Seed Cylinders .vs Traditional Bird Feeding

When it comes to feeding birds, there are two popular options: seed cylinders and traditional bird feeders that utilize loose seed. While both have their pros and cons, it’s important to understand the differences between them so you can make an informed decision on which option is best for you and the birds you want to attract.

What makes seed cylinders so good?

1. Convenient: No more bulky seed bags or waste from pouring loose seed into feeders.
2. Increases bird observation: Birds stay longer at the feeder, offering better viewing opportunities, especially for rare birds like Indigo buntings.
3. Seasonal options: Available in specifically tailored blends for different seasons and bird species.
4. Summer feeding: Cylinders offer a way to feed woodpeckers during hot summer months when suet is not an option.
5. Multiple sizes: Our seed cylinders come in two sizes (Medium 4" x 7" and Large 6" x 7").

It is easier to see birds because they are attracted to seed cylinders and stay there longer than other types of feeders. As opposed to hopper-style feeders, a single cylinder can endure for several weeks. These cylinders are simple to operate and available in different seed mixtures to draw particular birds during various seasons.

Seed cylinders are perfect for people who have trouble refilling feeders or who will be gone for an extended period of time. They are an excellent summertime alternative to suet feeding when high temperatures can make suet feeding challenging. They are convenient and useful due to their lengthy shelf life.

Birds spend more time at feeders because seed cylinders require work to remove the seeds. Traditional feeders don't give you the chance to watch the birds because they swiftly eat and fly away. On the other hand, seed cylinders provide a little bit more entertainment.

How can Seed Cylinders be used?

Although our cylinders include a basic hanger, there are a number of feeders that you can purchase that are designed to work with seed cylinders.

If you do decide to purchase a seed cylinder feeder, make sure to get one that has a roof to provide protection from rain and snow.

Although a roof is great to safeguard the seeds, some feature cages to prevent larger birds from taking over the seed cylinders and to give smaller birds a greater chance to profit from what the seed cylinders have to offer.

Personally, I am not a huge fan of the caged varieties because we still want to attract larger birds like bluejays, cardinals and woodpeckers.

How are the seed cylinders made?

Seed cylinders are compacted mixtures of seeds, nuts, and/or fruit that may also contain insects like mealworms (depending on the mix). To hold the seed combinations together, the feed is pressed into cylinders and combined with gelatine.

What type of seed cylinder is best?

We offer 10 different types of seed cylinders and each type is available in two sizes (medium or large). The type you select will depend on your overall goal. Are you looking to attract a specific type of bird species to your yard? Do you want to help birds during the nesting seasons? Maybe you are looking to solve a problem with squirrels stealing your bird seed. Whatever you are looking to accomplish, we have you covered!