Easy Backyard Bird Feeding
Hopper Feeders

Some common birds that will come to Hopper Feeders ...
Cardinals, Jays, various Sparrows, Grosbeaks, Chickadees, Titmice,
Purple Finches, House Finches and Nuthatches

Shop the Best Hopper Feeders

Would an easy-to-use, low maintenance bird feeder be perfect for you?  If so, consider a Hopper Feeder ... they are very popular with backyard bird watchers for good reason.  There is a bonus, too! ... they come in a wonderful variety of styles and designs.

The main difference between a Hopper Feeder and a Platform Feeder is the addition of a storage bin to hold a supply of seed.  More to the point, a "hopper" is a box-like storage system that holds the seed so it can be dispensed by gravity.  A common design resembles a little house and they are often made of wood.  Like Platform Feeders, the ideal Hopper has a fine mesh screen floor which allows water to drain.

Here is a good selection of Hopper Feeders.

Labor-saving Advantages of Hoppers

• Because of the seed container, Hopper Feeders won't have to be filled as often as Platform Feeders ... a convenient advantage.
  
• The basic type of Hopper Feeder is top loading.  When you need to refill them just lift the lid and pour in more seed.  With this style the roof of the feeder may extend beyond the floor which helps keep seed dry in rainy weather.
  
• Most often the storage container is glass or clear plastic so it is easy to monitor the level of seed.  In addition to being able to see when the feeder needs to be refilled, you can make sure the seeds stay dry during wet weather.

Another style of Hopper Feeder does double-duty.  It is known as a gravity feeder and its metal construction provides a feeder perch which dispenses seed when the birds land on it.  Pretty neat!  This well-designed feeder is helpful in preventing squirrels gaining access to the seed.

See more styles and designs.

Placement of Hopper Feeders

It is usually best to place your feeder in an area of less disturbance.  But do place it where it is easy to see and fill.  Like Platform Feeders, hoppers are commonly placed high on a post, hung from a tree, pole, overhang ... and even attached to a deck rail.

The feeder should be placed near trees and shrubs that offer shelter and protection.  If you are fortunate to have evergreens they will provide good wind protection and safety from predators.  You'll want to keep the feeders no less than 10 feet away from the foliage to prevent squirrels from jumping to the feeder.  That is also a good distance to provide protection from predators that may be lurking nearby.  A loosely stacked brush pile near feeders will protect small ground-dwelling birds.

Care and Maintenance of Hopper Feeders

Hopper Feeders need to be kept clean and can be washed with soap and water.  Dipping them into a mild bleach solution (9 parts water to 1-part bleach) will rid them of any mold or bacteria that might have invaded.  Be sure to rinse a Hopper Feeder well and let it dry completely before refilling.

The trays of some Hopper Feeders are somewhat the same as Platform Feeders.  They are designed to contain seed but not prevent it from being scattered by the birds.  Here are some ideas if scattered seed becomes a concern ...

• First, it is helpful to feed seeds that birds prefer ... i.e. Black-oil Sunflower seed or a good quality seed mix.  When preferred food is offered birds have less desire to scratch around looking for their favorite seeds.  Why waste your money on seeds birds won't eat.
  
• Second, hang a catch-tray underneath the feeder.  It can be something as simple as a screen to catch seed or any sort of collection device on the ground.

Rake up scattered seeds and debris under your feeders periodically.  Decomposing seed hulls can harbor bacteria which could spread disease to your feathered visitors.

Enjoy!

Providing assorted bird feeders, including the wildly popular Hopper Feeder opens the door to nature right in your own backyard.  By assisting birds in their quest for survival we all win ... birds, people and the planet.  Look close and enjoy our natural world ... it heals, relaxes and entertains.  There is so much value and beauty right in your own backyard ... we hope you are taking steps to enjoy it.