| Seed Type | Attracts | Price/lb | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Oil Sunflower | Cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, woodpeckers | $1.50 | Most popular, high oil content, attracts widest variety |
| Mixed Seed | Sparrows, juncos, doves, jays | $1.20 | Budget-friendly, but may have filler seeds |
| Nyjer (Thistle) | Goldfinches, siskins, redpolls | $2.50 | Small seed, requires special feeder |
| Safflower | Cardinals, chickadees, doves | $2.00 | Squirrels and grackles typically avoid |
| Suet Cake | Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, wrens | $2.00/cake | High energy, best for winter feeding |
| Nectar | Hummingbirds, orioles | $1.80 | Sugar water solution, change every 3-5 days |
Clean feeders every 2 weeks with a 10% bleach solution to prevent disease spread. Rinse thoroughly and dry before refilling.
Install baffles above and below feeders to prevent squirrels from stealing seed. Place feeders at least 10 feet from trees.
Position feeders 5-6 feet off the ground near natural cover. Birds need nearby shelter to escape predators quickly.
Add a birdbath nearby. Fresh water attracts more birds and is essential year-round, especially in winter when natural sources freeze.
Keep birdseed in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Moisture leads to mold and attracts rodents. Check for freshness regularly.
Increase feeding during migration seasons and winter when natural food is scarce. Birds need extra energy in cold weather.
Inputs
Result
Daily: 20 visitors x 1.0 oz x 1.0 summer = 20 oz/feeder, total 20 oz = 1.25 lbs/day. Weekly: 8.75 lbs. Monthly: 37.5 lbs at $1.50/lb = $56.25/month ($675/year). Refill every 1.6 days (32 oz capacity / 20 oz daily). Need 8 bags of 5 lb seed per month.
Inputs
Result
Daily per feeder: 13.3 visitors x 1.0 oz x 1.3 winter = 17.3 oz. Total daily: 17.3 x 3 feeders = 52 oz = 3.25 lbs/day. Weekly: 22.75 lbs. Monthly: 97.5 lbs at $1.20/lb = $117/month ($1,404/year). Refill every 1.8 days per feeder. Need 5 bags of 20 lb seed per month.
Inputs
Result
Daily: 10 visitors x 1.0 oz x 1.15 fall = 11.5 oz/feeder = 0.72 lbs/day. Weekly: 5.0 lbs. Monthly: 21.6 lbs at $2.50/lb = $53.91/month ($646.88/year). Refill every 1.4 days (16 oz capacity / 11.5 oz daily). Need 5 bags of 5 lb seed per month.
Seed consumption depends on the number of feeders, daily bird visitors, and season. On average, expect 1-3 lbs per week for a typical backyard setup with 20-40 bird visits per day. Winter feeding requires about 30% more seed due to increased energy needs.
Refill frequency depends on feeder capacity and bird activity. A 4-cup tube feeder with moderate activity (20 visitors/day) typically needs refilling every 4-6 days. Check feeders regularly and refill before they empty completely to maintain consistent bird visits.
Mixed seed is the most budget-friendly at around $1.20/lb, but may contain filler seeds birds discard. Black oil sunflower seed at $1.50/lb offers better value as it attracts the widest variety of birds with minimal waste. Buy in bulk (20 lb bags) for additional savings.
Yes, birds consume approximately 30% more food in winter to maintain body heat and energy levels. Natural food sources are also scarcer, making feeders more heavily used. Increase your seed budget and refill frequency during cold months to support overwintering birds.
Start with 2-3 feeders of different types to attract diverse bird species. Tube feeders work for small birds, hopper feeders for medium birds, and platform feeders for ground-feeding species. Space feeders 10-15 feet apart to reduce competition and accommodate more birds.
Black oil sunflower seed attracts the widest variety of birds including cardinals, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers. Combine with nyjer for goldfinches, suet for woodpeckers, and nectar for hummingbirds. Consistent feeding schedules and clean feeders also increase bird activity.
See all pet calculators for animal owners
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.