5 Best Tube Bird Feeders for Mixed Seeds
When choosing tube bird feeders for mixed seeds, you want something durable, weatherproof, and squirrel-resistant, because no one enjoys watching their avian guests chased away by rodents or soaked in rain. These feeders should have ample capacity, multiple feeding ports, and easy-to-clean designs, ensuring seeds stay fresh and accessible. With options like mesh tubes and metal hoppers, each offers specific benefits for attracting a variety of birds—so, if you’re curious about which models truly perform year-round, keep reading.
Natures Rhythm Hanging Bird Feeder with Steel Hanger
- [Anti squirrel design] Say goodbye to the annoying squirrel stealing your bird seeds. Our bird seed feeder has an intelligent anti squirrel mechanism,...
- 【6lb Super Large Capacity & Versatility】 With its spacious capacity of 6 pounds and versatility, you don't need to refill the seed always, In...
- 【 Easy to use and clean 】 Enjoy the simplicity of our tube bird feeder, which is designed for easy filling and cleaning.
If you want a bird feeder that is strong and easy to use, the Natures Rhythm Hanging Bird Feeder with Steel Hanger is a great choice. It has a special anti-squirrel feature that helps keep squirrels from stealing the seeds. This means the birds get to enjoy the seeds for longer. The feeder can hold up to 6 pounds of seed, so you don’t need to refill it often. It works well with many types of birdseed and attracts different bird species. The feeder is designed to be simple to fill and clean, so taking care of it is quick and easy. It is made from weatherproof materials that keep rain and snow from spoiling the seeds. The metal construction is strong and resists squirrel damage. Its sleek look also makes your garden look nicer.
Best for: Bird lovers who want a tough, squirrel-proof feeder that can hold different seeds and looks good in their yard.
Pros:
- The anti-squirrel feature keeps squirrels away from the seeds.
- The big 6-pound capacity means fewer refills and more birds.
- Made from weatherproof metal that lasts a long time and stands up to weather.
Cons:
- You might need to put it together before using.
- Metal parts can rust over time if you don’t take care of them.
- Its size and weight may make it harder to place in small spaces.
Kingsyard Mesh Tube Bird Feeders for Outdoors
- 【Squirrel Resistant】- It has no wood and no plastic, it’s all metal; The sturdy metal construction will help thwart squirrel damage; All metal...
- 【Large Capacity】- Suitable for suet nuggets, mealworms or sunflower seeds (not for thistle/nyjer, millet, milo or seed blend); Great for...
- 【Great for Clinging & Perching】- The mesh surface makes the perfect landing place for clinging; 360-degree seed tray encourages perching and...
Kingsyard Mesh Tube Bird Feeders are a great choice for people who enjoy watching birds outside. These feeders are strong and resistant to squirrels. They are made entirely of metal, with a coating that helps prevent rust and damage from squirrels. The feeder holds up to 2.5 pounds of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, mealworms, or suet nuggets. It is not suitable for thistle, millet, or seed mixes.
The mesh surface of the feeder helps attract woodpeckers, chickadees, and other perching birds. They can grip the mesh easily and enjoy the food. The design makes it simple to clean and refill. The top twists off, and the tray can be removed quickly, making maintenance easy. Customer support is helpful if you have questions or need assistance.
Best For: Bird lovers who want a tough, squirrel-proof metal feeder. It attracts many types of local birds and is easy to clean.
Pros:
- Made of all metal with a coating to fight rust and squirrel damage.
- Large enough to hold 2.5 pounds of seeds like sunflower or mealworms.
- Features like the mesh surface, 360-degree seed tray, and drainage holes help keep birds healthy and make cleaning easier.
Cons:
- Not for thistle, millet, or seed mixes.
- Requires tools for assembly and installing.
- Some people might want a bigger size or different seed options for certain birds.
More Birds Abundance Bird Feeder
- Classic Brands Abundance Bird Feeder Innovative large capacity bird feeder with 6 feeding ports, all of which adjust to serve any type of seed
- This feeder features a Stay Full Port System which keeps seed at all ports even when the seed gets low
- Keeping seed at all the ports will attract more birds
The More Birds Abundance Bird Feeder is a great choice if you want to bring more birds to your yard with less work. It can hold up to 3.5 pounds of seed, so you don’t need to refill it often. The feeder has six adjustable ports, letting different kinds of seeds fit and giving room for many bird sizes. The Stay Full Port System keeps seeds flowing, even when the supply gets low. This way, your birds won’t miss a meal. The feeder is easy to use and built to last, helping you enjoy watching many birds in your backyard.
Best For: Bird lovers who want a versatile feeder that brings many kinds of birds and needs little maintenance.
Pros:
- Holds 3.5 pounds of seed, so fewer refills
- Six adjustable ports for different seed types and birds
- Keeps seed levels steady, even when the supply runs low
Cons:
- Might be big for small yards
- Needs regular cleaning to stop mold and seed build-up
- Ports can need realignment for best use
Wagners Farmers Delight Wild Bird Food with Cherry Flavor
- A value priced mix that attracts a wide variety of backyard birds
- Contains general purpose seeds including sunflower
- Use in Hopper or Tube Feeders
Wagners Farmers Delight Wild Bird Food with Cherry Flavor is a great choice for anyone who wants to feed a variety of backyard birds. This 10-pound bag mixes millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, milo, and a bit of cherry flavor. The cherry scent makes it more appealing to birds and encourages them to visit your feeders again and again. The seeds are made in the USA and are high quality. They provide good nutrition for all kinds of birds, whether they are small or big. This bird food works well in tube and hopper feeders. It also helps reduce waste because the seeds stay in the feeders longer. You can see many different birds, like cardinals, finches, doves, and blue jays, come to eat.
Best For: People who want to attract many different kinds of birds to their backyard.
Pros:
- Entertains a wide variety of birds, including cardinals, finches, doves, blue jays, and chickadees
- Made with high-quality grains from the USA that last long in feeders
- Cherry flavor and smell help lure birds and keep them coming back
Cons:
- Some birds, like sparrows, toss millet on the ground and cause messes
- The bags can arrive torn or ripped, which can make handling a bit tricky
- The strong cherry aroma might attract some birds but might bother others or keep away certain species
Natures Rhythm Metal Hopper Bird Feeder
- Size:9.4”x 9.4”x18”.Built-in dual seed compartments can hold up to 10 pounds of bird seed.
- 10 feeding ports, mesh screen and the large wrap-around feeding tray. allows birds to feed from different directions.
- The all metal design has a powder coated finish is an attractive copper tone to withstand all weather conditions.
If you want to attract many different wild birds to your yard, the Natures Rhythm Metal Hopper Bird Feeder is a good choice. It has two seed compartments that can hold up to 10 pounds of seed. This means you don’t have to fill it up often. The copper coating on the feeder is weather-proof. It can handle rain, snow, and cold without rusting or losing its look. The big tray around the bottom gives birds a place to land from any direction. The mesh screen helps keep seeds inside and stops them from spilling everywhere. With 10 feeding ports, this feeder can attract many kinds of birds, like cardinals and titmice. It makes your yard lively with many colorful birds.
Best For: Bird lovers who want a strong, big feeder that brings in many different birds and can stay outside in all kinds of weather.
Pros:
- Holds up to 10 pounds of seed, so you don’t need to fill it often
- Made from metal with a copper coat that resists weather
- Has 10 feeding ports and a big tray to attract many kinds of birds
Cons:
- The feeder is heavy, so it may need strong support to hang
- The 15-year life estimate might be a little optimistic
- You might need to add squirrel-proof parts, like sealing holes at the bottom, to stop squirrels from stealing seed
This feeder is a simple, durable choice for anyone who loves watching birds. It can stand up to tough weather and bring birds to your yard every day.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tube Bird Feeders for Mixed Seeds
When choosing a tube bird feeder for mixed seeds, you’ll want to consider seed compatibility to ensure the feeder matches your preferred seed types and keeps them fresh. Capacity and size matter too, as larger feeders reduce refilling frequency but take up more space, and smaller ones are easier to clean and hang. Don’t forget about durability—materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal stand up better to weather and curious squirrels—and features like squirrel prevention and easy refilling can save you hassle while keeping your feathered friends happy.
Seed Compatibility
Choosing a tube bird feeder for mixed seeds is not just about picking the prettiest or cheapest option. You should check if the feeder can hold different seed types like sunflower seeds, millet, or seed mixes. Some feeders are made for certain seed sizes or shapes. The material and design are important too. They need to match different seed textures to stop clogging and reduce seed waste. Think about the perches and feeding ports. They should suit the birds you want to attract, since different birds prefer different seeds and how they eat them. Some feeders work better with millet and small shells, creating less mess. Also, look for a feeder that has good ventilation and drainage. These features help keep the seeds dry and fresh, so the birds have clean, tasty food to eat.
Capacity and Size
Have you ever thought about how the size of a bird feeder affects your birdwatching? The capacity of a feeder tells you how much seed it can hold. Some feeders hold as little as 1 pound of seed, while others can hold up to 10 pounds. Larger feeders mean you don’t have to refill them as often. They work well if you want to watch birds for a long time without stopping to refill the feeder. Big feeders are also good if many birds visit your yard at once.
Smaller feeders are light and easy to hang. They are perfect if you have a small yard or prefer quick changes. These feeders are easy to carry, set up, and move around. They are great for casual birdwatchers who don’t want to do a lot of refilling.
When choosing a feeder, think about how often you want to fill it and how much space you have. If you want the feeder to run longer without refilling, pick a big one. If you like to move the feeder easily or have a small space, choose a smaller size. Picking the right size makes birdwatching more fun and less work.
Durability Materials
Durability is key when choosing tube bird feeders for mixed seeds. You want a feeder to last through different weather and playful squirrels. Look for feeders made from strong materials like metal. Metal options such as stainless steel or aluminum resist rust, corrosion, and squirrel damage. Good plastic options are also a smart choice, especially if they have UV-resistant or shatterproof features. These plastics can handle sun, rain, and temperature changes without cracking or warping.
Avoid thin or low-quality plastics that can break easily. These will need to be replaced often. Also, check that the materials are safe and non-toxic for your birds. This is important if your feeder is exposed to sunlight or extreme weather. Picking a feeder with durable materials makes it easy to keep it in good shape for many seasons. It helps ensure your birds always have a safe and sturdy place to eat.
Squirrel Prevention
Even the prettiest bird feeders can be ruined if squirrels find a way to eat the seeds. To keep squirrels away, choose feeders with special features. Look for ones with baffles, weight-activated lids, or enclosed designs. These features stop squirrels from getting to the seeds. Also, pick feeders made of strong materials like metal or tough plastic. Some plastics have bad-tasting coatings that squirrels don’t like. Where you place the feeder is important too. Hang it high and away from trees or rails that squirrels can jump from. Good squirrel prevention uses smart features and smart placement. This keeps your seeds safe and your feeder intact.
Ease of Refilling
When picking a tube bird feeder, how easy it is to refill really matters. Look for feeders with wide openings or tops you can open easily. This helps you refill quickly and keeps seed spills to a minimum—no more seeds spilled on your patio. Some feeders have removable trays for seeds. These trays make cleaning simple and reduce the time it takes to refill. Clear sections on the feeder let you see the seed level right away. This way, you avoid running out of seed when the birds are waiting. Some models have simple input parts that don’t need you to take apart the feeder. This saves time, especially with large feeders. The best feeders have well-designed feeding ports that let you add more seed without taking everything apart. This means you can enjoy watching birds more and spend less time struggling with the parts.
Weather Resistance
If you want birds to visit your feeder all year, it’s important to choose a feeder that can handle the weather. Pick models made from strong materials like metal or good-quality plastic. These can stand up to rain, snow, and wind without cracking or warping. Waterproof coatings or water-repellent finishes help keep the seeds dry and prevent mold. Sealed seed chambers and covered feeding ports add extra protection so seeds don’t get wet or clump together. Proper drainage is very important. Small holes or trays can help water escape, stopping seeds from getting soggy. UV-resistant materials help the feeder stay looking new and keep it working well through all seasons.
FAQs
Which Bird Species Are Most Attracted to Mixed Seed Tube Feeders?
You’ll find that finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and house sparrows are most attracted to mixed seed tube feeders. They enjoy the variety, and your feeder’s design helps these diverse species easily access and feed comfortably.
How Often Should I Clean and Maintain Tube Bird Feeders?
You should clean your tube bird feeders at least every two weeks to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. During wet weather or high bird activity, consider cleaning weekly. Regular maintenance keeps your birds healthy and feeders functioning well.
Can Seed Type Affect the Attractiveness of the Feeder?
Seed type definitely affects how attractive your feeder is; different birds prefer specific seeds. By offering a variety, you’ll attract more species and keep your backyard lively, ensuring your feeder appeals to a broader range of birds.
Are Tube Feeders Suitable for Attracting Hummingbirds?
Tube feeders aren’t designed to attract hummingbirds because they typically hold larger seed mixes. Hummingbirds prefer specialized feeders with nectar, so use those for attracting and feeding these tiny, jewel-like birds effectively.
What Is the Best Placement Height for Tube Bird Feeders?
You should position your tube bird feeders about five to six feet above the ground, ideally near trees or shrubs, to keep them safe from predators, provide good visibility, and make it easy for birds to feed comfortably.
Kashvi is a passionate bird enthusiast and nature lover who has been fascinated by the world of birds for years. With a keen eye for detail and a love for learning, Kashvi is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and insights with fellow bird enthusiasts on Avian Enthusiasts. Through her engaging and informative articles, Kashvi aims to inspire others to join her in exploring the fascinating world of birds and to promote a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
