Best Bird Seed for Tube Feeders: Top Picks for Attracting Birds

Bird watching is a delightful hobby that many of us enjoy. It’s a great way to connect with nature and observe the beauty of different bird species.

A tube feeder is one of the best ways to attract birds to your backyard. Tube feeders are popular among bird enthusiasts due to their versatility and convenience.

Regarding tube feeders, the type of bird seed you use is crucial. The right bird seed can attract many birds to your feeder, while the wrong type can go to waste or harm the birds. Therefore, choosing the best bird seed for tube feeders is essential.

When selecting bird seed for your tube feeder, remember a few things. Firstly, you should consider the type of birds you want to attract.

Different bird species have different dietary needs, so choosing a bird seed that caters to their preferences is important. Additionally, you should look for high-quality bird seed free from fillers and other additives.

At our team, we spent countless hours researching and testing different bird seeds to identify the best ones for tube feeders.

In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to choose the best bird seed for your tube feeder.

Best Bird Seed for Tube Feeders

We’ve rounded up the best bird seed for tube feeders to help attract various beautiful birds to your backyard.

Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or just starting out, having the right bird seed is essential for attracting the birds you want to see.

After researching and testing various products, we’ve narrowed down the top options that will bring a flock of feathered friends to your yard.

More Birds Abundance Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for a bird feeder that can hold many bird seeds and attract various birds, the More Birds Abundance Bird Feeder might be the perfect choice.

Pros

• The feeder has a large 3.5-pound birdseed capacity, so you won’t have to refill it as often.
• The Stay Full Port System ensures that seed is evenly distributed, even when seed levels are low, which will attract more birds.
• The feeder has six feeding ports, all adjusting to serve any type of seed, so you can choose which birds you want to attract.

Cons

• Some birds may have difficulty perching on the feeder due to the adjustable perches.
• The feeder may not be squirrel-proof, so you may need to take extra measures to keep squirrels from eating the bird seed.
• The feeder may be difficult to clean if bird seed gets stuck in the ports.

We recently purchased the More Birds Abundance Bird Feeder and have been pleased with its performance. The feeder has a large capacity, so we don’t have to refill it as often.

The Stay Full Port System is a great feature because it ensures that the seed is evenly distributed, which attracts more birds. We’ve seen various birds at the feeder, including finches, chickadees, and sparrows.

One thing to note is that some birds may have difficulty perching on the feeder due to the adjustable perches. We’ve also taken extra measures to keep squirrels from eating the bird seed.

The feeder is easy to refill but can be difficult to clean if birdseed gets stuck in the ports. We’re happy with our purchase and recommend the More Birds Abundance Bird Feeder to other bird enthusiasts.

Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food

Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is an excellent choice if you want to attract colorful backyard birds like cardinals, titmice, chickadees, finches, and grosbeaks.

Pros

• Contains 100% sunflower and safflower seed with no fillers
• Safflower is rich in oil and disliked by squirrels
• Attracts a variety of colorful birds

Cons

• It may not attract all types of birds.
• Some birds may prefer a different type of seed
• It may not be suitable for all types of feeders.

We recently tried Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food in our tube feeder and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of birds it attracted.

The black oil sunflower seeds provided wholesome energy, and the safflower seeds were disliked by squirrels, which helped keep them away from the feeder.

We loved that the blend contained no fillers, just 100% sunflower, and safflower seed.

Remember that while this blend attracts various colorful birds, it may not be suitable for all types of feeders.

Additionally, some birds may prefer a different type of seed, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different blends to see what works best in your backyard.

Overall, we highly recommend Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food for anyone looking to attract colorful backyard birds to their feeders.

Mr. Canary Original Finch Tube Feeders

The Mr. Canary Original Finch Tube Feeders are a great place to start if you want to attract beautiful little songbirds to your backyard.

Pros

• Made by American Workers with Disabilities
• Heat Treated Seed That Won’t Sprout
• Recyclable

Cons

• May be expensive for some
• Some feeders may be empty in the packing box
• Caps on some feeders may be loose

We love that American workers make these feeders with disabilities and that the seed is heat-treated, which means it won’t sprout. Plus, the feeders are recyclable, which is great for the environment.

One downside is that the price may be a bit steep for some. Additionally, some feeders may be empty in the packing box, and some caps may be loose, which can be frustrating.

Overall, if you’re looking for a classic feeder that attracts goldfinches, house finches, purple finches, and chickadees, the Mr. Canary Original Finch Tube Feeders are a great choice.

Kaytee Finch Sock Feeder Twin Pack

The Kaytee Finch Sock Feeder Twin Pack is a great option if you’re looking for an instant feeder perfect for finches, siskins, and other small birds that prefer feeding from soft mesh socks. We highly recommend this product for bird enthusiasts who want to enjoy the beauty of wild finches in their backyard.

Pros

• The mesh bag feeder allows finches to cling to the feeder easily.
• The twin pack includes two finch sock feeders.
• The feeders are pre-filled with quality Kaytee Nyjer Seed.

Cons

• The sock feeders are only suitable for nyjer or thistle seed.
• The feeders must be placed approximately 4 feet near trees or shrubs for best results.
• The old food must be discarded before refilling, and the feeder must be cleaned regularly to minimize mold and bacteria.

We recently purchased the Kaytee Finch Sock Feeder Twin Pack for our backyard, and we were impressed with how quickly the finches flocked to the feeders. The mesh bag feeder attracted more finches than our tube feeders, allowing us to enjoy their beauty up close.

The twin pack is a great value, and the pre-filled sock feeders made it easy for us to get started. We also appreciated the feeders’ compact size, making them easy to hang in our trees.

However, we needed to be careful to place the feeders in a location protected from squirrels and other critters.

Overall, we highly recommend the Kaytee Finch Sock Feeder Twin Pack for anyone who wants to attract wild finches to their backyard.

The mesh bag feeder is a great alternative to tube feeders, and the pre-filled sock feeders make it easy to get started. Just be sure to follow the instructions for best results!

Kaytee Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed

If you’re looking for a mess-free bird food that is attractive to a wide range of birds, we recommend the Kaytee Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed.

Pros

• More peanuts and sunflower hearts with no hulls and no mess
• 100% edible mix, leaving no messy leftovers under feeders
• Attracts a variety of colorful songbirds, including cardinals, finches, chickadees, and more

Cons

• Some birds may still toss the husk, requiring some cleanup
• Maybe a bit pricey compared to other birdseed options
• Some users have reported that it doesn’t attract as many birds as other Kaytee mixes

We have used this bird seed in our tube feeders and have been impressed with how little mess it creates. The mix is 100% edible, so no sunflower hulls or other waste is left behind under the feeders. We have also noticed that many birds are attracted to this mix, including cardinals, finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.

While some birds may still toss the husk, we found that it is much less messy than other bird seed options. However, the Kaytee Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed may be a bit pricey compared to other bird seed mixes. Some users have reported that it attracts fewer birds than other Kaytee mixes.

Overall, if you’re looking for a mess-free and attractive birdseed mix, the Kaytee Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed is a great option to consider.

Wagner’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend

We highly recommend Wagner’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend for tube feeders.

Pros

• Attracts perching and ground birds
• Contains sunflower and general-purpose seeds
• Moderately priced valued blend that gets the birds

Cons

• Some birds may prefer specific seeds or blends
• It may attract unwanted wildlife, such as squirrels or raccoons.
• Some seeds may go uneaten and create waste

We have used Wagner’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend for several years, and it consistently attracts various birds to our feeder.

The blend contains high-quality grains and seeds, including sunflower seeds, which are a favorite of many backyard birds.

Various birds have fed on this blend, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, and even woodpeckers.

One of the advantages of this blend is that it attracts both perching and ground-feeding birds, so we have seen a variety of species in our backyard. Additionally, the blend is moderately priced, making it an affordable option for backyard bird enthusiasts.

However, some birds may prefer specific seeds or blends, so monitoring which birds visit your feeder and adjusting the blend as necessary is important.

Additionally, the blend may attract unwanted wildlife, such as squirrels or raccoons, so it may be necessary to take measures to prevent these animals from accessing the feeder.

Finally, some seeds may go uneaten and create waste, so it is important to clean the feeder regularly to prevent mold or bacteria growth.

Overall, we have had great success with Wagner’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend and recommend it to anyone looking for a quality birdseed blend for their tube feeder.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best bird seed for tube feeders, there are a few things to consider to ensure you are providing your feathered friends with the best possible nutrition. Here are some features to look for when selecting bird seed for your tube feeder:

Seed Type

Different bird species have different dietary needs, so choosing a seed mix that is appropriate for the birds you are trying to attract is important. Some common types of birdseed include:

• Black oil sunflower seeds: high in fat and protein, these seeds are a favorite of many bird species, including chickadees, finches, and nuthatches.
• Nyjer (thistle) seeds: small and black, these seeds are a favorite of finches, siskins, and goldfinches.
• Safflower seeds: a good option for attracting cardinals, grosbeaks, and doves, as they are less attractive to squirrels and other pests.

Quality

When selecting bird seed, choosing a high-quality product free from dust, debris, and other contaminants is important. Look for fresh seed not sitting on the shelf for too long.

You can also check for mold or insect infestation signs, which can harm birds.

Price

The price of birdseed can vary greatly depending on the type and quality of the product.

While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper brand, it’s important to remember that low-quality seed may not provide the necessary nutrition for birds and may even contain harmful additives.

Investing in a higher-quality product may ultimately save you money in the long run by attracting a wider variety of birds and reducing waste.

Feeder Design

Finally, it’s important to consider the design of your tube feeder when selecting bird seed. Some feeders are designed to accommodate only certain seed types, while others are more versatile.

Be sure to choose a feeder appropriate for your selected seed mix to ensure birds can access the food easily and safely.