For this reason, this feeder requires a bit more maintenance than other tube feeders.

You’ve probably noticed when cleaning your tube feeders at home, that the dirtiest part of the feeder is right at the bottom, where moisture can collect. The downfall of the feeders when used for seed is that seed is only dispensed from the lowest level of the feeder at the tray.

Note that you wouldn’t want to use this “sip” option in freezing temperatures. Water is an essential part of attracting birds to your yard, so this would be an ideal way to provide it. It didn’t help that the neighbors have a nice large bird bath out that local birds already know exists! However, this would be a great water dispenser in parts of the country where water is scarce in early summer, including the desert southwest, the Midwest, and the south east, where just a small puddle or dripping faucet can attract thirsty birds. So, the water feeder didn’t see any use, as water was available almost everywhere. I put this feeder up in late July, a time in central Pennsylvania that is marked by almost daily afternoon rainstorms. It works much like a hummingbird feeder, but the tray acts as a pool of water, and birds can perch on the edge of it to drink. It is also more easily maintained than a bird bath, in that you can simply carry it inside and wash it out. I travel a lot, and this is much more practical to tote along than an actual bird bath. I really enjoy the option of having a hanging “water” feeder. If you don’t offer squirrels something else to eat, they would probably be tempted to nibble on your feeder. I kept the squirrels off of these feeders by offering a suet cage, which kept them busy and satisfied. Bird feeders made of glass are quite durable and a good option if you have to deal with pesky squirrels! However, the materials that make up the adjustable opening “collar” are plastic, so this could be a weakness of the feeder if you have problem squirrels in your yard. I didn’t use this when hanging my feeders, but it could be useful.īoth feeders are constructed from a glass tube. The feeders came with a copper hanger that you can use to mount both feeders on a branch, feeder, or pole hook. I used a mixture of millet and sunflower seeds in one, and I filled the other with water (one feeder can hold up to 22 ounces of water or 1 pound of seed!). You could easily put seed in both, water in both, or seed in one and water in the other. If you want to use the “water” option, you adjust the opening so that it is just part-way open, and if you want to use the “seed” option, you adjust the opening so that it is fully open. Sip & Seed Feeder set, shown with copper hook (included) photo from Both feeders are identical, but have an adjustable opening where seed or water is dispensed.

Double deck hummingbird feeder