Testing feeders for finches

Tube feeders are great for small birds, and squirrels can’t get the seed! I use thistle seed (also known as nyjer seed,) which attracts finches. It's more expensive than sunflower seed, but lasts longer and doesn’t leave shells on the ground.
To build the pole, I used electrical conduit pipe, noted at 05:30 in the vid. I used a 3/4” pipe for the base and a 1/2” pipe for the elbow. Here’s the product info: www.homedepot.com/s/electrica...
I bent 45˚ angles into the 1/2" pipe using a pipe bending tool: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Too... No need to rent or buy one, I just used it while I was in the store!
When I got home, I hammered the 3/4" pipe into the ground, then slid the 1/2" pipe in from the top. Next I secured both pipes together with a sheet metal screw, and sprayed with Rustoleum paint to provide color and prevent rust. The last step was to add a hook at the top to hang the feeder from.
tags: eastern, gold, finch, goldfinch, bird, feeder, thistle, seed, best, seeds, for, tiny, birds, tips, stop, squirrels, cartoon, hand, drawn, stop, motion, animation, animated, funny, character, Frankenstein, Frankenbirds, Frankenfixit, handyman, inventor, invention, product, review, consumer, animals, NJ, backyard, garden, relaxing, satisying, peaceful, nature,

[@SonofBenton]

Very good video. I am new at trying to attract finches. You were clear and informative. You are a great teacher. Thanks. 🙂

[@wendyreynolds6959]

The tube really limits the number of finches at one time (6) while the sock doesn’t. I have 5 socks and have had as many as 15 finches on a sock at a time. They seem to start at the top and work their way down to the bottom as the bottom finches fly back up to the top. It’s quite a lovely “song and dance” to watch. I vote for the sock. They are not hard to fill once you get the hang of it. Great video!

[@bjutgaard8481]

All you need now is a fountain for them to drink from too:) Happy Birds!

[@robertcornelius3514]

You are a very good demonstrator. You could sell ice to Eskimos.

[@1986Unlimited]

This was the video I was looking for! So much good information here. I got all excited and bought some nyjer only to remember my big ol Brome squirrel buster plus wasn't made for that seed loll. The Brome finch feeder is pretty expensive so I was looking for cheaper options and stumbled upon your video. It's good to see these products being tested in the field because it makes the review credible and helps people choose the best bird feeder for them. Also, thank you for talking about the garden poles and finding cheaper alternatives...my set was so damn expensive. Thanks! One last thing. Sick beard. You just need adamantium claws and a yellow suit and you're set ;)

[@Frankenfixit]

I’m glad you liked the video, thanks for the feedback! I actually did dress up as Wolverine for Halloween a few years ago. I wore a leather jacket, spiked my hair, and made my own claws: I spray painted six plastic butter knives silver, then glued them to a pair of fingerless workout gloves. It was more like half-Wolverine and half-MacGyver!

[@georgeprime2249]

Hi. You're absolutely correct about birds keeping to the same time to feed. Its important to make sure, without fail, the feeders are full and ready to go before the times they come. If they are observed closely and the times are noted when they are gathering, they will realise that this is a reliable place. They have to know this and will not be let down. I don't know if Thistle seed is the same as Nyger seed, but finches love Nyger seed. If you have this you won't be able to stop them coming. I agree that a general bird seed mix is useless. I find that the bag contains mostly wheat and barley which is only good for pigeons and chickens. What I would suggest is putting some perch extensions on using wooden pegs. Just some round dowelling and drill a hole through the middle the size of the existing perch that's made of metal. Bit of Gorilla glue up the inside and push it on. It only needs to be about 1" longer but that helps them to get a better grip as they're feeding. They are then more confident to land. I would definitely think about providing a source of drinking water because the seed is dry and after a few minutes of eating it they will need a drink. The best thing I've found is a flat tray with a bit of a lip round the edge. Something they can grip onto. Maybe, for example, a seed propagating tray without holes in the bottom. Or a large cat litter tray. The domed type bird bath don't work as it gets deeper towards the centre and they won't trust it. I must say, the birds you get over there ( I'm in the U.K. ) are very nice.

[@lightgiver7311]

The problem with nyger seed is by the time you purchase it half of the seed is dried out. Nyger is an oil seed so the finches pull tons to the ground pulling out seed till they find good ones. Also rain makes it moldy so you must go out and give it a few shakes every time to keep assist with it not gluing together. Tray's at the bottom also collect mold and bird feces. I have seen quite a few sick Goldfinch due to this problem. I find if I put a safflower feeder out, the House and Purple finches will eat there.

[@Frankenfixit]

I haven’t had any problems because I don’t put my feeder out in the rain, and I wash it once a month with a hose, then dry in the sun before refilling. I haven’t tried safflower seed, but I might in the future since it’s cheaper than nyjer seed - thanks for the tip!

[@moorejazznow]

Will the safflower seed go through the small holes on a finch feeder?

[@alanwhitsitt5196]

Use a wide mouth juice bottle with the bottom cut off to fill the sock. Very easy. Around here, however, the birds destroy a sick in a couple weeks. LOL

[@Dfgzx12xyw]

Great job!!! I just bought the plastic bird feeder and I will use this coming spring. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@narfman11]

Dude, Good for you. You killed this. Keep it up.

[@afa14523]

Great video. I have lived here for 26 years and the only birds I can attract are sparrows, black birds, hummingbird, blue jays, and a few red birds. I would love to have blue, finches and others. Thanks Oh, I live in the country to so one would think I could have them all. 😀

[@johnfleming68]

Enjoyed watching your video Frank of your yellow finches which I know longer have in my backyard just just the sparrows and the red throated finches I don't know what happened to my yellow finches that I had a couple years ago they disappeared just wanted to chime in thank you

[@terrydanks]

Taking feeders in at night? Huge hassle, IMO. I don't. Yes, on occasion I've had destructive visits from bears. How often? Well, twice in 41 years when there was considerable damage. A couple of other times when damage was minimal. So, it happens. Also, the birds rise far earlier than I in summer and want their breakfast! I just recently put a tube-type Niger feeder out. Not many takers yet. The gold and purple finches use it more as a perch waiting their turn at the sunflower feeder. LOL!

[@TH-eb5ro]

Corect on different seeds, feeder information. I check the DNR and Audubon sites where I am for ideas. Weather/critters have an impact on how long feeders last. I also use a cut off container for a funnel. We use the 4 hook system from Lowe's and it has held up for years with raccoon and deer pushing on it but you are correct many of them are not that sturdy and DIY is cheaper. Great idea drilling out the feeder hole. Have you made any covers for the feeders to help with rain/snow? I'm thinking of trying to make some from items at Dollar Tree.

[@Frankenfixit]

Thanks for the tips! To keep out rain and snow, I put a plastic squirrel baffle over the feeder which acts like a roof: www.homedepot.com/p/Perky-Pet-16-in-Transparent-Squirrel-Guard-340/100155143 One change I made was to replace the flimsy plastic hooks with metal hooks that are used for hanging potted plants: www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-30-lb-White-Enamel-Swag-Hooks-2-Pack-50340/100115444

[@moorejazznow]

@@Frankenfixit I just got the same plastic squirrel baffle from Home Depot, how did you attach the metal hooks?

[@CynthiaMeow]

Nicely done! Would you please show us how you attached the pole to the ground? Thanks.

[@Frankenfixit]

I used a 4-lb drilling hammer, stood on a ladder, and pounded the pipe 1 ft into the ground. (Don’t use a regular hammer: too small, too light, and will chip/break.) A safer alternative would be a fence post driver. Here’s a link: www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-in-x-9-in-x-1-479-500-ft-Metal-Fence-Post-Driver-901147EB/205960880

[@rivahkillah]

If your ground is soft, stand on the ladder and place a small piece of wood over the top of the pipe and hit down with a hammer. The wood will spread the force of the hammer strike over the whole top of the pipe minimizing chances of damaging the pipe.

[@oppy2002]

@@Frankenfixit How did you get the bend in the top part of the pole?

[@Frankenfixit]

I rented a pipe bending tool: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-3-4-in-Conduit-Bender-and-Handle-56207/100660160

[@Frankenfixit]

@How Soon Is Now There's actually an Olympic sport for that: the javelin!

[@oppy2002]

I noticed that both feeders are yellow. Do you think the color serves as an attractor?

[@Frankenfixit]

I think so, since birds seem to be drawn to bright colors, such as sunflowers. Also, since goldfinches are yellow, they probably assume "Birds of a feather..." and a group of them will show up.

[@Sule1939]

How do you keep the sock feeder dry?

[@Frankenfixit]

I put my socks in the dryer... oh wait, you mean the feeder, sorry! The plastic baffle above the feeder provides some shelter during a light drizzle, but during heavy rain I don’t put the feeders out because the birds don’t come during bad weather anyway. Also, I empty all the feeders back into a 5-gallon pail to prevent moisture from forming, and during the summer I wash the tube feeders every month, that’s why I have two of them: when one is drying, the other is in use.

[@plzhd2]

You’re right the shepherd poles are expensive n flimsy! What is the pole you used? How did you put everything together?!

[@Frankenfixit]

I used electrical conduit pipe, as noted at 5:30 in the vid. I used a 3/4” pipe for the base and a 1/2” pipe for the upper part. Here’s a link with the product info: www.homedepot.com/s/electrical%2520conduit?NCNI-5 I bent 45˚ angles on the 1/2" pipe with a pipe bending tool: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-1-2-in-Aluminum-Conduit-Bender-and-Handle-56206/100660166 No need to buy one, I just used it while I was in the store! When I got home, I hammered the 3/4" pipe into the ground, then slid the 1/2" pipe into it from the top. Next I secured both pipes together with a sheet metal screw, and sprayed with Rustoleum paint to provide color and prevent rust. The last step was to add a hook at the top to hang the feeder from.

[@Dr_No]

@@Frankenfixit Genius and so resourceful! Impressive indeed!

[@nbga1680]

My 10 lb bag of thistle didn't even last one month. I'm using a sock feeder. very expensive. I'll add sunflower seeds, since they will eat off of the ground too. I have no bears nor even squirrels near me.

[@patriciabullers8494]

I just watched this and laughed when he said the 5lb bag lasted almost a year! Once the finches started coming to ours they never stopped eating!

[@DavidReese2ndA]

You have Pine Siskins Also! And Purple Finches... I only have The Two Pine and Gold! I'm having trouble with mold in the tube feeder's I have? I've switched? I'm trying the Screen type now?? I'm in Ohio Lower Michigan!

[@Frankenfixit]

Here are my suggestions to prevent mold: • Don’t leave the feeder out overnight, it will accumulate moisture. • Keep the birdseed bag in a 5-gallon bucket with a lid to keep dry. • Clean the feeder once a month with a hose by removing the bottom plug so any debris can drain out easier. You may need to unscrew the lowest perches since they are holding it in, then reassemble the feeder once it’s dry. Hope this helps, good luck!

[@vistaprime]

bears eat bird seed? And where are you located? what city is this?

[@Frankenfixit]

Yes, bears eat seeds - they are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and/or plants. Black oil sunflower seeds have a very strong odor, which a bear could easily detect. It also doesn’t help that some of my neighbors leave birdfeeders out overnight, which also attracts raccoons and deer. I’ve learned to put my birdfeeder in the shed before dark, to prevent any uninvited overnight guests. I’m in northern NJ, and there are lots of critters that come out at night.

[@vistaprime]

My American gold finches will not share my feeder at the same time with other finches except for their mates. On all the online footage I see, the finches all gather at the finch feeders together with no issues. Why are all my finches fighting at my feeder when there are plenty of food and perches for all? Any advice. I have never seen this in all the online footage of them at feeders including yours.

[@Frankenfixit]

My guess is your finches are used to having the feeder to themselves and are defending their turf…but that’s just a guess though, I’m not a bird expert. I’ve never seen finches act aggressively; mine seem to get along fine with other birds. Sorry I couldn’t help!

[@69ztang]

I bought a ball feeder on amazon for black oil funflower seed that makes it hard for larger birds to feed on it. Helps the seed last longer. www.amazon.com/RSB00343-Seed-Ball-Wild-Feeder/dp/B0040QAE2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524418466&sr=8-1&keywords=ball+bird+feeder

[@xincarceratedx]

what city\state?

[@Frankenfixit]

This was in New Jersey. I moved in 2019, and I assume the birds left too.

[@iknowur4me]

Hi I just bought one exactly same (80% off) ( Lowe’s) and same seeds but I don’t see any birds😢

[@Frankenfixit]

Finches go south for the winter, so you probably won’t see any until April or May. Also, once they come to your area, it’ll take them time to recognize that a new feeder is up. On the other hand, sparrows hang around all year, which is why you see them show up almost immediately when a feeder is hung up. However, sparrows are non-native and will eat anything, so I store my feeder in the shed after October and save it for the finches in the spring.

[@vistaprime]

if you're feeder is yellow or not, tie a yellow ribbon around it this will attract them as it blows in the wind. I have never ever seen gold finches in my neighbourhood like ever. 36 hours after doing this, they arrived to my feeder. make sure your feeder is not hidden under trees but is easily viewed. so place it in an open space. I leave my feeders out all night as I have no bears and don't mind squirrels munching on the feeders with sunflowers as we have plenty of seed for everyone.

[@onlyKRIZAN]

young Mungo Jerry Summertime love it. Peace

[@ckobo84]

Hey McGiver why not instead of cutting open the entire top of the seed bag just cut a couple inches out of the corner for pouring? No funnel needed.

[@Frankenfixit]

Thanks for the tip, but the reason I cut open the whole bag is so I can pour it into a 5-gallon pail, which can be sealed with a lid, and then stacked on top of the other 5-gallon pails I use for storing grass seed, fertilizer, sand, etc. P.S. - The TV character’s name is spelled MacGyver, not McGiver ...unless you mean a person who gives to charity? LOL

[@joeyhardin1288]

The Purples ran off the Golds. Do the Purples feed on the sock as much as the Golds do.

[@Frankenfixit]

I think the goldfinches like the sock because there's more room to move around and also they can feed upside-down. The purple finches seem to prefer the tube feeder since it has perches.

[@joeyhardin1288]

@@Frankenfixit You are right, I got one yesterday. The Purples get on there but soon move to the tubes with sunflower seeds.

[@ArizVern]

RETIRED, 79, FREEDOM, USAF, VFW. KNOW ABOUT MANY TYPES LOCAL BIRDS AND THERE PROBLEMS. ALWAYS HAD ACTIVE BIRD BATH.

[@MitchSonic]

So... you wanted nothing but finches? That's fine... but you're never going to see nuthatches, titmice, cardinals, grossbeaks, Downey Red-bellied or Hairy woodpeckers, or any other amazing birds. That seems sad.

[@Frankenfixit]

What’s wrong with finches? They’re small birds that don’t consume large seeds & nuts, which saves on supplies and prevents scraps that would attract pigeons, doves, and squirrels. I still see other birds like chickadees and cardinals since they eat the berries on my taxus/yew bushes, so it didn’t seem necessary to purchase seeds for native birds since they already have a food source. Sunflower seed is so commonly used, so I thought it would be interesting to use thistle seed instead since it attracts bright colorful birds.

[@jesseryan4053]

I mount my bird feeders on a 4x4 treated post, and have a galvanized squirrel baffle on the post that was $20. The baffle keep 99 percent of the squirrels off in the year I have used it. Now I don’t worry about feeder type and I feed the birds whatever they like. Most good feeder companies like Droll Yankee will replace squirrel damaged feeders, but the cost of feeding them in the first place is outrageous. Just my 2 cents.

[@Dr_No]

@@Frankenfixit I'm with you. I fell in love with finches by accident just two weeks ago. A 'mama hen' surprizingly built her nest in earnest within a day of purchasing a red robin potted tree I had placed directly in front of a floor-to-ceiling window by my fully-windowed back door. From both my kitchen table and counter where I do much of my prep work in the kitchen, I watched her build an elaborate nest and 'privacy' screen which eventually blocked out my view of most of her nest --- but not from every angle. She's got 4 one-half inch eggs. Unfortunately, a windy-rainy storm 2 days ago blew away most of her pre-positioned privacy cover. She's now sitting on her nest in full view (from me) with the occasional visit from her babies' daddy. Because I spend so much time cooking in the kitchen, she is very much aware I'm in view and seems comfortable enough not to fly off but I don' go right up close to the window. Last week, I bought a new nyjer feeder, seeder, cleaner, brush set etc. for her and her growing 'family' and placed it at the other end of the garden where I was hoping she'd see it. As luck would have it, I saw a finch on the feeder in less than 48 hours of setting it up. I'm still learning as it's raining right now, the feeder is outside -- thump to head! I should not have left it outside! Many thanks for the guidance and important lessons learned. No doubt, I have so much more to learn and like Arnold said, "I'll be back!". I hope to share good news about new 'hatchlings" and sucessful fledglings in due course ...

[@skubefamilychannel]

You like the thistle seeds however Your vague on what happens if these seeds land in your lawn...this sounds like a bad idea, Y/N. Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles occur all over the plant - on the stem and flat parts of leaves.

[@Frankenfixit]

I don't have thistle plants in my yard, I just buy the seeds for the birds to eat. If there’s any waste that falls out, it would be just the shells, which are like oregano (since the seeds are so small,) and biodegrade into the soil. That’s one of the reasons I stopped using sunflower seeds, because sunflower shells don’t degrade quickly and leave a mess, and are an attractant to raccoons and squirrels. This problem doesn't seem to happen with thistle seeds.

[@robwasnj]

Actually they're not the same, however, I DID have some thistle grow wild in my yard, I let it go and I never had so many goldfinches in my life! It was a natural feeder for them and they were there every day for about a month. Being a nature photographer this was a delightful experience and I hope the thistle replants itself next year. I had to tell my landscaper not to cut it down. Milkweed is also great for butterflies and my catbirds love the wild pokeweed plants that grow. I think my bird visit my yard not for my feeders but for all the other things it provides.

[@davidruberto8863]

I can’t get past that horrible beard enough to pay attention to this video.

[@Frankenfixit]

I can’t past the fact that you’re rude enough to say that, but thanks for your honesty. What’s wrong with my beard? It’s inspired by Wolverine, Ra’s Al Ghul (from Batman,) and Mr. Gibbs (Pirates of the Caribbean.) Basically it’s just a beard with the mustache shaved off, it’s not like I did anything drastic. If my facial hair bothers you that much, don’t worry because I recently grew out the mustache since I’ve been wearing a N95 mask for the past two months and didn't shave, so now I have a normal, full beard… happy?

[@navisme]

I really like the beard!

[@Frankenfixit]

@@navisme Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!

[@spacekitt.n]

@@Frankenfixit i like the beard, never change your style

[@okedokie]

sounds like 1 man is paying too much attention to another man's beard...