Finch feeder

Finch feeders

Goldfinches, siskins and redpolls need tiny ports or fine mesh for nyjer. The right feeder keeps the seed dry and fresh.

How we compared: manufacturer specifications and maker prices (30 Sep 2026), plus the placement and safety guidance of Audubon, the RSPB and other sources linked below. We have not tested these products ourselves.

American goldfinch – a bird you can attract with finch feeders
Photo lwolfartist / iNaturalist, CC BY

Quick picks

Picks by what matters to you

nyjer tube, ports

Droll Yankees New Generation Finch Flocker, 36 in

see price at the shop
  • ports: 20
  • capacity: 3.5 lb
  • length (in): 36
  • Large goldfinch flocks – most feeding ports in the set
See on Amazon
nyjer tube, weight-activated

Brome Squirrel Buster Nyjer

Price on Amazon
  • ports: 8 (Brome) – Duncraft lists 4
  • capacity: 2.4 lb (Brome); 2.25 lb (Duncraft)
  • height (in): 32 incl. hanger
  • Nyjer feeding where squirrels chew or empty plastic tubes
See on Amazon
nyjer mesh screen with tray

More Birds / Stokes Select Finch Screen Feeder 38194

see price at the shop
  • capacity: 9.6 oz (Amazon listing) – Bob Vila table states 6 lb
  • dimensions (in): 7 x 10 x 10 (listing)
  • design: screen for clinging, seed tray for perching, twist-off top and base, drainage holes
  • Small yards: low capacity keeps nyjer fresh
See on Amazon
nyjer tube, ports

Aspects 428 Quick-Clean Nyjer Tube Feeder, Large

Price on Amazon
  • ports: 10
  • capacity: 1.75 qt
  • material: die-cast metal caps/ports/base, UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube
  • Metal-port tube that is fast to clean
See on Amazon
nyjer mesh

Aspects Quick-Clean Spruce Nyjer Mesh Feeder

Price on Amazon
  • capacity: 2.75 lb
  • height (in): 12
  • material: die-cast metal, stainless steel mesh
  • Mesh feeding surface for many goldfinches at once
Find it on Amazon
nyjer sock (metal mesh)

Happy Wings Refillable Nyjer Sock Feeder (3-pack)

Price on Amazon
  • capacity: 1 lb
  • dimensions (in): 10.5 x 2.5
  • material: metal mesh stocking, flip-top metal cap
  • Cheap metal alternative to fabric socks
See on Amazon

Specs

11 models side by side

ModelPriceTypeKey specsBest for
Droll Yankees New Generation Finch Flocker, 36 in–nyjer tube, portsports: 20; capacity: 3.5 lb; length (in): 36Large goldfinch flocks – most feeding ports in the set
Brome Squirrel Buster Nyjersee Amazonnyjer tube, weight-activatedports: 8 (Brome) – Duncraft lists 4; capacity: 2.4 lb (Brome); 2.25 lb (Duncraft); height (in): 32 incl. hangerNyjer feeding where squirrels chew or empty plastic tubes
More Birds / Stokes Select Finch Screen Feeder 38194–nyjer mesh screen with traycapacity: 9.6 oz (Amazon listing) – Bob Vila table states 6 lb; dimensions (in): 7 x 10 x 10 (listing); design: screen for clinging, seed tray for perching, twist-off top and base, drainage holesSmall yards: low capacity keeps nyjer fresh
Aspects 428 Quick-Clean Nyjer Tube Feeder, Largesee Amazonnyjer tube, portsports: 10; capacity: 1.75 qt; material: die-cast metal caps/ports/base, UV-stabilized polycarbonate tubeMetal-port tube that is fast to clean
Aspects Quick-Clean Spruce Nyjer Mesh Feedersee Amazonnyjer meshcapacity: 2.75 lb; height (in): 12; material: die-cast metal, stainless steel meshMesh feeding surface for many goldfinches at once
Happy Wings Refillable Nyjer Sock Feeder (3-pack)see Amazonnyjer sock (metal mesh)capacity: 1 lb; dimensions (in): 10.5 x 2.5; material: metal mesh stocking, flip-top metal capCheap metal alternative to fabric socks
WoodLink (Panacea) Plastic Magnum Nyjer Feedersee Amazonnyjer mesh with traycapacity: 5 lb; dimensions (in): 8.5 dia x 12.5; extras: seed tray at bottom, overhanging roofHighest nyjer capacity per dollar in the set
Nature's Way Bird Products Bottoms Up Metal Thistle Finch Feedersee Amazonnyjer tube, upside-down portsperches: 6; ports: above and below each perch; material: powder-coated aluminum, UV-stabilized tubeGoldfinches (feed upside down) while giving other finches normal ports
Birds Choice Copper Mesh Tube Feeder for Finches, Smallsee Amazonnyjer meshcapacity: about 1.5 lb; dimensions (in): 4 x 4 x 12 (21.5 with cable); material: copper top/bottom, stainless steel screenSmall all-metal mesh feeder
WoodLink (Panacea) Tails Up Upside Down Finch Tubesee Amazonnyjer tube, upside-down portscapacity: 1.25 lb; ports: 6; dimensions (in): 5.5 dia x 17Selective feeder when house finches crowd out goldfinches
JCS Wildlife Recycled Poly Lumber Goldfinch Thistle Nyjer Feedersee Amazonnyjer mesh, wood-stylecapacity: 5 cups; dimensions (in): 7.5 x 12 x 6; material: recycled poly lumber, stainless mesh and screwsWeatherproof non-plastic-tube look

Manufacturer data and maker prices (30 Sep 2026); Amazon prices are not shown. “–” = not stated.

Buying criteria

What matters when you buy

  • Nyjer feeders have tiny openings so only small-beaked finches (goldfinches, redpolls, pine siskins) can get the seed (Audubon guide). (Audubon)
  • Audubon does not recommend fabric thistle bags because squirrels tear them and waste the expensive seed – metal mesh avoids this. (Audubon)
  • Hang nyjer feeders from a tree or on a 5 ft pole near other feeders, protected by a baffle (Audubon guide). (Audubon)
  • Mesh feeders let air dry seed that gets wet (Birds & Blooms, search snippet). (Birds & Blooms)
  • Upside-down port designs (ports below perches) favour goldfinches, which feed upside down comfortably. (Duncraft)

Questions

Finch feeders: questions

What is the best feeder for goldfinches?

A tube feeder with small nyjer ports or a fine metal mesh feeder. Fabric socks are cheap but squirrels tear them (Audubon).

Why are goldfinches not coming to my finch feeder?

Usually the nyjer is old, dry or has got wet. Buy small amounts and replace seed that has sat in the feeder for weeks.

Can I put sunflower hearts in a finch feeder?

Only in feeders made for them; in a nyjer feeder the ports are too small. Many goldfinches prefer sunflower hearts anyway.