Choosing the right location for your hopper bird feeder is crucial for attracting birds and keeping the seed dry and safe. Ideally, hang your hopper feeder about five feet from the ground to deter predators and in a quiet and safe location. If possible, place it near shrubs or trees that can provide cover for the birds against predators. However, ensure it’s at least 10-12 feet away from large branches or roofs to prevent squirrels from leaping onto the feeder. The feeder should also be placed in a spot where it’s easy for you to view and enjoy the visiting birds.