How to Attract Finches to a New Feeder

There are a variety of types within the finch family of birds. Because they are social birds, usually when you see one in your yard, others are likely nearby. Any time you place a new feeder in your yard it can take time for birds to find it and begin using it. If you are considering adding a new feeder to your yard, there are a few easy steps you can take to attract finches to it.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird feeder
  • Food
  • Squirrel baffler
  • Bird bath
  • Clean water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a finch-friendly feeder. Finches prefer one of three main types of feeders. A hopper feeder is one in which the receptacle, or hopper, is filled with food and it continuously pushes the food through a hole or holes at the bottom as the birds eat. A second option is a tube feeder. This is a long plastic tube with holes in the side filled with bird seed. By each hole is a perch that allows finches to sit and eat from the holes. The third type is a sock feeder. This is a long mesh material filled with bird seed. The finches can hang from the mesh and eat the food through the holes.

    • 2

      Choose a finch-friendly food for the feeder. Finches prefer certain types of food, including seeds, fruit and suet. For seeds, try thistle, sunflower, white proso millet, canary or a mixture of them. The sweetness of fruit and nectars is also appealing. Finches enjoy brightly colored fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, oranges or papaya. Bananas are also a favorite. Suet is a mixture of fats and other ingredients. For example, a mixture of lard, peanut butter, cornmeal, oats and sugar is a popular suet recipe. You can also use premixed finch food found at a pet store.

    • 3

      Use a squirrel baffler. Squirrels will try to get to your bird feeder and toss the seed all over. This discourages finches and other birds from visiting the feeder. Often bafflers involve a dome-shaped device hung over the feeder, making it nearly impossible for the squirrels to reach the food. Check garden supply stores for the option that is right for your feeder.

    • 4

      Add a bird bath. Birds are attracted to water. Placing a bird bath in the yard offers wild finches a water source. This attracts them to your yard and, in turn, to the new feeder. Keep the water fresh and clean. Stagnant water can repel birds.