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Duncraft makes good sturdy feeders that will last for years to come. They even withstand the bleach in the cleaning process – though they will start to get a little cloudy from the process.
This feeder has metal ports, which prevent squirrels from chewing them apart to access seeds. The rust proof metal ports, lid, and base are attached to a polycarbonate tube. The tube is a little thicker than the one on cheaper versions of feeders you can get at local stores.
This feeder holds about 4 cups of seeds – which seems to be average for a feeder. It is 15.5 inches tall and has a good strong wire to hang from.
Out of all of the feeders I purchased and tried this time, this one is my favorite. It’s easy to use, fairly easy to clean (you’ll have to remove a couple of screws at the base), and the birds like it.
PROS
- Very sturdy
- Will last a long time
- Reasonable price
- Holds either mixed seed or sunflower seeds
CONS
- A bit of a challenge to fill with seed due to the squirrel locks
- Good cleaning requires removal of screws due due to the attachment of the base
My only complaints about this feeder are the squirrel locks on the lid and the base of the feeder. The squirrel locks at the top of the feeder consist of a washer-type metal ring attached to the used for hanging the feeder. Because there are two of them, they are constantly slipping back to lock the lid when I am trying to open it.
I suppose if I focused more and used two hands every time, this wouldn’t happen. However, in order to do that, I have to set the feeder on the ground, place it between my feet for stability and then use two hands. It’s just a minor annoyance when trying to fill the feeder.
I don’t know if these squirrel locks actually work or not as I don’t have a squirrel problem. The bird feeder pole that I use has a great baffle that keeps squirrels from even reaching the feeders. Instead, the squirrels join the birds under the feeder to get some seeds – a much more acceptable way for squirrels to get some seeds too.
My second complaint is the difficulty in removing the base in order to clean the feeder properly. Keeping our feeders clean keeps the birds healthy. It requires a good bottlebrush, a bleach and water (1 part/9 parts), and the ability to get the base off of the feeder (read the full instructions on cleaning feeders). The seeds just eventually work their way down into the base of the feeder, between it and the polycarbonate tube. If you leave it there, it will mold.
This particular feeder has the base screwed on, making it more difficult to clean. I suppose this is another squirrel deterrent, but it makes me less inclined to clean my feeders as I should.
Read the review for multiple tube feeders here.
NOTE: This article includes affiliate links. I purchased this feeder myself (I’m a bit of a backyard birding enthusiast) and am reviewing it based on my experience of the last year and a half of using the feeder in the conditions of my backyard in zone 7b.
Bird Feeding Add-Ons
Bird Seeds Scoop & Funnel
This simple little device is awesome! It makes it so easy to fill up a feeder. Rather than taking the bag and attempting to aim the seeds into a small opening, you can scoop them out and make sure you don’t miss a single seed!
My only problem with this scoop is that it occasionally gets clogged when you are working with sunflower seeds – you just have to shake it a little to or close and open the damper to get it going again.
The scoop is made of heavy plastic, so it’s very durable. I’ve had mine for 3 years now and it works the same as it did the day I purchased it.
HOW IT WORKS: Use it as a scoop to scoop seeds then stand it up right and open the damper to let the seeds go into the feeder. Great for hitting a small hole.
HINT: Always check to make sure damper is closed before you fill it. Damper allows you to stop the flow of seeds easily so you don’t overfill.
Squirrel Stopper Pole
My solution to preventing squirrels from getting to the birdseed is to keep them from getting to the feeders. The only thing that has ever worked for me is to hang my feeders on this is the Squirrel Stopper Pole. Despite the claims of many birdfeeders, I have found that once a squirrel reaches a feeder, they will find a way to get to the seeds. I’ve seen squirrels hang upside down by their toes to be able to pull seed out from a port and feed on it. I’ve had my squirrel stopper bird feeder pole for several years now and I still love it. It keeps the squirrels from ever reaching the bird feeders since they can’t climb up the pole. Read more about this pole.
