Best peanut bird feeders (for sale in the UK)

Rely on peanut feeders to attract the wildest species of garden birds in the UK, usually in a metal mesh with all-around feeding area for the birds to perch on.

The best peanut bird feeders are quite simple, no complicated mechanism or functionality. All it has to be is made from stainless steel for outdoor use; easy to open lid for refilling; and a hoop for hanging. Depending on peanut usage, bare in mind smaller feeders require less peanuts.

Its not essential but we like to fill up the peanut feeders for wild birds to the top as not only does it last the duration of the week, but when full its more attractive to birds.

By that, we mean its easier to see then a few peanuts only a few inches high in a really long peanut feeder that is 15 inches tall.

Opening up a peanut feeder lid should be on a slot that also happens to be connected to the metal hoop that hangs off the bird feeding station pole or bracket.

The lid does not need to be removed all the way so its always a fixed lid that can't be blown off in the wind or removed by a clever bird.

The best feeders - and that doesn't just apply to peanut feeders - are the ones with an heavy-duty hoop for hanging up the heaviest loads.

Stay clear of plastic hoop as it will snap over time, whereas the solid metal hoop can never break regardless of weight in the feeder.

Well all that applies to the basic metal mesh peanut bird feeder, we haven't forgotten about those of you who require a squirrel proof feeder, which you'll find are also included.

It may be squirrel proof, but its the perfect solution for stopping larger birds feeding.

Made from metal

If you have a plastic peanut bird feeder already that's not a problem, the plastic feeder will do what its suppose to do, but use of all metal feeders we do like the best.

Not all feeders we've compiled are all metal we might add, we just like that metal will last for ever out in the elements without fear of fading in due course.

When we think about the end of the week for cleaning out bird feeders its vital you consider how easy the device is to clean.

With use of an all metal bird feeder we know that we can easily scrub the metal base and mesh wiring without fear of things accidentally breaking during the wash.

The lid of the feeder is the area that is likely to be made from plastic and so is the base; so breaking these sections will render the whole thing useless as it holds the mesh.

Metal mesh wiring, hoop, base and lid is what we focus on, but as you'll see in our list we still can't help feeling a handful of the best peanut feeders can be made in plastic.

Smaller feeders, less waste

Well its perfectly acceptable for you to use the largest of peanut feeders; we like to use the ones that are half the size that require less peanuts.

When you tally up the cost of bird feed you commonly use; seeds, fat balls, suet pellets and wild bird peanuts, it can get pricey when using all options.

So we like to spread the cost between the seed, fat ball and peanut bird feeder by making sure they're all identical size feeders.

Therefore, all require the same amount of feed, rather than focusing on say an extra large heavy duty peanut feeder - when in fact the fat ball feeder might get used the most.

When investing in a small peanut feeder it requires less peanuts, thus saving you money.

It would be possible to use the largest feeder known to man, then fill it up a third or quarter of the way, but its look less attractive.

Furthermore, large feeders are generally longer, so this extra length won't be welcome if you have a packed feeding station - so smaller the better in that regard.

Easy opening lid

Where the lid is obviously slotted on to the top of the feeder, the design will allow for the lid to be slipped up for refilling without needing to remove the lid all together.

Its this functionality that we've focused on when compiling our best peanut bird feeders; due to the fact little can go wrong nor can the lid come off in high winds.

So with that in mind, the lid will be pulled up the metal hoop that is also used for hanging.

Designing a bird feeder lid in such a way would require the holes that its slotted on to not allow for water to pass through the gap.

Therefore, the hole slots are always positioned on the outside of the metal tube as oppose to be located directly above the feeder.

Well this lid design only applies to long rounded mesh feeders; the design is carried over to novelty peanut feeders such as the donut or lantern feeders.

Large hoop for hanging

Its likely when you're thinking about hanging up a peanut feeder you will do so with the use of a bird feeding station with multiple brackets to hang it off.

Well a simple metal hoop that is permanently fixed to the top of the feeder will do, bigger the better as small hoops limit your options for hanging feeders.

All hanging peanut bird feeders will hang off the bird feeding system on a pole or a wall mounted bracket, but not so with other objects around the garden.

Its possible to hang feeders - and if applicable - off a tree branch, bird tables, etc.

If you start with a peanut feeder with a wide hoop that corresponds to a wide hoop, then your options open up to all possibilities in the garden.

Squirrel proof

We know many of you struggle with the squirrels that stop by your garden to steel the peanut mix intended for wild birds.

You can overcome that issue by simply hanging up a squirrel proof peanut bird feeder; all essential parts are included, only its encased in a steel cage.

Gaps between the cage will only for the access to the small garden birds.

So bonus, not only will a squirrel proof feeders keep squirrels out, but you can prevent crows, blackbirds or starlings from feeding.

Don't let them go without, in fact throw seeds or peanuts on the ground to distract the more invasive large birds and pests from accessing the peanuts in the feeder.

Our 10 best peanut feeders

In outlining our best peanut bird feeders; we've considered popularity, durability and just how attractive the peanut feeder will look in your garden.

All you need to focus on is a good quality wild bird peanut mix. Without it the best feeder would be useless with no quality feed contained within the mesh feeder.

Its worth noting all peanut feeders - large or small - vary in metal mesh design, with a number with smaller gaps and others with larger openings.

Its these openings we've focused on as to make sure its universal like, as to make sure they are compatible with all common peanut mixes.

If we went with feeders with a wide metal mesh opening the peanuts or simple nut mixes will simply fall out, whereas small gaps would make it hard for the birds to pull through.

Now that you have all the information you could possibly need, here are our top ten best peanut feeders for your small garden birds.

1. Gardman (A01040) Heavy Duty Peanut Feeder

To get the chance of the best offer: amazon.co.uk is your best bet.

When we talk about our best peanut feeders; this stainless steel, heavy duty bird feeder from Gardman has all that you need.

Solid stainless steel mesh that is rust proof and will withstand all weathers thrown at it.

Gardman 'heavy duty' peanut feeder will hold appropriately 270g of peanuts. Therefore, with a tub or bag of 5kg of peanuts we can 'fill to the top' of the bird feeder 18 times over.

Stainless steel hoop that will only pull up as far as the bend on the metal rod, so will stop here once its hanging up.

Steel rod is threaded through the metal lid top but not in a way that allows water to pass through into the nuts; positioned on the outer rims so water will drip on the outside.

What appears to be bird perch's are so, but really they're used to keep the base in place, so once removed the base falls out for cleaning.

The base has a curve as to allow the peanut dust, bits and pieces to fall to the sides, rather than linger in the middle, out of reach of wild birds.

Disassemble it with ease for cleaning at the end of the week. Simply remove the perches to release the base, and pull up the lid to get in and around the tight spots.

Hoop and lid can also be disassembled by pulling out the hook from the horizontal rod that is threaded through the top of the feeder through the middle of the mesh cage.

2. Natures Market (BF018) Deluxe Nut Peanut Feeder

Natures Market don't do direct sales, so try your luck with amazon.co.uk.

Nature's Market have made a real go of creating a basic yet very effective peanut feeder here by making it small with a pop up lid and a tough, durable hoop for hanging.

Fairly wide but strong metal makes up the mesh surround that is fixed from the tip of the base to the very top, under the lid where peanuts are inserted.

Will take up 270g or so of peanuts with the shape of the base allowing for the peanuts to slide towards the outer mesh wiring, thereby bringing the feed within reach of the birds.

Without this simple but effective design, feed would otherwise go to waste or rot well still inside the feeder.

Metal pop up lid that uses the metal rod of the hoop/handle to slide up and down.

Its not designed in a way to easily pour in peanuts, but its built in a way that will stop the wind blowing it off.

All can be taking apart for cleaning time. Remove screws from near the bottom to slide out the base, well the top section is a little more trickier.

Simply lift up the lid and hoop as far has they will go; then pull over the hoop to bring the hook on the ends through the holes on the horizontal positioned rod.

Once lid/hoop are removed, it would then be possible to separate lid from hoop.

3. RSPB Premium (Small) Nut Feeder

It is possible to buy directly from RSPB but they don't do better returns than amazon.co.uk.

If RSPB are making it then surely we should pay attention to that right? Well that's actually what we're doing here with the RSPB small nut feeder making the cut.

All the criteria we want in a feeder is right here with there own feeder; made in all metal, large hoop and can be disassembled.

Base and lid is finished in a powder-coating along with its fixings.

Holds up to 330g of peanuts in a steel mesh that helps hold up the whole bird feeder structure.

Focus on the interior base and you'll notice the lump on the bottom, this will help distribute peanuts to the sides to become into reach for the feeding birds.

Something that is made in most bird feeders is the horizontal steel rod that connects with the hoop and lid.

This rod that threads through the gaps in the mesh not only helps keep the lid from toppling offer, but provides connections points for the hoop itself.

To help clean the peanut feeder thoroughly it all comes apart in up to 7 pieces.

First, remove the screws to pull out the chunk that makes up the base and set it to one side well you deal with the top part.

Here you'll need to lift up the hoop and lid well pulling out the hoop rod through the gaps in the horizontal rod.

To do that you'll need to angle the lid/hoop over to the side to get it pass the hook ends that would otherwise prevent it coming undone.

4. Natures Market (BF008N) Squirrel Guard Peanut Feeder

All rounder peanut feeder that is available to buy from amazon.co.uk.

Classic squirrel proof peanut feeder with a powder coated surround with the feeder at the heart of the cage.

Gaps between the cage allows for small birds to pass through to feed on the peanuts well clinging onto the mesh feeder contained within, well keeping squirrels out.

Will go towards keeping away large, nuisance birds like Jackdaws, and well all the crow family really, but may still allow Starlings to pass through.

Limited disassemble is possible but remove the lid to then pull out the feeder within. Not before emptying the contents first as to not make a mess over the lawn.

Solid metal design with a large hoop for hanging. Its not tall standing but more wide, so will be limited to hooks on the feeding station or wall mounted bracket.

Independent lid that simply pops off to insert peanuts within the mesh feeder positioned centre of the wide cage, at the furthest point from the outer wiring.

Not a light weight lid mind you so in high winds there's little chance it can be blown off, that's also true for clever birds or squirrels; it will be to heavy for them to remove.

Well the cage should go towards deterring squirrels, it might be advisable to further fortify the feeding station this feeder hangs off with a squirrel proof pole guard.

As it happens lots of feeders are not squirrel proof at all when they have a platform to perch on, thereby allowing them enough momentum to squeeze in to steel the nuts.

5. Gardman (A01041) Heavy Duty Peanut Feeder

Widely available only, but as you'd expect amazon.co.uk is the most reliable place to buy.

Not a small peanut feeder we would normally promote as being among the best, but this highly practical large Gardman 'heavy duty' feeder fits the rest of our criteria perfectly.

No harm in using a large feeder seeing as we've already suggested a couple of squirrel proof feeders among the best.

If you can assert your eyes back up to the Gardman feeder positioned on our list at no. 2, this is the same feeder but in a longer length.

Going with a longer feeder has a single benefit; fill to the top with peanuts and there's no need to top up again for the entire week.

Though be sure to keep a careful eye on proceedings because the peanuts might go to waste if not gobbled up quickly enough by birds.

That's a reason why you should go with a smaller feeder, there's no wasting to be had.

As usual with Gardman, the lid is connected to the hanging hoop so therefore can be lifted up for inserting nuts underneath it.

The interior base has an angle as oppose to a flat floor, thereby allowing the peanuts to move towards the edges in reach of the birds eating through the mesh wiring.

Wild birds that use this feeder will cling to the wiring but as it happens there is a set of perches for birds to use.

Only we feel they probably won't and certainly don't need to. As it happens these perches can be unscrewed as to release the base from the feeder.

Once you've removed the lid/hoop from the feeder then go on to separate them both from each other, this feeder will then be ready for a thorough clean.

6. Kingfisher (BF027) Nut Feeder

Kingfisher will have this nut feeder in-stock but amazon.co.uk has a better buyer experience.

Compact, small Kingfisher nut feeder is one of only a couple of feeders we consider the best, even though they're primarily made in durable plastic.

Hard wearing and will withstand being out in the elements, and despite the possibility of the green colouring fading over time, its should last the test of time.

To touch, it will feel light and flimsy, with a lot of bend in the mesh wiring.

Despite is feeling cheaper, it will still hold up to 270g of peanuts without jeopardising the structure of the feeder.

To fill up the feeder with peanuts lift up the lid as far at it will go which should bring the hoop along with it, coming to a stop due to a safety knob on the end of the hoop.

Well wild birds are feeding the remaining nuts that would otherwise build up in the centre of the base, will instead be forced to the edges thanks to a slope on the base interior.

And that reminds us, don't allow peanut dust and bits to build up as it turns into a glue substance, making it harder to clean later.

With that in mind, clean this feeder once a week as the plastic is likely to deteriorate unlike the more robust metal peanut feeders.

To make a thorough job of cleaning it, you'll need to disassemble it.

You'll start by unscrewing the mesh wiring from the base with use of a Philips screwdriver to undo a set of screws fixed to the plastic base.

Once that's off its then time to unclip the plastic hoop from both the locking mechanism fixed to the metal wiring and the lid itself.

You'd be left with 6 parts which you'll need to put it easily back together again.

7. Kingfisher (BF035) Deluxe Donut Bird Nut Feeder

Can be bought from Kingfisher directly, but we recommend amazon.co.uk.

We've certainly included enough traditional rounded shape nut feeders already, but the best of the best come in all shapes and sizes.

Take this Kingfisher donut feeder, designed to take as much as 300g of peanuts which will allow Blue Tits and Sparrows to feed the normal way...

Well any Woodpecker would by happy to hang upside down to feed on this donut.

Tough metal mesh is in fact covered in a powder coating; prevents rusting to increase its lifespan hanging up off the bird feeding station.

Stainless steel sheeting acts as cover from the elements which also happens to be a lid.

Well it won't do a good job for keeping rain off from the sides; instead its function is to prevent rain continuously dropping down inside among's the nut mix.

Rain falling on the outside will dry or be eaten up bird birds. Well damp in the centre is likely to rot if the birds don't get to it so quickly.

Hence the stainless steel cover to stop rain going in between the nuts and settling.

To fill up with nuts lift up the plastic nugget on the stainless steel cover to insert peanuts into the opening that is under the covering.

Chain is permanently fixed to the nut part and cannot be removed. To support the hanging section the bolt goes down to the middle level around the mesh rim.

This further supports extra weight the feeder can handle.

Cleaning is a little more difficult on this donut feeder due to lack of disassembly, but its not impossible if you give it a good soak in hot soapy water before scrubbing with brush.

8. Peckish (Secret Garden) Squirrel Proof Peanut Feeder

You might find this Peckish feeder in-stores, but for buying online, try amazon.co.uk.

If larger birds are spending there time around the feeder then the smaller, friendlier garden birds will stay away.

You can deter both larger birds as well has the squirrels with this Peckish ' Secret Garden' squirrel proof peanut feeder.

Small feeder but still with a length that will allow for lots of peanuts to be inserted.

To pour in peanuts you only need to unscrew the lid top to release the lid from the feeder itself, providing unrestrictive access.

All metal peanut feeder with a ring that acts as the hoop to hook onto the bracket, which is attached to what is a decorative leaf design top to keep the rain away.

Protect feed from wet weather, this top will not only keep water well clear of the nuts, but is also the lid.

The centre positioned feeder is surrounded in a small hole metal mesh wiring, making it even harder for squirrels to access the feed within.

Presented in all metal construction in an antique/brown finish.

To clean you'll need to disassemble the feeder; remove screws from base to release the base itself and the mesh wiring its connected to.

When the base inside the mesh is pulled out, so does the wide metal base that helps create the circular shape on the bottom of the squirrel proof cage.

Well its easy to find the screw holes to insert screws back in the holes, the random holes in the mesh wiring will hold the wiring tightly behind the screws.

9. Alan Titchmarsh Peanut (Flip Top) Feeder

Alan doesn't have his own shop so therefore your need to use amazon.co.uk or similar online stores.

Well not directly designed by Alan Titchmarsh, this peanut feeder is more endorsed by him with his seal of approval.

So how does this feeder differentiate from other, more specialist producers.

One thing you'll notice its largely made from a plastic construction with a bright green top and base.

Its not possible to build with a mesh other than metal, so the coated mesh wiring is still the solid, yet reliable metal crisscross design.

Attention to the hoop for the hangers has been carefully created; not only does it have a large long hoop for hanging off most brackets, the hoop as a smaller, additional hoop.

The lump on the top of the hoop will help it fix to the bracket more securely, thus reducing movement in wind or when wild birds are feeding.

It won't stop a rocking movement, but will prevent the feeder from spinning around.

Hanging up the feeder by use of the hoop will force the whole length of this metal hoop to be used; stopping at the end of the hoop where there is a bend in the metal rod.

No need to remove the whole of the top green section here to fill up the feeder.

All you have to use is the highly promoted 'flip top' lid that easily pops open to then pour in up to 270g of peanuts - give or take a dozen grams.

Is not a flat base but one with a bump to allow the peanuts to not just sit there out of reach, rather forcing them to slide over to the sides to become in reach of birds.

Plastic base and top can be pulled off from the metal mesh wiring to be cleaned after use, then slot back together before topping it up with nuts again.

10. RSPB Premium (Large) Nut Bird Feeder

Again, try RSPB shop, though amazon.co.uk after services is less-hassle.

Well this rather large RRPB nut feeder sits at the bottom of our best peanut feeders, its still worthy as there's many thousands of feeders on the market we could of chosen from.

And seriously, the only reason we have it at the bottom of the list is due to its size.

We often go on about smaller the better in regard to peanut feeders, as there's less nuts likely to go to waste when you fill up a small one.

Whereas a large peanut feeder encourages more use of peanuts. Therefore when its topped up the birds only have a short window to eat them all before they rot.

Here it is all the same, and a feeder we certainly do like very much.

As it happens, we've already listed this very same peanut feeder at number 3, only its the smaller version compared to this longer feeder.

Solid metal construction in the base and lid, well the wire mesh is made from stainless steel, thus making it hard for birds to bite through.

Simply pull the lid up the hoop to create space to pour in your peanut supply.

This long hoop is made from metal with a triangular shape to help keep it steady well hanging off a bracket or branch.

The base has a design to allow all nuts to push up against the sides, rather than just staying put in the middle, far out of reach of birds.

All can be disassembled thanks to the way its put together.

Undo the set of screws on the base that are inserted through the wiring as this will then release the base.

Remove the top section by lifting up the lid and hoop as far as they will go, before moving it in a direction that will release it from the horizontal bar holes.

Share this article: