With a bird feeder you help wild birds to get through the cold season. By filling such feeders with suitable wild bird food - fat balls and the like - you attract various species of wild birds and experience a very enchanting natural spectacle in your garden. Here you can find out what distinguishes a high-quality bird feeder.
A bird feeder lures chirping guests into the garden
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Trixie 55633 Food Dispenser 800 ml/25 cm Green
9.99 EUR To the product| material | metal |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | approx. 25 x 14 x 14 cm |
| attachment | hanging |
| design | modern |
| space for | 4 birds |
The feeder from Trixie convinces with the robust material, the high-quality workmanship and the pretty design - because in the charming shade of green the feeding station fits into the garden very stylishly. Many reviewers on Amazon praise that the birdseed does not get wet in the rain and therefore cannot spoil immediately in wet weather. In addition, the dispenser should be easy to fill. Given the numerous advantages, the price is excellent.
our recommendation
Dehner Natura Wild Bird Feeder Triple, Ø 22 cm, height 36.5 cm, metal, silver
19.99 EUR To the product| material | metal |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | approx. 36.5 x 22 x 22 cm |
| attachment | hanging |
| design | plain-functional |
| space for | 4 birds |
Compared to our other two recommendations, the Dehner bird feeder costs a little more. However, it is also the largest version with a height of about 36.5 and a diameter of about 22 centimeters. Visually, this model presents itself as simple and functional. It is extremely popular with Amazon reviewers due to its good material.
our recommendation
dobar Small feeding column with approach bars, plastic
4.99 EUR To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | approx. 25 x 7 x 7 cm |
| attachment | hanging |
| design | plain-functional |
| space for | 2 birds |
The feeding column from dobar is our price-performance winner. With the model, you can feed wild birds particularly cheaply, but still appropriately and sensibly. The feeder is made of plastic and offers space for up to two birds to nibble on the delicacies at the same time. For most Amazon reviewers, the feeder's ease of use and cleaning makes it a "well thought out" solution that anyone looking to support wild birds over the winter can afford.
Purchase Criteria
construction
The most important purchase criterion is clearly the structure of the bird feeder. Open bowls may look pretty, but they are inappropriate. In such bowls, the birds can walk around and relieve themselves. For example, bacteria and viruses mix with the feed via the faeces, which can lead to fatal infections. Choose a feeder that is designed as a feeder with small openings for food pecking and multiple perches. The wild birds can sit on the latter and help themselves through the openings.
size
The more birds you want to invite to eat, the larger the feeder should be. Take a look at how many perches each station has or how many birds can sit comfortably around the feeder. The bird species you want to attract will also affect the optimal dispenser size. To spoil tits, sparrows or sparrows with birdseed, a small feeder of up to 40 millimeters is usually sufficient. For robins, starlings and woodpeckers, on the other hand, it should be 50 to 60 millimeters.
material
metal/steel: Feeding stations made of metal or steel are considered the best solutions - at least if they are corrosion-resistant and therefore weatherproof and rust-free. Under these circumstances, the metal and steel bird feeders prove to be extremely robust and resistant as well as hygienic and easy to care for.
plastic: Plastic feeders are usually easy to clean and inexpensive. However, the material can become porous over time, which means that you would have to replace the feeding station.
wood: Visually, bird feeders made of wood have the edge. They fit perfectly into the natural green oasis. However, at this point we explicitly advise against buying a wooden feeding station. The reason for this is the hardly realizable hygienic cleaning.
cleaning
Make sure your chosen bird feeder is easy to clean. The station should consist of several detachable parts so that you can easily reach all corners when cleaning the dispenser. It is extremely important to clean the bird feeder regularly - firstly to keep the wild birds from getting sick and secondly so as not to attract uninvited guests such as rats.
attachment
Hanging from a tree/branch: Most feeding stations are attached hanging - i.e. on a branch. With hooks and/or cords, it can be assembled in no time at all and without tools.
Detached in the garden: If you do not have suitable trees in your garden, it is best to look for bird feeders that you can place free-standing, for example by means of a ground stake or by an alternative anchoring in the ground. Depending on the version, assembly can be relatively complex.
Sticking to the window: There are also feeders that you can stick to the outside of your window pane, often with suction cups. These variants also offer people without their own garden the opportunity to feed wild birds.
design
Bird feeders are available in many designs. Particularly stylish models look like small houses or have an additional function, such as a solar lamp. In terms of style, the spectrum ranges from simple to antique to modern and playful. Our tip for you: Feel free to include the look in your decision; However, the priority should always be that the feeding station does the birds justice.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a bird feeder and what is it for?
A bird feeder is a construction with one or more containers that you can fill with bird seed to provide food for wild birds in your green oasis. The various feed dispensers can be placed hanging on the tree, set up freely in the garden or attached to the window.
What do I have to consider when attaching the feed dispenser?
Only use in winter: For reasons of hygiene and to protect wild birds from deadly infectious diseases, you should only use the feeder in the cold season.
Place well protected: Position the feeder so that the birds can feed undisturbed without being surprised by a cat.
Respond to the individual needs of the birds: Soft feed eaters such as blackbirds, robins, wrens and dunnock prefer to feed on the ground; Grain eaters such as finches and sparrows as well as omnivores such as tits and woodpeckers, on the other hand, prefer to fetch their food at dizzy heights.
Attach stable: Basically, it is important to attach the feeding station in a stable manner so that the birds can really enjoy their meal and are not distracted and stressed by wobbly poles or the like.
What brands offer good bird feeders?
Some of the best known and most popular brands for bird feeders include Trixie, dobar, Dehner and Wildlife Friend.
Where is the best place to buy a bird feeder?
Feeders for birds are available in all well-stocked hardware stores, garden centers and pet shops locally or on the Internet, for example at hagebaumarkt, Dehner, Futterhaus or Fressnapf. You will also find a wide range on amazon.de, where you can also benefit from a simple ordering and return procedure.
How much does a bird feeder cost?
Inexpensive plastic bird feeders are available from around three euros. Depending on the material, size, structure and quality, a feed dispenser costs up to 50 euros. Don't worry: it doesn't have to be the most expensive model to keep the wild birds out there happy. There are absolutely bird-friendly feeding stations for significantly less money. Most versions cost between ten and 30 euros.
Can I make a bird feeder myself?
Yes, that's entirely possible. With manual skills, good instructions and the right materials, you can build a smaller bird feeder including a feed dispenser as well as a larger bird feeder yourself. The video above acts as an example guide to making a simple bird feeder.