FEED BIRDS LONG-TERM
Settling for the cheaper feeder can be  frustrating as you will most likely end up replacing it. Bird feeding is not just a hobby, it’s a long-term investment. Plus, bird feeders need to be able to endure freezing temperatures, sun and rain, and numerous backyard pests, including squirrels, raccoons and chipmunks. The best bet is to spend a bit more upfront for a feeder made with quality materials and backed by a product guarantee like those from Perky-Pet®, Droll Yankee, The Nuttery and others.

GO BIG WITH BIRD FEEDERS
This is where convenience is helpful. Having a big feeder that can hold plenty of seed means fewer trips to refill it. Birds typically eat about half their weight in seeds per day. Upgrading to a feeder that holds 2 lb of seed or more can mean that you feed more birds over a longer period of time.

USE COMMON SENSE WHEN BUYING BIRD FEEDERS
Try not to choose feeders with sharp edges or points; the design should allow birds to perch away from the food, which stops it from becoming soiled, but still allows easy access to the seed. Setting up more than one feeder and allowing ample space between them can also avoid fights between the birds.

SQUIRRELS — PUBLIC ENEMY NO. 1
Don’t let nature “run its course” when it comes to bird feeding. If you do, squirrels will become bullies to your birds. This not only limits bird watching and bird feeding time, but squirrels can actually destroy feeders, too. Instead, try using a squirrel-resistant feeders available from Perky-Pet®,  Droll Yankee or the Nuttery. Also, avoid tray feeders that pose an open invitation for squirrels and chipmunks. Other ways to keep sneaky squirrels off bird feeders is by pole-mounting the feeder, adding a baffle and choosing a better location that makes it difficult for squirrels to access.

BE READY TO CLEAN BIRD FEEDERS
Birds are great to watch, but they can also be more than a bit messy. Birdseed can drop to the ground and the feeder itself can get grungy. In some cases, bird feeders can even transmit a disease from one bird to another. With that in mind, consider the cleaning procedures that may be required for particular bird feeders. In general, feeders should be cleaned about once every two weeks through the winter, so having a feeder that breaks down quickly for cleaning is a must.

Of course there are other helpful considerations about feeding birds, including the seed to be used, the time of year and the birds present in a particular region. These five tips, however, cover the basics of any bird lover. With these tips in mind, you have the basic knowledge to make the best choice for a bird feeder purchase.