Platform or tray feeder: which birds use it
Draws the widest range of species, including ground feeders. Needs a mesh floor for drainage and daily cleanup.
Is a platform or tray feeder right for your yard?
| Holds | Anything |
|---|---|
| Best for | Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Juncos, Blue Jays, Native Sparrows, Robins |
| Not for | Anyone who hates mess or squirrels |
| Squirrels | None at all |
| Cleaning | Easy, but must drain |
| Price range tracked | $13.99 to $28.97 |
Platform or tray feeders from budget to premium
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Hopper feeder: A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
- Ground tray: A low mesh tray a few inches off the ground keeps seed out of wet soil.
- Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder: A spring-loaded shroud drops over the ports under a squirrel's weight. The most reliable squirrel-proof design at a hanging feeder.
- Peanut mesh feeder: Birds peck pieces through the mesh, which is safer for nestlings than whole kernels.
Ranked picks: Best bird feeder for cardinals.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Hopper feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Nyjer sock · Suet cage · Tail-prop suet feeder · Peanut mesh feeder · Peanut wreath · Window feeder · Hummingbird feeder · Oriole feeder · Mealworm feeder · Smart camera feeder
Get the printable checklist
One page with every item, the placement distances and the cleaning schedule. We send it once. No sales sequence.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds use a platform or tray feeder?
cardinals, mourning doves, juncos, blue jays, sparrows and robins use it most. Draws the widest range of species, including ground feeders. Needs a mesh floor for drainage and daily cleanup. It is not a good fit for anyone who hates mess or squirrels.
What do you put in a platform or tray feeder?
Anything. The foods that suit it best are black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, sunflower hearts and chips, safflower, white proso millet, cracked corn, shelled peanuts, peanuts in the shell, mealworms, fruit (oranges, apples, berries) and mixed seed blends. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a platform or tray feeder squirrel-proof?
None at all. The only complete protection for any feeder is a smooth pole with a baffle whose bottom edge sits 4 to 5 feet up, placed at least 10 feet from trees, fences, decks and roofs.
How do you clean a platform or tray feeder?
Easy, but must drain. Every two weeks, or weekly in wet weather, empty it, scrub with hot soapy water, soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for ten minutes, rinse well and let it dry completely before refilling.
How much does a good platform or tray feeder cost?
Listings we track run from $13.99 to $28.97. The cheapest models work, but mid-priced ones usually add metal ports, sturdier hangers and easier cleaning, which is what decides whether a feeder lasts one season or ten.