Small pets
13-inch 6-Port Clear Tube Bird Feeder — Metal Lid, Base & Perches
Review
Designed specifically for small songbirds, this tube feeder has six petite feeding ports with short perches (about 1.4 inches) so finches, chickadees, sparrows and nuthatches can feed comfortably while larger species struggle to get a grip. The tight port spacing discourages blue jays, grackles and cardinals from taking over the tray and tossing seed to the ground. If you’d like to attract larger birds too, use this in combination with a platform or hopper feeder; this piece is intentionally a small-bird station.
Refilling is quick thanks to the lift-top metal lid: pull the lid straight up and pour seed through a wide opening rather than channeling it down a narrow neck. The transparent polycarbonate tube lets you check seed levels from afar so you refill before it runs dry. The feeder is sized to hold roughly 1.5 pounds of sunflower, safflower or mixed seed — a modest capacity by design so seed is consumed before it can stale.
Cleaning is straightforward even though the base is fixed and does not detach. Tip the feeder upside down to dislodge compacted seed, run a bottle brush or pipe cleaner through the ports to scrub the insides, rinse thoroughly and then leave it inverted until completely dry before refilling. Repeat this every two to three refills and after extended wet weather to prevent damp seed accumulation.
Key components — the lid, base, perches and the metal rings around each of the six ports — are metal, giving birds solid surfaces to land on instead of thin plastic. The clear seed tube is made from polycarbonate so you can see seed levels easily. Note: the open ports do not make this a squirrel-proof design; an industrious squirrel can reach inside in many setups. If squirrels are common, hang the feeder on a pole with a baffle or place it where squirrels can’t access it.
The included metal hanger fits standard shepherd’s hooks, deck poles or tree branches for flexible placement. Many owners position it within sight of a kitchen or living room window so they can watch visiting birds — finches often discover a new feeder in a few days. It performs in all seasons, with activity typically peaking in late autumn and winter when natural foods are scarcer. This feeder also makes a practical gift for birdwatching friends and family.
Pros
- Six small ports favor finches and chickadees
- Metal lid, perches and port surrounds for sturdier landings
- Wide lift-top and clear tube for fast refills and easy monitoring
Cons
- Not squirrel-proof; open ports allow access
- Fixed base can make deep cleaning a little trickier
- Modest 1.5 lb capacity may need frequent refills in busy yards
VerdictWell-suited for finches, chickadees, sparrows and other small yard birds, this 6-port clear-tube feeder is easy to refill and lets you monitor seed levels at a glance. Metal lid, perches and port surrounds give a more solid landing surface than thin plastic, and the compact 1.5 lb capacity encourages fresh seed turnover. It won’t foil persistent squirrels and the base is fixed, but if you want a n
Reviews
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Elaine 3/5
Not as rugged as premium brands
It’s okay, but not on par with Yankee Droll. Ours was chewed through by a bear — the plastic tube didn’t withstand that.
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Mrs. Landis Cirincione 4/5
Good value with one caveat
Overall pleased — it looks good and birds use it. My only worry is the plastic tube feels a bit thin and I’m unsure how it will weather over time. Assembly and filling were easy, though, and it does the job.
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CST 5/5
Nice quality but too small for me
Very well made, just a bit smaller than I needed so I returned it. If the dimensions suit you, it’s a great feeder.
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Brandon 5/5
Sturdy, lightweight and easy to maintain
Feels durable and the plastic tube seems high quality. Holds a useful amount of seed, fills quickly, cleans easily and is pleasantly lightweight.
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amador manzo 1/5
No birds attracted for me
It didn’t attract a single bird at my place.
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MARTHA PATRICIA CHAVEZ PEON HOFFMANN PINTHER 1/5
Squirrels can lift the lid
Squirrels are able to lift the lid and eat the seed easily. A threaded or locking lid would help.
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paddyjpm123 5/5
Solid build and attractive
Well constructed and looks nice in the yard. Loading and hanging are simple. Squirrels have toppled ours a few times, but the feeder itself suffered no damage thanks to the sturdy materials.
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Srushti Savadi 4/5
Works for small birds, not for big ones
Feeder itself is handy but certainly not squirrel-proof. Also wish the perches were longer; cardinals and blue jays struggle to land on the tiny perches, so mostly small birds visit.
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Micavrie Amaia 5/5
Great for birdwatching — but not squirrel-proof
My cats loved watching the activity and the feeder drew lots of small birds. It’s easy to fill and holds a healthy amount of seed, but a squirrel ripped it down and bent the hanger metal — now I’m trying to fix it. Still, it was very popular and emptied fast while it lasted.
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WWCO 5/5
Favorite among our many feeders
We run a small bird sanctuary and have lots of feeders, but these two green tubes are always emptied first. They’re simple to assemble, look nice and the metal parts are durable — the birds clearly prefer them.
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Tracy, Hertfordshire. 5/5
Excellent no-mess design for finches
No mess and almost no waste — goldfinches and tits love it, especially for sunflower seeds. Took a few weeks for birds to figure it out, but now they use it reliably. Can’t speak to weathering since mine is sheltered, but design seems weather-resistant.
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Sam 5/5
Simple and practical
Good and practical.
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Amilie Trépanier 3/5
Mold builds up in the bottom
Mold tends to collect at the base and it’s hard to clean thoroughly.
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