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Do you want to attract wild birds with nuts but aren't sure what kind of feeder to use?

Basically, you want a feeder that allows the birds to access the nut but doesn't allow the nut to fall out of the feeder at the slightest jolt or breeze.

Most kinds of bird feeders will do, but feeders specially designed for nuts are the best. Most nut feeders are designed for peanuts, but you can offer other nuts as well.

Nut feeders, depending on the type of feeder and the size of the nut, will attract various woodpeckers as well as blue jays, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, finches, grosbeaks, juncos, nuthatches, and more. Nut feeders will also attract squirrels, so if you don't want them, consider discouraging squirrels.

1. Wire Mesh Feeders

You can use feeders with small mesh to offer shelled nut pieces, and those with larger mesh, whole peanuts. Most are tube feeders, some with cages, some without. Some are more of a hopper style, like this one you can buy or this one you can build. The wire in mesh feeders sometimes deters squirrels, but sometimes squirrels manage to bend the wire mesh enough to access the feed.

2. Nut Butter Feeders

These feeders, often made of small logs of wood, have holes in which suet or peanut butter can be placed.

3. Edible Feeders

Peanut butter is also used in edible feeder recipes as a food "glue". You can find a basic recipe, or try a pinecone recipe.

4. Suet Feeders

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Many suet mixes contain nuts (for example, peanut crunch suet) , so providing a suet feeder instead of a nut feeder is alternative way of offering nuts.

5. Other Feeders

You can find other unique and not-so-unique designs in nut feeders. Some feeders are a variation on the standard hopper design.

Check out:

• Peanut in the Shell Feeder
• Gardman Spiral Peanut Feeder
• BirdsChoice Suet Sandwich Feeder