Woodlink Caged Tube Bird Feeder

We ordered 2 of these Woodlink Caged Tube Bird Feeders to replace 2 we bought about 20 years ago as they were rusting. These are perfect for small birds especially the painted buntings. And when they migrate for the summer the tufted titmice, Carolina wrens and juvenile Northern cardinals use them. My favorite painted bunting feeder.

nice unit!

To be fair its well made and easy to disassemble. For a day or three, it was great. Then the issues for me are as follows. Its not really squirrel proof. They will hang all over it and while doing so knock seed out of the feeder onto the ground and into the plastic tray at the bottom of the feeder. Also while hanging they are able to reach into the feeder holes especially where the cage curves in and empty the seed out as well. Then they chewed the plastic tray. I had to mount it on a pole with a squirrel baffle and it is working 100% for me now in regard to being squirrel proof. . As far as the larger birds go ( Starlings and Grackles ), they are able by hanging on the cage to get to the feeding ports where the cage curves in ( stupid design if you ask me ) emptying out the feeder tube. The larger birds also peck at the poor little birds that are trying to feed inside the cage. Now the smaller birds stay away from it no matter what seed I put in it. The larger birds also hang from the cage and eat the seed that has spilled into the tray. In retrospect, I would go without the plastic catch tray on this one. Or just go with the the Woodlink caged feeder without the tray or the curved sides. Hope this helps and maybe if you live in an area where you don't have to deal with these bully birds then this feeder might be great for you. For me its a disappointment.

Have not opened box yet as I am still deciding whether or not to return them, as no one has reached out to explain why I did not get the first time customer discount, despite multiple requests. Terrible customer service

It is up now, took birds a bit to use it even though the other was a caged feed also. I like this feeder because it is easy to get the tube out for cleaning, it has buttons to push that released the tube and the tube with feeding ports slides out the top. My older one has to have feeding ports unscrewed while inside cage then lift tube out for cleaning.. ( can be nerve racking undoing and reattaching ports ) When I clean them I take them apart, so with quick release will be so much easier.
Plus the bigger birds and squirrels can't get the seed,(they get thiers too ) I do like the tray at the bottom so my red bellied woodpeckers can get the seeds that fall. Hope this helps, enjoy !!