How Much Does a Bird Feeder Cost?

Inviting wonderful wild birds into view by offering seed, suet, and nectar in well-designed feeders allows enjoying their beauty up close while supplementing nutrition. But with so many styles and sizes of bird feeders available from different brands, what types of feeders are reasonably priced for most budgets?

This detailed guide provides a cost breakdown across styles, comparisons between DIY and store-bought, durability considerations, tips for budget birdwatching, and the immense rewards of this relaxing hobby. Read on to learn just how accessible bird feeding can be.

How Much Does a Bird Feeder Cost?

Overall expect to spend just $5-$100+ depending on capacity, construction materials, specialized design features, quality, and retailer. Basic tube or platform feeders under $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) attract abundant birds, while deluxe weather-resistant houses or huge hoppers run up to $150+ (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) for serious hobbyists.

Tube Feeders - Tall transparent cylindrical tube design with small integrated perches. Small capacity (under 1 lb seed) - $10-$30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) Large capacity (over 3 lbs) - $50-$60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) Hopper Feeders – House or box shaped structure with multiple specialized feeding stations. Small (under 5 lbs) - $25-$60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) Large (over 12 lbs) - $100-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) Platform Feeders – Open flat tray style design. Most affordable feeder type. Small (under 2 lbs) - $5-$15 Large (over 5 lbs) - $20-$30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) Suet Feeders - Specialized feeder that holds suet cakes for birds. Single suet capacity - $15-$25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) Double suet capacity - $25-$35 (≈2.3 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) Window Feeders - Adheres to windows using suction cups. Standard size - $30-$60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) depending on materials

Specialty Feeders - Tailored by specific birds needs from $30-$100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job)

According to The Home Depot, the average price for bird feeders ranges from $10 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour). This wide range reflects the variety of options available, from simple, budget-friendly feeders to elaborate, high-end models designed for specific bird species or enhanced durability.

In a more localized context, Dublin Handyman Service provides insights into installation costs for bird feeders, indicating that basic bird feeder installation typically costs between $50 and $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job), while advanced installations can range from $100 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour). This suggests that while the feeders themselves may be inexpensive, the installation can add to the overall cost, especially if additional features like squirrel guards are included.

Columbia Handyman Service also shares pricing information, noting that a basic bird feeder can cost between $10 and $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour), while premium models may range from $50 to $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job).

They also provide installation costs, with pole-mounted installations costing between $50 and $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) and tree-mounted installations ranging from $30 to $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour). This information highlights the variability in both product and service costs associated with bird feeders.

In most cases cost rises with larger capacities, more durable and weather-resistant materials like recycled plastic or steel versus wood, and more design features tailored to certain bird species. Consider longevity balanced with budget when purchasing.

Bird Feeders and Their Benefits

Bird feeders are hanging or mounted structures for containing seeds, suet, nectar, fruit, or other nutritious foods to naturally supplement wild bird diets while allowing easy viewing and observation from windows or yards. Common feeder varieties and their purposes include:

You might also like our articles about the cost of an emu bird, kiwi bird, or owl.

Tube Feeders - Enclosed transparent tube design with perches, ideal for smaller-beaked birds like finches and chickadees. Dispenses seeds and nuts.

Hopper Feeders – House or box shaped structure with multiple specialized feeding stations and seed reservoirs. Popular general purpose style.

Platform Feeders – Open flat tray style designed for larger birds. Most basic and budget-friendly option.

Suet Feeders - Specialized feeders that hold suet cakes composed of fat, nuts, and seeds for attracting insect-eating birds like woodpeckers.

Window Feeders - Compact feeders that adhere to windows using suction cups for up close viewing.

Specialty Feeders - Designed specifically to dispense nectar, fruit, or certain seeds to target precise bird species like hummingbirds.

Benefits of using well-designed bird feeders include:

• Attracting gorgeous exotic and native birds dangerously close for observation
• Learning to identify numerous bird species and study their interesting behaviors
• Providing supplemental nourishment to undernourished birds during harsh seasons
• Enjoying the relaxing activity and mesmerizing sights, sounds, and action
• Adding beautiful garden accents that give landscapes pops of color, life, and motion

Offering birds needed nutrition enhances biodiversity, while rewarding hobbyists with the joy of communing with nature through a high-value pastime for people of all ages.

Factors Influencing Bird Feeder Pricing

While basic platform feeders begin around $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage), more specialized feeders accommodating specific birds, protecting seed from elements, preventing messes, and lasting for years may run $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-150+. Price factors include:

• Size and seed/nectar capacity - larger is pricier
• Construction materials like weather-resistant plastic or steel versus basic wood
• Tailored design features like multiple specialized feeding ports, squirrel deterrents, drainage,etc.
• Brand, construction quality, and durability - better lasts longer
• Specialization for certain birds like hummingbirds or bluebirds
• Where it's sold - big box, specialty stores, garden centers

When choosing, consider intended bird types, local climate, and lifespan value versus upfront costs. High-quality models protect investment through lasting durability and optimized feeding capabilities specific to birds in your region.

DIY Bird Feeder Alternatives

Very simple homemade bird feeders provide budget-friendly introductory options or temporary seasonal supplementation to store-bought feeders and are fun, easy kid-friendly projects. Most utilize free recycled items like:

• Cleaned 2-liter plastic bottles with cut out bottoms
• Used plastic milk and juice jugs with drainage holes
• Small ceramic planters or emptied tin cans
• Old plastic storage tubs or bowls

These very basic DIY feeder ideas typically cost under $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage) for supplies like twine for hanging and a dowel perch. However, most lack ideal durability and properly tailored specialized design features to attract and accommodate more shy and selective birds. Making your own platform feeder is fun, but leave specialized tube, suet, and hummingbird feeders to the experts. Combining DIY with quality store-bought models works well.

Smart Budget Birdwatching Tips

While specialized bird feeding equipment runs higher than makeshift DIY alternatives, engineered bird feeders with perches, ports, sealing, and drainage specifically designed to properly dispense seeds, suet, fruit, and nectar are worth the very reasonable investment for serious hobbyists. Individuals can employ certain tactics to help keep attracting birds economically:

• Shop end of season clearance sales for the best deals on high-quality feeders
• Buy large bulk bags of seeds and nuts to save drastically over tiny expensive packs
• Make DIY suet substitutes by recycling kitchen fats and nut waste
• Use coupons, loyalty rewards, and ask about sales at garden supply retailers
• Join local birding groups and clubs to exchange homegrown food, share advice, and resell quality used equipment
• Carefully maintain feeders to maximize lifespan - protect your investment

With some clever shopping approaches and find use of recycled and homemade items, feeding birds as a hobby can remain quite affordable long-term with a modest initial budget.

DIY or Store-Bought?

The decision ultimately depends on the individual's bird watching and feeding goals...

For temporary seasonal enjoyment and casual hobbyists, very basic DIY feeders may sufficiently supplement wild bird nutrition at the lowest costs. Those simply wishing to casually observe abundant local species like starlings, grackles, doves, and cardinals will see adequate activity from DIY feeders.

However, serious birding enthusiasts intent on attracting more rare, exotic, and shy species will certainly appreciate the optimized feeding capabilities and increased activity specialized weather-resistant store-bought feeders attract and accommodate through engineered designs tailored specifically to birds' needs. Though pricier, well-made feeders greatly enhance the experience and provide years of rewarding use that offsets costs. Making the small investment in quality brings big rewards.

Either way, properly feeding birds sustains fragile populations while providing meditative relaxation. For devoted birders, store-bought feeders are absolutely worth the reasonable prices.

Final Words

Attracting wonderful wild birds to gardens and windows with well-designed feeders adds a lively, interactive element of relaxing nature immersion and learning to everyday life.

While premium bird feeding equipment crafted specifically for optimal seed and nectar dispensing runs higher than makeshift DIY options, quality feeders engineered for bird behaviors invite increased activity and diversity that create priceless experiences for devoted hobbyists.

And consistently providing birds supplemental nutrition bolsters resilience. With some clever budgeting, birdwatching through properly maintained feeders offers newfound glimpses into the natural world that foster treasured memories lasting a lifetime.

Answers to Common Questions

Is it a good idea to have a bird feeder?

Responsibly designed and maintained bird feeders that are kept clean, avoid overcrowding, and provide needed supplemental nutrition during harsh conditions are considered generally helpful to birds by most wildlife experts, ornithologists, and conservationists. They help counter dwindling natural food sources.

What is the cheapest DIY bird feeder?

Simple DIY feeders can be made from cleaned plastic milk jugs, 2-liter bottles, emptied aluminum cans, small ceramic planters, and plastic tubs. With a few drainage holes and some twine for hanging, these make great starter feeders.

How often do you need to fill a bird feeder?

In cool weather when activity is slower, nectar and seed may only need replenishing every 2-3 weeks. But in peak seasons, refreshing hummingbird nectar every 2-4 days and bird seed weekly ensures you don't inadvertently run dry. Check levels regularly.