Hanging a bird feeder is an exciting step in attracting beautiful birds to your backyard. With some planning and strategic placement, you can create an ideal environment for observing your feathered friends This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about properly hanging bird feeders
Choose the Right Location
Choosing the right spot is one of the most important decisions when installing a bird feeder. Consider these key factors:
Stay Clear of Windows
Prevent window collisions by placing feeders within 3 feet of windows. This allows you closeup views while keeping birds safe. For other feeders maintain at least a 10 feet distance from windows so birds have time to change direction.
Consider Accessibility
Situate feeders in spots that are easy for you to reach for cleaning and refilling. Near decks or patios works well. Avoid placing near active areas like barbeque grills or swing sets.
Provide Shelter
Locate feeders around 10-12 feet from trees, shrubs, or evergreens to give birds shelter. Nearby branches can provide jumping points for squirrels and cats.
Reduce Noise
Birds prefer quiet spots away from wind chimes, traffic, and other commotion. Choose peaceful, undisturbed areas of your yard.
Maximize Visibility
Feeders should be visible to passing birds in open, sunny spots. Consider south or east-facing locations.
Protect from Weather
Hang feeders in covered areas safe from wind, rain, snow, and hot sun which can spoil birdseed.
Mimic Natural Feeding
Place feeders where birds naturally congregate like near berry bushes or existing food sources.
Hang at the Proper Height
In addition to location, height matters when installing feeders:
- At least 5-6 feet high to deter predators like cats
- Below tree branch perches for natural access
- High enough to avoid contamination from lawn chemicals
- Adjustable hooks allow flexibility to modify height
Use sturdy materials like steel hooks that securely attach to trees or poles without sagging, swinging, or swaying.
Use Proper Hanging Equipment
Installing feeders at proper heights requires quality hanging equipment:
- Pole systems with adjustable heights allow flexibility for different feeders
- Suction cups securely attach to windows for up close views
- Bungee cords prevent damage if birds collide into feeders
- Pulleys make raising and lowering feeders effortless
- Weights keep poles and hooks stable in windy conditions
- Squirrel baffles prevent access from below
Investing in durable, high-functioning equipment will maximize enjoyment of your feeders.
Tailor Setup for Different Feeders
Feeder type determines exact placement and hanging methods:
Tube Feeders
Hang from hooks on tree branches or shepherd poles. Keep around 5-6 feet high in open spots visible to birds.
Suet Feeders
Mount suet feeders on tree trunks or sturdy branches around 5-6 feet up. Use adjustable hooks for repositioning.
Hopper Feeders
Situate larger hopper feeders 6-8 feet high on poles or sturdy branches. Use bungee cords or pulleys for easy raising and lowering.
Hummingbird Feeders
Install 1-2 feet from the ground in shaded spots protected from wind and rain. Near flowers aids attraction.
Oriole Feeders
Hang 10-20 feet high on strong branches to deter squirrels. Place visible to orioles and near natural food sources.
Ground Feeders
Set tray or platform feeders directly on the ground in protected areas safe from predators. Provide drainage if on soil.
Maintain Safety
Proper setup promotes safety:
- Stable, sturdy poles, hooks, and installation materials
- Visible locations away from obstruction
- Bungee cords and pulleys prevent collisions
- Drainage prevents puddling beneath ground feeders
- Routine maintenance checks ensure equipment functions properly
Follow all installation instructions carefully and make adjustments to prevent hazards.
Allow Time for Discovery
It may take a few weeks for birds to find new feeders. Try these tips to speed up the process:
- Start feeding early before migration seasons
- Use shiny objects to attract attention
- Incorporate water features like fountains or baths
- Strategically place feeders near trees and cover
- Use black oil sunflower seeds to entice birds
- Be patient and consistent
With the right location, height, and setup, you’ll soon enjoy the sight of birds flocking to your feeders! Properly hanging bird feeders takes some work upfront, but the rewards of attracting beautiful birds to your backyard are well worth it. Follow these best practices, and you’ll have healthy, happy birds visiting for years to come.
Here are a few things to review before filling a nectar feeder:
- Check to make sure the base compartments are securely tightened.
- Push container into base to close ports to prevent leakage.
- Unscrew cap to fill with nectar.
- Screw cap back on securely to form an airtight seal.
- We recommend keeping the feeder in the closed position until you get to the spot where you want to hang it.
- For Perky-Pet®Top Fill Feeders – Open nectar reservoir by holding base with one hand and pulling up on the container with the other to open ports for feeding.
- Your feeder is now ready.
Where to Put Your Feeders?
When deciding where to put your feeders, you need to consider several facts, including the birds easy and safe access to the feeders, their visibility from your principal observation points, ease of filling and cleaning, and the proper distance from trees, windows and low shrubs.
How to Hanging a Bird Feeder? – 9 Tips
FAQ
What’s the best way to hang a bird feeder?
It’s best to use a tree hook instead of a chain or rope to hang your feeders, as they become hard to pull up. And the longer the tree hook, the more effective it is. Baffled poles also easily solve raccoon problems. If you put your feeders on a pole, you can follow the same advice as for squirrels.
What is the 5 7 9 rule for bird feeders?
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Bird Buddy Taleshttps://blog.mybirdbuddy.com5 Tips to Keep Squirrels off your Bird FeederLocation. In birding circles, it’s common to hear about the 5-7-9 rule, which is something you’ll definitely want to know! It refers to how you should place you…
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FeatherSnaphttps://www.feathersnapcam.comHow to Keep Squirrels off of Bird FeedersDec 15, 2023 — The best strategy you have to keep squirrels from eating all the bird food is the 5-7-9 rule. Squirrels can’t jump more than 5 feet off the ground,
Is it OK to hang a bird feeder from a tree?
Hanging feeders in trees is problematic for multiple reasons. It gives predators a direct line to the birds and great hiding places to stalk them from, it also increases the odds of bugs invading the feeders.
Do birds like feeders high or low?
Tree-clinging birds tend to prefer a feeder with height, like a vertical tube, to one that’s flat. Other birds, especially larger ones, may prefer a “fly through” feeder that has no walls, it is just a platform, perhaps with a roof. Some birds prefer to eat on the ground. Others like being in trees.
How to hang a bird feeder?
The first step in hanging bird feeders is to choose a suitable location. It should be a spot that is visible from your home, but also away from areas where predators may be lurking. You should also consider placing your bird feeders near cover birds can use to hide from predators.
Where should you place your bird feeder?
The first step in hanging bird feeders is to choose a suitable location. It should be a spot that is visible from your home, but also away from areas where predators may be lurking. You should also consider placing your bird feeders near cover birds can use to hide from predators.
How many bird feeders can be hung in a hanger?
Depending on the models, these hangers can accommodate 1-4 bird feeders and can easily be relocated if you don’t like the view when you are done, or just want to move the feeders around at different times of year. A wild idea both of these hangers also make great locations to hang a birdbath.
How do you attach a bird feeder to a tree?
Use a long rope, chain or bungee cord to secure a line to the tree. Make sure it has an S-hook or loop on the end for easy access. If you are attaching a squirrel guard to the feeder, hook it onto the cord before adding the bird feeder. Finally, connect the bird feeder to the squirrel guard or hook and make sure it’s hanging at the right height.
How can I mount a bird feeder on a window?
To mount a bird feeder on a window, you have two main options. The easiest way is to buy a window bird feeder with a suction mount system. Alternatively, you can use suction cup hooks designed for outdoor use and attach a suspended bird feeder from the hook.
How high should a bird feeder be hung?
It’s advisable to hang a bird feeder at eye level or 5-6 feet high. This height is suitable for most garden birds. Avoid hanging feeders too low, as they may be within the reach of cats or rodents who will raid the precious feed.