Platform Feeders are a popular choice.  People have used a large variety of things over the years to feed birds ... everything from paper plates to milk bottles ... even oddities like hubcaps.  But nothing beats the universal appeal of Platform Feeders.

Due to their simple design, these feeders are often preferred when people begin bird feeding.  They are popular with everyone who feeds birds beacuse they attract a variety of species, are versitile and easy to use.

Often made of wood for aesthetic appeal, platform feeders are tray designs with sides deep enough to contain seed.  They are also available in attractive metal designs which offer longer life.  Some have a roof to help keep seed dry.  The best Platform Feeders have a fine mesh screen floor that allows water to drain.

For a special treat don't miss these aesthetically pleasing Elegant Platform Feeders.  These feeders have designs that will certainly beautiful any garden adding a special beauty and personality to your backyard.

Platform Feeders are available in an assortment of sizes and styles.  The larger sizes allow a wider variety of birds to feed at one time, depending on the food offered.  Most seeds ... from black-oil sunflower seed (favored by most birds) to safflower seed (appealing to only a few) ... can be fed on a platform.  Platform Feeders are ideal for feeding peanuts in the shell -- a treat that many birds will appreciate and a real Blue Jay favorite.

Although there are Specialty Feeders to provide fruit and jelly to some species, we use Platform Feeders to treat fruit-loving birds.

Placement of Platform Feeders

It is usually best to place your feeder in an area of less disturbance.  But do place it where it's easy to see and fill.

The feeder should be 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 for protection from predatory cats.  A loosely-packed brush pile near feeders will protect small ground-dwelling birds.

Platform Feeders are commonly placed high on a post, hung from a tree, pole, overhang ... even mounted on a deck rail.  If supported by legs, they can be placed on the ground which Juncos, Towhees and Sparrows prefer.  Remove the legs if you are feeding ground dwelling birds ... like quail.

If you'd like to enjoy birds up close get a Platform Window Feeder designed to attach to the outside of your window.  These Specialty Feeders will attract Chickadees, Cardinals, Titmice and Finches among others, for a real up-close view.

Care and Maintenance of Platform Feeders

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

Platform Feeders are designed to contain seed but not prevent it from being scattered.  There are some solutions 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 that bird 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.

Be sure to rake up the seeds and debris under your feeders periodically.  Decomposing seed hulls can harbor bacteria which could spread disease to your feathered visitors.

Platform Feeders should be an integral part of every wild bird feeding
program.  The beauty and charm of the variety of birds these feeders attract is
enchanting.  Knowing that we are helping them survive one-backyard-at-a-time is rewarding.