The best feeder for house finches
House finches are prone to Mycoplasma conjunctivitis (swollen, crusty eyes), which spreads at feeders. Clean feeders every two weeks and take them down for a week if you see sick birds.
Feeder styles that work
They feed comfortably on small perches.
Holds enough sunflower for their flocks.
What to fill it with
- Black-oil sunflower
- Hulled sunflower
- Nyjer
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The House Finch measures 5.1–5.5 in and weighs 0.6–0.9 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for house finches?
Tube feeder. They feed comfortably on small perches.
What should I put in a feeder for house finches?
Black-oil sunflower, Hulled sunflower, Nyjer.
Where should I place a feeder for house finches?
House finches are prone to Mycoplasma conjunctivitis (swollen, crusty eyes), which spreads at feeders. Clean feeders every two weeks and take them down for a week if you see sick birds.
Sources
- House Finch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- House Finch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- House Finch — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.