If you have decided that you want to feed the birds there is a lot you will have to find out before you can get it all set up. You need to know which type of bird feeder you need depending on which birds live in your area and which ones you want to attract to your yard. No matter the choices you are planning on making the first thing to consider is that whichever feeder you choose you want it to be able to satisfy a certain number of basic needs. You want one that is easy to clean. That means considering the plastic and metal ones first. They are far easier to clean properly than the wooden ones. Even if the wood ones appeal to you more because of how they look this is one factor you need to consider. You might need to choose cleanliness or attractiveness.

They must be well made. When you have put something out to feed the birds you want to be able to count on it lasting. That requires it being something that is well-built enough to be able to withstand various weather conditions. It needs to be able to withstand winds, rains and anything that winter weather can throw at it. As well, the bird feeder needs to be able to keep the seeds you have put into it dry. You also want one that is big enough you need not have to fill it every day. Lastly you want to get a feeder that will not be too difficult to put together. If you have to spend hours assembling it the average person won't bother buying one. So you will need to either find one that is simple to put together or get one premade.

Bird feeders are usually considered to be either tray feeders, tube feeders or lastly hopper feeders. These designations are based on size and shape of the feeder. But there are other kinds as well. These are a little more unusual and include those for hummingbirds, suet feeders or peanut feeders. Every one of these will feed a variety of birds but no two are necessarily useful for the same type of bird. If your goal is to feed hummingbirds the feeder you use will be not only filled with a different type of feed but it will be very differently shaped. Hummingbirds do not eat seed mixes. It you are looking for attract smaller birds a feeder that has perches will encourage them to stop by. While bigger birds will do better with tray feeders.