Illustrated backyard plan showing feeder placement near a house, tree and shrubs

Bird Feeder Setup Planner

Answer nine quick questions and get a personalized feeder plan: the type of feeder that fits your space, what to fill it with, where to put it safely, how to keep it clean — and specific feeders that match your answers.

1. Where will the feeder go?
2. How much room do you have?
3. Which birds would you love to see?

Choose as many as you like.

4. Squirrels around?
5. How would you mount it?
6. Budget for the feeder

Ranges are a rough guide — check current prices on the retailer’s site.

7. How hands-on do you want to be?
8. Want to photograph visitors?
9. Interested in a smart camera feeder?

Smart feeders record visits and suggest species IDs in an app.

How the planner works

The planner uses a set of rules based on widely published guidance from organizations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy, combined with manufacturer specifications for the feeders it suggests. It weighs your space (backyard, patio, balcony or window), the birds you want, squirrel pressure, budget, maintenance preference and interest in photography or smart cameras.

It doesn’t know your exact location or local species, so treat the plan as a well-informed starting point. If birds don’t show up within a few weeks, try moving the feeder closer to cover or switching to black-oil sunflower seed.

Three rules that matter most

  1. Window safety: within about 3 feet of a window or more than 30 feet away.
  2. Hygiene: clean seed feeders about every two weeks; nectar every few days in heat.
  3. Food quality: black-oil sunflower beats cheap filler mixes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bird Feeder Setup Planner free?

Yes. It’s free, needs no sign-up, and your answers aren’t saved.

Why does the planner recommend specific products?

To save you research time, the planner shows a few feeders whose manufacturer specifications match your answers. Some are affiliate links; that doesn’t change which feeders match your answers.