How To Put A Tube In A Bird Feeder? (Easy Fix)

I was always told that birds were better than people. Of course, I was also told that birds were God’s gift to the world, but while they’re certainly useful creatures, they’re not very good at hanging out with you on a Saturday night and telling you how great you look in your new jeans.

What they are good at is eating seeds and flying really high up in the sky so that no one can see them when they’re pooping all over everywhere.

However, when it comes to bird feeders, those sweet little feathered creatures have some serious issues: namely, how do we make sure that our feeders last longer than a few days?

In this post we’ll walk through everything from choosing the right kind of bird feeder for your yard or porch area to putting it together yourself (no tools required).

How to easily repair a Bird Feeder Lid – YouTube

Takeaways
Building a tube in a bird feeder can be an easy fix.
Tube feeders provide a convenient and effective way to offer food to birds.
Proper installation of the tube in a bird feeder is important for stability.
Using a tube in a bird feeder can help attract specific bird species.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the tube feeder are essential for bird health.

Table of Contents

1. Remove the Top

Turn over your bird feeder and remove the top. Take off the plug in the center of the feeder, which will reveal a threaded cap on an opening near its base. Remove this threaded cap by turning it counterclockwise with a pair of pliers or channel lock pliers.

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2. Turn the Bird Feeder Over and Take Off the Plug

Take off the top of the feeder

Turn your bird feeder over and remove the plug with a screwdriver

Method	Description
Twist and Pull	Twist the plug counterclockwise and pull it out to remove it from the feeder.
Push and Release	Push the plug inward and release it, allowing it to pop out from the feeder.
Screw and Unscrew	Screw the plug in the opposite direction and unscrew it to detach it from the feeder.
Pinch and Slide	Pinch the sides of the plug and slide it out of the feeder’s opening.
Brand-Specific Mechanism	Some bird feeder brands may have unique plug removal mechanisms, such as a latch or release button, for convenient plug removal.

3. Insert the Tube

Once you’ve found a funnel that fits your feeder, it’s time to insert the tube into the opening of your bird feeder.

Make sure that you position the tube so that it is straight in line with the hole in your bird feeder and then gently push it into place using a screwdriver or similar tool. Be careful not to push too hard as doing so could break or damage your feeder!

Method	Description
Screw-In	Inserting the tube by securely screwing it into the feeder body.
Slide and Lock	Sliding the tube into place and locking it with a mechanism for stability.
Snap-On	Attaching the tube to the feeder by snapping it into position.
Twist and Lock	Twisting the tube onto the feeder and locking it in place.
Push-Fit	Simply pushing the tube into the designated slot or hole on the feeder.

4. Put the Threaded Cap Back On

Once you’ve put the threaded cap back on, make sure it is in the right place. It should be tight enough that it doesn’t fall off and not too tight that you can’t move the tube.

It should also be straight with no kinks or bends in it, or else birds won’t be able to get food out of it! If you’ve done everything correctly, any bird who lands on your feeder will have a great time eating as long as there is corn inside (which there should always be).

Method	Description
Twist and Screw	Reattaching the threaded cap by twisting it onto the feeder and screwing it securely.
Reverse Turn and Lock	Inserting the threaded cap and turning it in the opposite direction to lock it into place.
Push and Twist	Pushing the threaded cap onto the feeder and twisting it clockwise to secure it.
Align and Lock	Aligning the threads of the cap and the feeder, then turning it until it locks firmly.
Threaded Locking Mechanism	Utilizing a specific threaded locking mechanism provided by certain feeder brands for easy and secure cap attachment.

5. Return the Top to Its Original Position

The last step is to return the top of the feeder to its original position. Make sure that your tube is in the right position and that it will not move around when you put on the top. Also, make sure that your cap is on tight.

You don’t want any birds getting their beaks stuck in there! The last thing you need is for them to try and escape from a badly placed cap by pecking out at it with their little birdies.

When putting your tube back into place, make sure that you are doing so without damaging either parts of your feeder or yourself (if you happen to be standing on one end as well).

It can take some time for people who aren’t used to working with large machinery like this; however, after awhile they begin getting better at knowing how much force they should use while pushing buttons or pulling levers so they don’t hurt themselves while working with power tools like these ones here today.”

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6. Apply Silicone Caulk

Once you have the tube in place, apply a thin layer of silicone caulk around the base of it, making sure to fill any gaps between the tube and your bird feeder.

This will ensure that water doesn’t get in and get at your seed, causing it to rot or spoil more quickly. Be sure not to apply too much caulk though; you just want a thin layer because then it’ll dry faster! Let this dry overnight before filling with seeds.

Ants can be persistent intruders when it comes to bird feeders, but there are effective ways to keep them at bay. Our article on keeping ants off your bird feeder pole provides practical solutions and preventive measures to maintain an ant-free feeding station for your avian visitors.

7. Attach the Hanger Again

Once the tube is in place, you can attach it to the hanger. To do this, use silicone caulk to seal up any gaps around the tube and ensure that water doesn’t get into your bird feeder.

Silicone will form a waterproof seal and make sure that your bird feeder stays dry for as long as possible!

Make sure you use an outdoor-grade sealant for this step—if you use regular silicon caulking indoors or in an area where moisture may cause issues (like bathrooms or kitchens), it could mold over time.

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8. Fill It Up and Enjoy!

Enjoy your feeder! Birds are going to love it and you’ll be able to enjoy watching them eat. You can always add more birdseed as needed, but generally, a tube feeder will last a long time. Just fill it up with seed once or twice per week and watch the birds flock to it!

If you have any questions or concerns about putting a tube in your birdfeeder, please leave us a comment below!

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Conclusion

Now you have a bird feeder that you can fill with suet pellets, seeds or fruit. The tube will allow the birds to access food from the bottom of the feeder while still protecting it from squirrels and other animals that might try to get inside.

FAQs

How do I choose the right bird feeder for my backyard?

Choosing the right bird feeder depends on factors such as the types of birds you want to attract, their feeding preferences, and the location of your feeder. Consider options such as platform feeders, tube feeders, and suet feeders based on the bird species in your area.

How often should I clean my bird feeder?

Regular cleaning of bird feeders is essential to maintain a hygienic feeding environment. It is recommended to clean the feeders at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you notice mold, bacteria, or other contaminants.

What types of food can I offer in a bird feeder?

Bird feeders can be filled with various types of bird food, including sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, cracked corn, and mealworms. Different bird species have different dietary preferences, so it’s beneficial to provide a variety of food options to attract a diverse range of birds.

How can I prevent squirrels from accessing my bird feeder?

Squirrels can be a common challenge when it comes to bird feeders. To deter them, consider using squirrel-proof feeders, placing baffles or guards around the feeder pole, or using hot pepper or safflower seeds that squirrels dislike.

Should I provide water along with bird feeders?

Offering a water source, such as a birdbath or shallow dish, alongside your bird feeders can attract more bird species and provide them with a vital resource. Ensure the water source is clean, refreshed regularly, and placed near the feeders for convenient access.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.