Bird feeding is a popular hobby for many people who enjoy watching birds up close. Bird feeders offer an easy way to attract various species to your yard. However, keeping bird feeders safe and clean for visiting birds is important. One question bird enthusiasts often ask is: Should you cover bird feeders or leave them open?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that it depends. Covering feeders provides some benefits but also has drawbacks. Many experts recommend leaving feeders uncovered in most cases to allow easy access for birds. However, covers may be useful in certain situations, such as:
- Preventing larger animals like squirrels from stealing the birdseed
- Keeping seeds dry in wet weather
- Stopping the spread of diseases by reducing contact between birds
If you do use a cover, choose one with slots or gaps big enough for birds to easily enter and exit.
Pros of Covered Feeders
Covering bird feeders does provide some potential benefits:
Keeps Seeds Dry
Feeder covers can protect seeds and grains from getting wet during rain or snow. This helps prevent the birdseed from spoiling or growing mold.
Deters Larger Animals
Covers with small slots may prevent larger unwanted visitors like squirrels, raccoons or bears from stealing all the birdseed. Larger animals may give up trying to reach the seed through small openings.
Prevents Crowding of Birds
In some cases, covers may reduce crowding of birds at the feeders. This can lower the risk of spreading diseases among birds in close contact. Covers with small perches limit the number of birds that can sit at one time.
Reduces Mess Under Feeders
Covered feeders with trays or catchers below them can prevent as much birdseed hulls and debris from accumulating on the ground.
Cons of Covered Feeders
However, covered bird feeders also have some drawbacks to consider:
Obstructs Birds’ Access and Vision
Covers can make it harder for birds to swiftly fly in and out of feeders. Openings may not accommodate larger birds. Covers also block the birds’ visibility to watch for danger from predators.
Trap Moisture and Cause Mold
The enclosed space of covered feeders can actually trap moisture inside rather than keep seeds dry. Any water or condensation can cause wet seed to grow mold or bacteria.
Difficult to Clean
It is tougher to thoroughly clean covered feeders to prevent disease. The small openings restrict access to clean the interior and disinfect all surfaces the birds contact.
Deters Some Bird Species
Covers may scare away shy bird species. They prevent birds from being able to land and take off quickly from the feeder as they would in open areas.
Recommendations on Covered vs. Uncovered Feeders
Here are some expert recommendations on choosing covered or open feeders:
For most situations, uncovered is best:
Most ornithology experts advise using open feeders without covers in your yard. Birds prefer feeders that allow them to perch and feed comfortably and watch for predators. Open feeders are easier to fully clean and maintain hygienically as well.
Use covers primarily to deter larger pests:
If attempting to stop squirrels, bears, raccoons or other thieves, covers may help. Choose styles made of metal rather than plastic, with narrowly spaced openings no more than 1-1.5 inches wide. Be sure the openings still allow target bird species to enter.
Select partial covers if covering fully:
Opt for covers over just the seed ports if using one. Partial covers still allow birds to perch and retain visibility. But they prevent direct contact between birds at the seed ports where feed may spill.
Avoid fully enclosing feeders:
Fully enclosed feeders are difficult for birds to use and tougher to clean. They are more likely to trap condensation and grow mold. Limit covers to small selective areas if needed.
Use weather guards in wet climates:
In rainy or snowy regions, simple weather guards or roofs over feeders can help keep seeds dry without fully enclosing the feeder. Place feeders under eaves or porches too.
Spread feeders apart if concerned about crowding:
Rather than covers, separate feeders 10 feet or more apart in different locations of your yard to prevent overcrowding birds if concerned about disease transmission.
Example Bird Feeder Covers
If you choose to use a covered feeder, here are some popular options:
| Feeder | Description |
|---|---|
| Squirrel Buster Classic | Weight-sensitive perches close access to seed when squirrels or larger animals try to enter. |
| Roamwild PestOff | Metal bird feeder with enclosed seed ports protected by metal covers and openings. |
| Perky Pet Antigravity | Inner glass cylinder closes off access to seed when weight limit is exceeded. |
| Aspects 375 | Slanted plastic roof protects top and seed ports from rain and snow. |
| Songbird Essentials | Partial wire mesh cover around lower half of feeder only. |
There are lots of creative covered feeder designs to choose from if you decide to go that route. But most birders still recommend simple, open feeders for easiest access and maintenance.
Conclusion
Covered bird feeders can help deter larger pests and keep seed dry in some cases. However, they also make it harder for birds to use and enjoy the feeder and are trickier to clean. Most experts advise using open feeders without covers for best results in general.
If covers are used, opt for minimalist partial covers over seed ports only rather than fully enclosed feeders. And be sure the openings are wide enough for birds but too small for squirrels. With open feeders placed properly, you can attract a diverse range of wild birds to appreciate close-up while providing them a safe and healthy place to eat.
