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No-Mess Feeder

I use a variety of bird food to attract different species of birds. My favorite, and the one that attracts the largest variety of birds, is black oil sunflower seed. What I do not like about this seed is the mess falling shells make below the feeder. I have come up with a feeder that eliminates the problem, is easy to clean and fill, keeps the seed dry, and is convenient for birds.

The frame and roof are made from cedar. The hopper is made of 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth, and the bottom of the tray is made of the same cloth in 1/8-inch size. This cloth catches the hulls and allows drainage. I use 3/8-inch dowels for perches, which may be slipped out to drop the tray for emptying the hulls. A 3/8-inch dowel supports the hopper from the roof unit. This dowel may be removed and the hopper lowered to allow filling. The hopper will hold three quarts of black oil sunflower seed.

I hang this feeder from a small stainless steel wire stretched between two trees. This keeps squirrels from getting to the feeder. The feeder can be adapted to mount on a pole, if desired.

Download the specs for building the No-Mess Feeder.