You’ve set up feeders before. Squirrels emptied them overnight. Rain turned seed into mush. Birds visited maybe once, then disappeared. That’s the story for most people. A feeder without a proper perch — or one that lets seed rot — won’t hold a regular crowd.
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A solid design changes all that. The best perch-and-feeder combos keep seed dry, drain water fast, and give birds enough space to land and eat without fighting. Materials matter too. Recycled plastics and powder-coated metal resist weather better than cheap wood or thin acrylic. And ease of cleaning? That’s the difference between a feeder you use for years and one you throw away after one season.
I tested two standout options: the Birds Choice Hanging Platform Feeder and the Nature’s Way Fly-in Metal Feeder. Both solve the core problems — drainage, durability, and bird appeal — but they suit different yards and habits. One excels for small birds that need a solid platform. The other works better for larger flocks that prefer a fly-through design. Below, you’ll find which one fits your setup, along with honest trade-offs you won’t see on the product page.
Quick comparison of the key specs that separate these two feeders:
| Features | Birds Choice Hanging Platform | Nature’s Way Fly-Through Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Recycled poly lumber, stainless steel | Powder-coated metal, UV-stabilized plastic tray |
| Drainage System | Expanded mesh bottom (patented) | Perforated seed tray base |
| Seed Capacity | Not specified (platform-style, moderate) | 4 cups (large capacity) |
| Bird Types | Chickadees, finches, cardinals, woodpeckers | Large and small birds via varied spacing |
| Best Use Case | Small birds needing stable platform | Mixed flocks, fly-through traffic |
Birds Choice Hanging Platform
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This feeder looks like a simple tray with a mesh bottom and a metal roof. Don’t let the plain appearance fool you. Birds Choice built this thing from recycled plastic jugs and bottles — poly lumber that won’t crack, split, or fade after a few Minnesota winters. The expanded mesh screen underneath is patented. It drains water instantly, so seeds stay dry even after a downpour. That’s the main reason birds keep coming back: fresh seed every day.
Who should buy it? People who want to attract smaller species like chickadees, goldfinches, siskins, and titmice. The open platform gives them a clear view of approaching predators. No blind spots. The stainless steel S-hook keeps the feeder hanging straight, not tilted by wind. And the aluminum hinges won’t rust. This feeder feels solid in hand — heavier than you’d expect from recycled plastic. It’s made in the USA, which matters if you care about manufacturing standards.
Real trade-off: the platform holds only a moderate amount of seed. You won’t fill it once a week and forget it. Expect to refill every few days during peak feeding season, especially if cardinals or jays show up. Also, the mesh bottom works great for drainage but lets small seeds fall through if you don’t use a tray liner. Some buyers add a paper towel or fine screen to prevent waste. That’s a minor hassle, but the drainage benefit outweighs it.
- Patented expanded mesh bottom for instant drainage
- Recycled poly lumber resists cracking and fading
- Stainless steel S-hook prevents tilting
- Aluminum rust-resistant hinges
- Designed for small birds: chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, juncos
Best for: backyard birders who prioritize seed freshness and want a durable, American-made feeder that draws small, agile species.
Nature’s Way Fly-Through Metal
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Here’s a feeder built for volume. The Nature’s Way Fly-in design uses a blue powder-coated metal body with a sloped roof and a removable seed tray that holds four cups of seed. That’s a lot. The key difference from a platform feeder: birds fly straight through the open sides instead of landing on a flat surface. This reduces crowding and gives shy birds a quick escape route. The perforated tray base allows drainage and air circulation, so seed doesn’t get stale as fast.
Who needs this? Anyone with a busy yard — multiple feeders competing for attention, or a variety of bird sizes. The spacing between bars accommodates both small finches and larger visitors like grosbeaks or jays. Cleaning is straightforward: lift out the tray, dump old seed, rinse, and snap it back. The powder coat on the metal resists rust, and the hanging ring is also rust-free. The roof shields contents from rain and debris, which matters in regions with frequent showers.
Honest downsides: the metal construction feels lighter than the Birds Choice option. It won’t rust quickly, but a strong gust can swing it more than a heavier feeder. The UV-stabilized plastic tray is durable, but after a few years in direct sun, you might see slight warping. Also, because birds fly through, you get less of a show — they don’t perch and linger as long. If you like watching birds eat slowly, a platform feeder gives a steadier view. This one is more about throughput than intimacy.
- 4-cup capacity — fewer refills needed
- Fly-through design for quick bird access and escape
- Removable seed tray for easy cleaning
- Powder-coated metal body and rust-free hanging ring
- Perforated tray base for drainage and air circulation
Best for: high-traffic yards where you want to accommodate many birds at once without frequent refilling, and you prefer easy maintenance over long perching views.
How We Chose These Products
I started with the most common complaints about bird feeders: wet seed, difficult cleaning, and poor build quality. From there, I looked for designs that directly solve those problems. Both models here address drainage in different ways — one with a mesh bottom, the other with a perforated tray. Material quality mattered too. Recycled poly lumber and powder-coated metal both outlast cheap plastic and untreated wood. Ease of cleaning also factored heavily; a feeder that takes ten minutes to disassemble won’t get cleaned regularly.
I skipped any feeder that uses painted wood (peels and rots) or thin acrylic (scratches and yellows). I also avoided models with complicated mechanisms that birds struggle to use. The final two represent the best balance of durability, drainage, and bird appeal at this price point. Neither is perfect — I pointed out the flaws honestly — but both deliver on the fundamentals that keep birds coming back.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Start with your local bird species. Platform feeders work best for small birds that need a stable surface. Fly-through designs attract a wider size range but give shorter viewing times. If you have cardinals, chickadees, and finches, a platform suits them. If you see jays, grackles, or doves, a fly-through handles the traffic better. Consider your climate too. In rainy areas, a mesh or perforated bottom is non-negotiable. In windy spots, heavier feeders (like the Birds Choice) stay put.
Cleaning access matters more than you think. A feeder that takes five minutes to clean gets cleaned. One that requires tools or tricky disassembly will sit dirty, and birds will stop coming. Both models here prioritize easy tray removal. Finally, think about long-term durability. Recycled plastic and powder-coated metal cost a little more upfront but last years longer than budget options. The few extra dollars pay off in fewer replacements and healthier birds.
Our Top Recommendation
The Birds Choice Hanging Platform Feeder wins for most yards. It’s built tougher, drains better, and appeals to the birds that give you the best show — small, colorful species that perch and feed steadily. The recycled poly lumber won’t degrade, and the mesh bottom is genuinely innovative. If you only buy one feeder, get this one. For high-traffic areas or large seed capacity, the Nature’s Way Fly-Through is a strong runner-up. It holds more seed and handles bigger birds, but the viewing experience is less intimate. Either choice will transform your yard, but the Birds Choice does it with less hassle and more durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these feeders attract squirrels?
Both are hanging feeders, so squirrels can reach them if you hang them too close to a tree or fence. No feeder is squirrel-proof unless you add a baffle. The mesh bottom on the Birds Choice lets squirrels knock seed through, but they can’t eat from the tray easily. The Nature’s Way has open sides that squirrels can climb onto — add a baffle above the feeder to stop them.
How often should I clean these feeders?
Every two weeks during peak feeding season. More often if you notice wet seed or mold. The Birds Choice mesh bottom reduces moisture buildup, so you can sometimes stretch to three weeks. The Nature’s Way perforated tray dries quickly, but the tray itself needs a scrub to remove stuck seed hulls. Both models have removable trays that rinse clean in under a minute.
Can I use any seed type in these feeders?
Nyjer (thistle) seed falls through the Birds Choice mesh bottom easily. Use sunflower hearts or a small seed blend instead. The Nature’s Way handles mixed seed well, but larger seeds like whole sunflower may not fit through the feeding slots for small birds. Stick to hulled sunflower or a finch mix for best results in both feeders.
How do I hang them without the feeder swinging wildly?
The Birds Choice has a stainless steel S-hook that keeps the feeder straight. Hang it from a sturdy hook or branch that doesn’t move much. The Nature’s Way depends on the hanging ring — it swings more in wind. Use a shorter chain or place it in a sheltered spot. Both feeders benefit from a location that gets morning sun to dry off dew.