Will a bird feeder attract rats?

It can, if seed falls and accumulates on the ground. Two fixes: use a feeder with a wide catch tray, or put a paving stone under the feeder and sweep weekly. Most decorative tree-face and hopper styles drop minimal seed.

Do squirrels ruin every feeder?

Most. But tree-face feeders mounted to a smooth-bark tree with a baffle, or hopper feeders on a 6-foot pole with a baffle, work pretty well. Pole-mounted with baffle is the most squirrel-proof setup.

Can I use a decorative feeder year-round?

Yes, birds need calories in winter even more than summer. Just keep it clean and refill more often in cold months. Many keepers report their most active feeder days are January–February.

Do I need different feeders for different seasons?

Not strictly. But suet attracts more birds in winter (high-calorie), mealworms attract more in spring (nesting season), and fruit attracts more in summer (orioles). Adding one seasonal supplement to your main feeder doubles the species you'll see across a year.

How do I keep my feeder from blowing in the wind?

Decorative tree-face feeders mounted directly to a trunk are most stable. For hanging feeders, use a heavier-base design and hang from a sturdy branch with a secure shepherd's hook, not from a flimsy hanger. Pole-mount is most stable overall.

Attract Birds With Decorative Feeders: Which Designs Work