[check out the latest arrivals now!](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=best bird feeder for cardinals&s=date-desc-rank&tag=pinpinstore-20)
# Best Cardinal Bird Feeders of 2025: top Picks & Expert Reviews
Are you captivated by the vibrant flash of red that announces the arrival of a Northern Cardinal? These stunning birds are a welcome sight in any backyard,and providing them with the right bird feeder is the key to enjoying their presence regularly. If you’re looking to attract cardinals to your yard and ensure they are well-fed, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of cardinal bird feeders, offering expert insights, top recommendations for 2025, and all the essential information you need to create a cardinal haven in your very own space.[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## Why Cardinals Need a Special Approach to feeding
Understanding why cardinals require a specific type of bird feeder is crucial. Unlike some smaller birds, cardinals have relatively large bodies and powerful beaks designed for cracking sunflower seeds and other larger treats, meaning smaller openings or perches may not be the best match. Their preference for particular food and feeding styles also makes it vital to choose the right equipment. We’ll discuss cardinal feeding tips, and what makes the best seed for a cardinal feeder, helping you provide the ideal feeding environment.
[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## Identifying the Best Cardinal Feeders: A Comprehensive Guide
When you start researching ‘cardinal bird feeder’ options, the sheer variety available can be overwhelming. But certain characteristics are more attractive to these magnificent birds than others. here’s what you should look for when choosing the best bird feeder for cardinals:
### 1.hopper Feeders for Cardinals: A Classic Choice
Hopper feeders, often featuring a broad shelf or platform and a seed dispensing area, are particularly appealing and fall under the cardinal friendly bird feeders category. These feeders provide ample space for cardinals to perch and comfortably access food, with room for several birds to feed concurrently. They generally have a large capacity and are easy to refill. When selecting a hopper feeder, look out for:
* **Wide perches:** Cardinals aren’t agile birds; wide and sturdy perches provide the stability they need. Perch design is key becuase cardinals tend to prefer wide, flat areas to rest and eat.
* **large seed capacity:** A larger capacity cardinal feeder means fewer refills, which is beneficial, especially if you have frequent visitors.
* **Durable Construction:** Look for materials like metal or sturdy, UV-resistant plastic that can withstand various weather conditions. You want a durable cardinal bird feeder that can hold up over time.
### 2. Platform Feeders: Great for Scattered Seeds
Platform feeders for cardinals are another great option, with the open surface allowing cardinals to easily see and access their food.These consist of flat, elevated surfaces where seed can be scattered, these tend to attract many types of birds as well.
* **Good drainage:** Ensure the platform feeder has adequate drainage to prevent seed from becoming waterlogged and moldy.
* **Open design:** the open design makes it easy for cardinals to fly in and, more importantly, to fly out, helping to prevent any feeling of being trapped.* **Visibility:** Birds prefer to see their surroundings while feeding; platform feeders offer good visibility.
### 3.Tube Feeders for Cardinals: Adapting to Cardinal Needs
While tube feeders aren’t as ideal as platform and hopper types for cardinals due to their smaller perches, some tube feeders are designed with cardinal needs in mind. Key features that make a tube feeder suitable include:
* **larger perches:** Some tube feeders include larger, loop perches that are wide enough for cardinals to perch on comfortably.
* **Wider openings:** Look for feeders with larger openings and good seed access that suits cardinal beaks.
* **Deter pests**: if you’re looking to deter squirrels and other nuisance wildlife, a tube feeder with added pest deterring features might be ideal for you.
### 4. Seed Feeders for Cardinals: Tailoring the Menu
The best seed for a cardinal feeder isn’t just any seed mix. Cardinals have particular preferences that make buying specific seed options worthwhile:
* **Black Oil Sunflower Seeds:** Cardinals LOVE black oil sunflower seeds, and they are a staple in any good cardinal feeder mix.
* **Safflower Seeds:** Cardinals are attracted to safflower seeds, and squirrels typically dislike them, which helps deter nuisances.
* **Peanuts (Shelled or Unshelled):** Cardinals enjoy peanuts; offering these can add variety to their diet, especially during colder seasons when they require higher fat content foods.
* **Avoid Millet:** Millet is a common filler in many cheaper seed mixes but isn’t preferred by cardinals.Opt for a mix that has a higher percentage of the preferred seeds. These preferences help you attract cardinals to feeder.
[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## Squirrel-Proof and Weatherproof Considerations
When you plan and create an inviting feeding environment for cardinals, you also have to keep in mind that these can be disrupted by other wildlife. As an example, squirrels and harsh weather can quickly undo your attempts to create ideal conditions.
### Squirrel-Proof Cardinal Feeder: Outsmarting the Critters
A squirrel-proof cardinal feeder is a must for many, preventing squirrels from dominating the feeding area and stealing the seed. there are several styles to consider:
* **Weight-Sensitive Feeders:** These feeders have mechanisms that close off the seed ports when a squirrelS weight is detected, perfect for keeping squirrels at bay.* **cage-Style Feeders:** These feeders feature a wire cage that allows smaller birds but keeps squirrels and larger birds out.* **Baffles and Add-ons:** You can also use squirrel baffles on poles and hanging feeders to physically block their access.
### Weatherproof Cardinal Feeder: Standing Up To the Elements
A weatherproof cardinal feeder ensures the food stays dry and accessible,avoiding mold and spoilage.
* **Materials:** Choose feeders made of materials resistant to rain, snow, and sun. Durable plastics and metal constructions are ideal.
* **Drainage:** Proper drainage holes in the bottom of the feeder are essential to let water out and keep the seeds dry and safe.
* **Covered or Overhanging roofs:** Having some coverage like a roof on hopper and platform feeders helps protect seeds from rain and snow, providing a better foraging experience for the birds.
[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## maintenance and care of Your Cardinal Bird Feeder
Keeping your cardinal bird feeder clean is just as critically important as its design. Regular maintenance prevents disease and keeps birds coming back for more. How to clean a bird feeder is a key component of good stewardship.
* **Regular Cleaning:** clean your feeders at least once every two weeks, or more often if you notice heavy use or wet, clumpy seeds.
* **Thorough Washing:** Wash the feeder with hot, soapy water, using a brush to dislodge any leftover grime, and rinse thoroughly.
* **Disinfect:** A diluted bleach solution can definitely help disinfect the feeder from bacteria or mold.Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
* **Drying:** Ensure the feeder is wholly dry before refilling it with new birdseed.
[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## Top Recommendations for 2025
Based on our analysis and the needs of cardinals, let’s take a look at some highly recommended options for 2025:
1. **The Brome Squirrel Buster Plus**: A top contender for squirrel-proof feeders, this weight-sensitive feeder closes off access before squirrels can take the seeds, and has plenty of capacity for hungry cardinals, a great option for when you need a durable solution.
2. **Perky-Pet No/No Cardinal bird Feeder:** Made with durable materials,this product is designed to hold several types of seeds,and has additional room around the feeding ports. This product offers an easy way to attract cardinals and keep them coming back.
3. **ABXKZ Squirrel proof Bird feeder:** This feeder features a robust design with a metal mesh around the feeding area, effectively keeping squirrels out. A great choice for those in areas with an active squirrel population.*It’s important to note that these product recommendations require further investigation and may be subject to change during real-world testing and product rollout in 2025.*
[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## cardinal feeding Tips for Success
Attracting cardinals is not just about having the right feeder, but also understanding their needs:
* **Location, Location, Location:** Place your feeder in a quiet spot, near shrubs or trees, to give them cover and protection, away from too much disturbance from humans or pets.
* **Provide a Water Source:** A birdbath or a shallow dish of water will attract more birds to your yard, allowing them access to water when they want.
* **Patience is Key:** It may take some time for cardinals to discover and consistently visit a new feeder. Be patient and consistent with your replenishment schedule.
* **Variety is Good:** Offer a variety of seeds. Although they love sunflower seeds, having other foods available provides them with a balanced diet.
* **avoid Pesticides:** Make sure the area around the feeder is free from pesticides and chemicals that can harm birds. Environmental consciousness is a key consideration of any bird lover.
[Explore Top Rated best bird feeder for cardinals on Amazon.]
## Final thoughts: Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Backyard
Attracting cardinals to your yard is a rewarding experience, bringing color and joy to your surroundings. By choosing the right feeder, offering the best seed for your chosen cardinal bird feeder, and following best practices for care and maintenance, you can provide a welcoming environment for these striking birds. With the right information and an appropriate investment in equipment, understanding how to feed cardinals can be both a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for years to come. So welcome the vibrant beauty of these special birds into your outdoor space, and experience the joys of bird feeding. We hope these insights will help you find the ideal feeder amongst all the options, and help you create a cozy cardinal haven in your backyard!
[Shop budget-friendly options now!](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=best bird feeder for cardinals&s=price-asc-rank&tag=pinpinstore-20)