Now is the perfect time to become a restaurateur for high-flying gourmands or casual dine-and-dashers!

If you’re new to bird feeding, the number of bird feeders in the store or online might seem overwhelming. Do you get a small window feeder? A colorful tube feeder? A big platform feeder? It all depends on what type of birds you want to attract. But don’t sweat. We’re here to break it all down and make it easy for you to open your very own backyard bird hotspot!

Platform Feeder

If you don’t discriminate and think all birds are cool, a platform bird feeder is your best option. Platform feeders (also known as tray feeders) offer adequate perching space for birds of all sizes – from cheeky chickadees to giant jays. They’re basically an all-you-can-eat buffet that attracts all types of birds. Make sure all your diners are satisfied with COOL BIRDS All Birds!

A platform is perfect for fabulous ground feeder foragers like towhees, juncos, and doves. Keep in mind that most platform feeders are open to the elements, so make sure the food stays fresh and dry and doesn’t accumulate moisture in wet weather.

Hopper Feeder

Hopper feeders offer perching space for most songbirds, from smaller finches to medium-size cardinals. Plus, they have a roof that helps protect food against the elements. Hopper feeders are basically the popular restaurant chain that attracts the coolest singing sensations. Make sure the menu is elite with COOL BIRDS Nuts & Fruit.

Tube Feeder

Small tube feeders attract smaller birds like chickadees, warblers, finches, nuthatches, and titmice. Larger tube feeders that provide better perching, especially those with an attached seed tray, will attract medium-size birds like grosbeaks and cardinals. The size of the restaurant, or bird feeder in this case, determines the type of diners.

It’s up to you to make your tube feeder as exclusive as you want it to be. Hang a special finch tube feeder, which is basically a new vegan hotspot, and your strict vegetarian American Goldfinches will make sure it’s trending.

Window Feeder

If you want your birds up-close and personal, or your cat wants some entertainment, get a window feeder. Make sure dining conditions are safe by adding decals on the outside of your window to help prevent birds from flying into the glass.

SMART Feeder

If you’re feeling fancy and modern and want to jump on the trend, get a SMART feeder. You’ll be able to keep tabs on ALL the action and easily identify each visitor but make sure all your feathered sensations are okay with the paparazzi. Make sure your feeder looks like 5-star establishment with a shell-free blend like COOL BIRDS No Mess.

Suet Feeder

A suet feeder is a great addition to your backyard, especially during winter and migration season (fall and winter). Suet attracts your favorite omnivores like chickadees, jays, woodpeckers, and Bushtits. Plus, suet feeders are super easy to refill and maintain.

Hummingbird Feeder

If you love the buzz of a hummingbird, it’s an easy choice. Get a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds need all the sugary nectar they can find. It’s basically a coffee shop for birds. Nectar = energy.

Keep it Clean!

Just like a restaurant, you must keep it clean. Who wants to dine in a restaurant with multiple health code violations?! Clean your feeders every two weeks or as needed. Check out this video to learn more!

Squirrels Got Your Feeder?

Got squirrels? Fill your feeder with spicy bird food like COOL BIRDS Hearts on Fire or No Mess Sad Squirrels. These blends are coated with hot chili oil. Your cool birds won’t notice a thing, because spicy food has zero effect on wild birds. But your local squirrel squad? They’ll be screaming for water! They just can’t handle the heat. Add an extra layer of protection with a squirrel baffle, which puts a barrier between the squirrel and the bird seed.

To discourage other unwanted furry guests, bring your feeders inside at night. Just make sure you get up before the crack of dawn to hang them again, so your early birds don’t miss a bite!

We hope this helped you decide which type of bird restaurant (or bird feeder) you want to open. If you still have questions, give us a squawk at heythere@morecoolbirds.com!