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Platform Feeders.

A platform feeder caters to ground-feeding birds such as doves, towhees,and other sparrows, as well as to larger birds such as grosbeaks and jays.

The name says it all, a platform feeder is just that--a platform. It's been only recently that feeder manufacturers started making and marketing platform feeders. Perhaps this was due to the fact that this style of feeder is simple for any feeder operator to make. Just stick a large, flat object (usually a hunk of plywood) on a tree stump, cinder block, or birdbath pedestal and you've got a platform feeder.

The up side of using a platform feeder is that it's easy to fill, the birds can find the seed easily, and there's nothing blocking your sight lines. The down side is that platform feeders can lose their seed in high winds or snow, can be dominated by squirrels or larger birds, and can be a health hazard if not regularly cleaned. The proximity of birds' food and droppings can make platform feeders a liability where feeder hygiene is concerned.

Today's manufactured platform feeders often have wire mesh bottoms to allow moisture to drain away quickly. They are designed to be taken apart for easy cleaning and often come with a variety of mounting options, primarily hanging or pole mounting.

Platform feeders are the most basic feeder style, but they can be used with any food type and are used by virtually all feeder visitors. For these reasons, a platform feeder is a very versatile part of any feeding operation.

• Hopper Feeders
• Tube Feeders
• Platform Feeders
• Globe or Satellite Feeders
• Hummingbird Feeders
• Build Your Own Suet Feeder


• About Birdseed
• Other Bird Foods
• Backyard Bird Food Chart


• Bird Feeding Do's and Don'ts
• Common Bird Feeding Solutions