Hopper Feeders

A constant source of food to keep birds fat and sassy

So you've decided to start feeding the birds in your backyard, but you don't have the time or inclination to go out there every day with a heavy bag of birdseed to refill the feeder. You're tired of the squirrels dumping the seed out and you want to attract bigger birds like evening grosbeaks, cardinals, blue jays and doves. What's the answer? Why not get a hopper feeder?

Hopper feeders look like little houses or barns - they're usually constructed with a slanted wooden roof, Plexiglas sides and a wooden tray with raised sides to keep the seed in. The sides are normally positioned in a V-shape, to funnel the seed down to the tray efficiently. Sometimes, the roof may be metal or plastic for extra hardiness against the weather. You refill the feeder from a hole in the top. These make great starter feeders for the beginning birder, since they are so easy to fill and keep up.

You can mount hopper feeders on poles or hang them from trees or windows. They hold a lot of seed, so you won't have to keep constantly refilling them, and they attract a number of different types of birds who like to perch or eat from tables. They're really the most versatile feeder there is, and the best part is, they're easy to maintain. Hopper feeders come apart easily so that you can wash them and keep them clean for your feathered friends. This will ensure no one gets sick.

Hoppers tend to attract all birds that won't feed at a tube feeder - they allow the bigger birds to land in the feeder tray and eat comfortably. But, they do have their disadvantages. If you don't want the big bullies of the yard dumping your feeder, then you will have to squirrel-proof your hopper - if big birds can land easily, then squirrels can access your bird food as well and will soon ruin a more inexpensive hopper feeder. Hoppers are easily spilled and this can cause a big mess on your lawn. However, there are several birdseed catchers and screens that you can set up under the feeder to minimize the mess, and these may be good squirrel deterrents as well.

The best way to prolong the life of your hopper feeder is to buy a good-quality model. If you buy an inferior feeder, it will disintegrate under the heavy animal use and weather. Plexiglas tends to discolor, warp and crack under bad weather conditions and feeders made of wood can break easily under too-enthusiastic squirrels jumping on them. If you are going to buy a metal or heavy plastic feeder, though, make sure that there are no exposed or sharp parts that may hurt the animals you want to take care of.