

Others have wire netting on top, covering the birdseed but allowing birds access to the seeds while preventing squirrels from eating it. Some tray feeders have a bottom made of wire netting or plastic screen to prevent water accumulation and filter residues. Prices vary with the size, design, and material used to make the feeder. Most tray feeders are made of wood, but others are made of plastic or a combination of wood and other material. There are several types of tray or platform bird feeders, all of which use the same idea of having a baseboard or base screen with sides to contain the bird food from spilling over. They can be hung, kept as a table-like, set on or near the ground, or attach to a window. Tray/platform bird feeders come in different sizes and shapes. Some platform feeders have a bottom tray made of a plastic or metal screen that prevents water from accumulating in the tray and spoils the bird seed. Soaked birdseed can develop fungi that may harm the birds. This feeder has the most straightforward design, is easy to refill, and attracts a wide variety of birds that, include ground feeders and those that feed on the trees.įor tray feeders that do not have protection against rain and snow, it is recommended to offer an amount of birdseed consumed in one day or two. The second easy way to feed birds is by using a tray of a platform bird feeder. Birds will find the seed put out for them, and if they feel it is safe to return, they will. Is a tray bird feeder the right choice for a beginner?įeeding birds can be as simple as sprinkling birdseed on the ground consistently.
#Platform bird feeder on pole how to
Other types of bird feeders have shapes and feeding ports of different sizes where birds have to figure out how to obtain the food and allow only specific bird sizes and bill shapes.Ī tray or platform resembles an open space on the ground, something birds, mainly ground-feeding birds, are used to feed on regularly. Tray bird feeders are the least exclusive. It consists of a square or rectangular base with sides at the edges to prevent the birdseed from spilling over.īirdseed is directly filled into the tray and is visible to the birds. What is a tray or platform bird feeder, and how it works?Ī tray bird feeder is the simplest of all bird feeders. In this article, I describe tray or platform bird feeders, their types, how they work, and the pros and cons of having one. It can be placed anywhere, including the ground, and are easy to refill. Unlike tube and hopper feeders, a tray feeder is just a platform without feeding ports or shapes that may intimidate shy species or where birds have to figure out how to get to the seed.Ī tray feeder is ideal for someone who is starting to feed birds at home. It consists of a square or rectangular platform (base) with side pieces to prevent the birdseed from spilling over.Ī tray feeder is known as a non-exclusive feeder. They can be a simple wood shop project for you to do in the home if you so desire.A tray or platform bird feeder is the simplest and more versatile of all bird feeders. But why else are these feeders ideal? Well, t here’s the cost of a bird feeder tray. Basically, a tray style bird feeder allows you to put out a buffet for the birds if you so choose.Ī bird feeder tray will give your birds the space to feed together, while giving them some variation if you so choose. You’ll be surprised at which birds prefer red milo, which like white millet, and who wants safflower, and good old black sunflower. You can even see a preference between black sunflower and striped sunflower if you want to do the experiment. After all, why not put two or three kinds of seed down and watch who eats what? You can mix bird seed types when you have a tray. The bird feeder tray is a great way to watch how birds socialize and you can get an idea of what their preferences are. Eventually however, they’ll fly back up into the trees and you’ll get a glimpse of how the rest of the birds get along. If you have grosbeaks or bluejays, they’ll tend to take over the bird feeder tray and push everyone out. The birds no longer go one at a time, but will instead hang out in a group. One thing you’ll notice when you have a tray style feeder is the social aspect of the bird feeder tray. We had a simple piece of wood about 1’ x 2’ with 1×4 sides. The feeder was simple and the birds really seem to like it. It’s the kind of bird feeder I grew up with in Vermont.

Tray style bird feeders have been around for a very long time. Woodlink 3-in-1 Platform Bird Feeder Tray Review.Gray Bunny Ground Bird Feeder Tray Review.
