Summer Bird Feeders to Stop Food Spoiling and Keep Rats Away
Bird feeding is invaluable year-round, as these charming feathered creatures seek refuge in our yards. But, what many don’t realize is that different types of feeders are suited to different times of year.
It’s a crucial part of feeding garden birds to get right, especially during the heat of summer where food spoils faster and can attract rodents. That’s why having a smaller feeder is better at this time of year, so the food is being eaten before it becomes a health hazard. Opting for a cage bird feeder (like this one from Amazon) over a closed tube also provides airflow in the humidity and keeps mold at bay.
How you manage your bird feeder in summer also keeps it safe for birds, with refilling little and often being the most effective approach. Here, we explain more about helping garden birds in summer with the right feeder and share our favorite feeders to shop.
Feeding Birds in Summer
(Image credit: Nigel Dowsett / Alamy Stock Photo)
Summer is an important time to support birds with food and water so they stay energized. But, the extreme heat and humid conditions can cause bird food to go moldy and even cause your bird feeder to attract rats.
That’s why it’s key to have the right kind of feeder and manage it properly for the hotter conditions.
This includes using a smaller bird feeder and refilling it little and often, rather than keeping it fully topped up. This is so the food stays fresh for birds to eat, rather than stewing in the bird feeder and spoiling before it gets eaten.
This applies to hummingbird feeders too, where it would be a hummingbird feeder mistake to not refresh hummingbird nectar (like this from Walmart) regularly in summer.
For seed mixes, you should choose a cage bird feeder or tray feeder (like this one from Amazon) that allows airflow and prevents a build-up of excess moisture.
Placing your bird feeder in a shaded spot of the yard will also reduce how quickly the food spoils, and it provides birds a cool spot to refuel in.
Cleaning your bird feeder as often as every few days in hot weather is also crucial. You can use this bird feeder cleaning solution from Amazon to rinse it out and keep it sanitary for birds to use.
As for the best food to provide in hot weather, this wild bird fruit and nut mix on Amazon is packed with nutrition for birds. Likewise, you can add some black oil sunflower seeds (from Walmart) which are particularly energizing.
You should, however, avoid suet balls in scorching weather. They can melt easily, not only making a mess but attracting rodents and other pests.
If any bird food does go moldy and spoils, make sure to discard it, clean your feeder, and provide fresh food for the birds.
Best Summer Bird Feeders
(Image credit: mtruchon / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)
These summer bird feeders are all bird feeders that limit infection and keep bird food safe and sanitary in hot, humid conditions:
Green Metal Cage Bird Feeder
This green metal cage bird feeder has a 4lb capacity. It has perches for birds to easily rest on and a baffle to stop squirrels getting to the food.
Birdfy Smart Hummingbird Feeder
This smart hummingbird feeder has a smaller capacity so nectar doesn’t spoil in summer heat. It captures HD footage of visitors.
Hanging Bird Bath and Feeder
This set comes with a matching bird feeding tray and bird bath to hang from a tree branch or on a bird feeding pole.
Platform Bird Feeder with Cage
This bird feeder tray includes a cage to keep squirrels out while allowing small birds access.
Glass Mosaic Hanging Bird Feeder
This beautiful glass mosaic bird feeder doubles as a mesmerizing feature when sunlight shines through the different colors.
Small Jar Hummingbird Feeder
This small jar hummingbird feeder holds up to six ounces of nectar, ideal for summer feeding. It has multiple feeding ports.
Smart Window Bird Feeder Tray
This bird feeder attaches to a window and has a camera for observation. The feeding tray has two compartments.
Sunflower Decorative Bird Feeder
This charming decorative bird feeder has a capacity of just 4.5lbs and has a mesh body, perfect for summer bird feeding.
Decorative Bird Feeder Tray
This bird feeder tray is just the right size to put out daily bird seed in summer. It’s made of durable metal to last many years.
There are also bird feeders for fall and winter that are worth picking up over summer, and you can create natural bird feeders to place around your yard year-round.
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