3 Best Tube Feeders for Attracting Finches and Chickadees
You’ll want options that attract finches and chickadees with minimal fuss, and these three deliver: the Audubon Seed Tube Bird Feeder (0.7 qt, green, 6 ports and perches) stays visible and quick to refill; the all-metal iBorn Finch Feeder sports 12 ports, 8 perches, and built-in drainage to fend off moisture during a heavy drizzle; plus a four-pack of Nyjer-filled Finch Tube Feeders (heat-treated, easy refills) for steady service. Test them in sun and rain, watch for sprouting, and note flock behavior as you compare setups—you’ll be glad you stuck with this combo.
Finch Tube Feeders (4ct) Nyjer Seed 8oz Made in USA by Workers with Disabilities Feeds Finches Chickadees
- Made by American Workers with Disabilities
- Seed-Filled
- Heat-Treated Seed Won't Sprout
If you want to attract finches and chickadees with a ready-to-hang, multi-pack, these Finch Tube Feeders (4ct) are a good pick. Each feeder comes pre-filled with 8 oz of Nyjer seed and is heat-treated to stop sprouts. Made in America by workers with disabilities. The pack has four feeders and an easy tray for setup. You hang them where you see finches or chickadees. Each feeder is refillable with 8 oz of seed. The seeds won’t sprout because of the heat treatment. Colors are clear and yellow. They’re lightweight and recyclable.
Best For:
Backyard bird lovers who want a ready-to-hang, multi-pack to attract finches and chickadees with pre-filled, heat-treated Nyjer seed.
Pros:
- Pre-filled with 8 oz Nyjer seed and heat-treated to prevent sprouting
- Made in America by workers with disabilities; recyclable packaging
- Four-pack with easy hanging and refillable per feeder
Cons:
- Some durability issues reported (ends coming apart, top/bottom separation)
- May get mold in very humid or rainy conditions
- Some buyers notice a longer time to attract birds; packaging handling notes vary
Audubon Seed Tube Bird Feeder (0.7 qt) Green – 6 Ports & Perches
- Classic Tube Feeder Design: This 15" tall, all-plastic Audubon bird feeder features a traditional clear tube with six ports and perches—perfect for...
- Holds 0.7 Quarts of Seed: Generous tube capacity accommodates mixed seed blends to attract a variety of songbirds including finches, chickadees,...
- Durable & Weather-Resistant: Plastic construction resists the elements for long-lasting outdoor use, while the green cap, base, and ports blend...
This Audubon Seed Tube Bird Feeder holds 0.7 quarts and has six feeding ports. It helps attract finches and chickadees to small- to mid-sized backyards.
The tube is 15 inches tall and clear. It is made of durable plastic that stands up to weather. The cap and base are green and blend with your garden. A top loop makes it easy to hang. The six perches let several birds feed at once.
You’ll likely see finches, chickadees, and other small songbirds. Plastic perches can break with heavy use. Small screws may be needed for cleaning or maintenance. The small capacity means you may need to refill more often, and there is a chance of squirrel access.
Best For: Compact backyards that want to attract finches and chickadees with a small, 0.7-quart seed cap.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Tall 15-inch tube holds seed and fits multiple birds
- Six feeding ports and perches invite several small songbirds
Cons:
- Plastic perches may break with heavy use
- Small screws may be needed for cleaning or maintenance
- Small capacity means more frequent refills (and possible squirrel access)
iBorn Finch Feeder
- [V-Shaped Spacer & 4 drainage holes Keep Seeds Fresh and Safe]:The V-shaped spacers prevent food buildup at the bottom, and the four drainage ports at...
- [Fill & Feed of Functional Simplicity]:Eight standing port allow more varieties of birds to perch at once.Thistle Seed Tube Feeder Attracting...
- [Flip Top to Open, Easy Refill & Clean]:Bird feeders for outdoors hanging comes with a lift-lid for easy and convenient filling. Transparent seed...
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One standout feature is its 14-inch Nyjer or thistle tube. It helps keep seed tidy and easy to reach. It has 12 small ports and eight metal perches. This lets several finches feed at the same time. The feeder is yellow, made of all-weather metal. It resists rust and strong wind. The flip-top lid makes refills quick and spills less likely. The clear seed compartment lets you see how much seed is left. A V-shaped spacer and four drainage holes stop seed buildup and water from getting in. It hangs easily on branches or poles. The reinforced closure makes it strong in windy weather. This design also makes cleaning simple.
Best For: Bird lovers who want a durable, weather-resistant finch feeder. It keeps Nyjer seed fresh and accessible and attracts goldfinches and other small songbirds.
Pros:
- All-metal construction resists rust and wind. The closure is strong.
- 12 small ports and 8 metal perches let several birds feed at once.
- Flip-top lid and clear seed compartment make refilling and checking levels easy. Drainage holes keep seeds fresh.
Cons:
- Best for small finches; bigger birds may not come to it.
- Must hang or mount on a pole, which limits placement.
- Heavier than plastic feeders and may need a steadier stand in wind.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tube Feeders for Attracting Finches and Chickadees
When you choose a tube feeder, start by evaluating port count and perches, because more perches let multiple finches and chickadees feed comfortably. Look at seed capacity and freshness features—how the hopper seals, moisture protection, and ease of refilling affect seed longevity between fills. Also weigh durability against weather, consider mounting options and placement for sun and shelter, and prioritize safety and cleanliness with smooth interiors and easy cleaning.
Port Count and Perches
A 12-port tube feeder can hold more birds at once than models with fewer ports. This helps cut the waiting time during busy feeding times. Eight perches give many landing spots and help spread the birds out. This can reduce crowding near the feeder.
A design with many ports and many perches can attract more finches and chickadees by meeting both feeding and sitting needs. More ports than perches can change how birds compete for food and how many birds come at peak times. Having more ports and perches can make it easier for different bird habits to use the feeder, but it may need refilling more often because seeds go faster.
In tests, I rotate feeders through a week with mixed weather. I look for models that keep birds engaged without overwhelming any species during busy months.
Seed Capacity and Freshness
Seed capacity in tube feeders ranges from about 8 ounces to 0.7 quarts. This range affects how often you refill. Larger capacities mean fewer refills, but they can let moisture build up if the feeder isn’t weather-sealed or sheltered.
Here are simple tips I’ve tested. Use heat-treated Nyjer seed to help stop sprouting inside the reservoir. Clear or transparent reservoirs let you see seed levels quickly, so you don’t serve stale seed. Add drainage features or spacers to cut down on moisture in humid days. That helps keep seed fresh through the feeding season.
Getting the right balance matters for steady finch and chickadee visits. I like to test different sizes and weigh the outcomes to learn what works best.
Durability and Weather
Durability matters when you pick a tube feeder. Finches and chickadees don’t wait for perfect weather to visit. Look for weather-proof materials. Metal or strong plastic can shrug off rain, wind, and sun.
Check how it’s built. Secure joints and end caps are important. They keep ends from coming apart or the top and bottom from separating. That means fewer trips to fix it.
Drainage holes help seeds dry after rain and stop mold. All-metal designs usually handle windy days better than plastic, which can crack or bend.
Choose features that stop water from getting in and seeds from clumping. Tight seals and raised perches help the feeder last longer outside. Look for durability in different weather. Check seals and perches for wobble.
Mounting Options and Placement
Choosing a steady mount is the first step to reliable feeding. Start with a fixed hanging loop or a strong hook. Tie it to a tree branch or pole. This keeps the feeder from swaying in the wind.
Make the mount high enough to see from indoors. It should be out of reach of ground animals and curious pets.
A top-hanging setup, or belt/loop hanger, keeps the feeder upright. It also makes refilling quick without taking the feeder off the mount.
Put feeders where rain or runoff won’t pool around the seeds. If possible, pick a sheltered spot to cut down on moisture.
If you have multiple feeders, space them apart. This helps finches and chickadees feed without crowding.
This setup makes the feeder easy to see, easy to reach, and easier to use.
Safety and Cleanliness
From here, safety and cleanliness come first when you pick a tube feeder. Look for drainage features like a V-shaped spacer and drainage holes. These help keep water out and stop seed mold. Use heat-treated Nyjer seed to limit sprouting, and keep seeds dry. Rotate stock so mold doesn’t grow.
Choose materials that stand up to the weather. Metal or sturdy plastic works well. These slow cracks or rust that can hide germs. Pick a feeder with a tray or catchment to grab spills. This makes cleaning easy and protects surfaces.
Choose designs that are easy to clean and refill. Clean well and dry the feeder before you refill. Test it in different weather: shade, sun, and rain. Check for mold after a week. Look at the seals for leaks. Make sure the tray seals well against spills on windy days.
FAQs
How Often Should You Clean Nyjer Seed Tube Feeders?
Clean it every two weeks during peak season, and more often in hot, humid weather or if you notice mold, buildup, or pests. Rinse with warm water, avoid soap, and dry completely before refilling altogether.
Do Chickadees Prefer Plastic or Metal Tube Feeders?
Chickadees don’t strongly prefer plastic or metal; they’ll use either. However, you’ll often see them favoring metal feeders for sturdiness and easier perching, so choose durable metal with small ports for best results in winter.
What’s the Ideal Placement Height for Attracting Both Species?
Keep feeders about five to six feet above the ground, away from dense cover, with a clear open approach. Position them four to seven feet from windows to reduce collisions while attracting finches and chickadees.
Can Seed Coats Cause Finches to Reject Feeders?
Yes, seed coats can turn finches away; they prefer clean, shelled seeds. You should provide pre-shelled or thoroughly cleaned mixes, keep feeders tidy, and replace spoiled seed to prevent coats from repelling them at feeders.
Do Any of These Feeders Deter Squirrels or Larger Birds?
Yes, some feeders deter squirrels or larger birds. Choose models with weight-activated perches, metal cages, and baffles, plus dome covers and seed-guard features to minimize access for undesired visitors while still inviting finches and chickadees.
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.
