Chickadee feeders come in a range of styles, shapes, and sizes, since chickadees enjoy eating at all types of bird buffets. These small, energetic birds tend to like open feeders where they can easily grab food and go, but they'll happily feed at tube feeders, hopper feeders, caged suet feeders, or mesh feeders. Known for quick visits and frequent trips throughout the day, chickadees like to grab a piece of food and fly off to stash or eat it elsewhere, so the best chickadee feeders offer fast, easy access.
Chewy's selection of chickadee feeders includes tube feeders with small openings, mesh hanging feeders, tray feeders, squirrel-proof feeders, and fly-through designs that suit chickadees' grab-and-go behavior. Made to pair well with the foods chickadees commonly prefer, such as sunflower kernels or small seed mixes, many designs help keep food protected from weather while remaining easy to access quickly and safely. Here are some things to look for in chickadee feeders:
Small feeding ports: Openings sized for small beaks help chickadees feed comfortably while deterring larger birds.
Quick-access design: Fly-through feeders, open platform feeders, and other styles allow fast entry support for chickadees' frequent visits. They also like to cling, so mesh and tube feeders can work well.
Seed compatibility: Chickadees enjoy sunflower kernels, nuts, and small seeds like safflower or nyjer, so look for feeders that will hold these preferred bird seeds well.
Weather protection: Covered or enclosed designs help keep food dry and fresh.
Critter deterrence: Features like baffles or weight-activated platforms can help deter squirrels and other pests.
Choosing the right feeder can help make your backyard a haven for chickadees, supporting local wildlife while enhancing your birdwatching experience. You can even find smart bird feeders suitable for chickadees, so you'll always know exactly when a feathered friend visits for a meal. Chewy has an excellent selection of bird feeders for chickadees and all sorts of other wild birds. Use the product filters on our site to find the perfect one for your needs!
Chickadees typically prefer hanging feeders, since they are tree-foraging birds and they like to go where they can cling or perch and grab a quick meal. However, they also enjoy open feeders, so a hanging or pole-mounted platform feeder can be a good choice for chickadees, too. Luckily, chickadees are not terribly picky about bird feeders, and they will gladly dine at tube feeders, mesh feeders, and hopper feeders.
Chickadee feeders should be placed in the vicinity of shrubs or trees that provide nearby cover, but not so close that predators can reach them. Place them 10 to 15 feet from trees or shrubs, at least 5 feet in the air, and either fewer than 3 feet away from windows or farther than 20 feet away to prevent collisions. Choosing a quiet location with a clear flight path can also help chickadees feel more comfortable visiting the feeder.
Chickadees usually visit feeders often, coming by many times throughout the day. Their frequent, short visits mean food can disappear quickly even when only a few birds are present, so be sure to get a chickadee feeder that holds enough for these hungry little backyard birds.