How Often Should I Refill the Feeder?
Quick Answer
Refill the feeder whenever it gets to about one-quarter full — don't wait for it to run completely empty. In high-traffic seasons (late autumn and winter) a busy feeder may need refilling every few days. In quieter periods, once a week is typical. Always check the seed for signs of moisture, clumping, or mold before topping up — and discard any that has gone off.
Feeder Capacities by Model
| Model | Seed capacity |
|---|---|
| TUC | 1.8 L |
| PAV | 1.8 L |
| APS (M53) | 1.5 L |
| MON (P33) | 1.2 L |
| H53 (hummingbird) | 1.0 L |
A fully stocked feeder in a busy yard will attract more birds than a half-empty one, particularly when birds are establishing their feeding habits in the early days after installation.
How to Refill the Feeder
Step 1 — Open the feeder roof by lifting it straight up off the feeder body.
Step 2 — Inspect the remaining seed. Remove and discard any seed that appears wet, clumped, discolored, or moldy.
Step 3 — Add fresh, dry seed of your chosen type. Do not overfill — leave a small gap at the top to allow the roof to seat correctly.
Step 4 — Replace the roof and confirm it is seated properly.
Choosing the Right Seed
BirdSnap feeders are compatible with any dry or solid birdseed, including:
- Pre-packaged seed mixes
- Black oil sunflower seeds — one of the most universally attractive seeds for feeder birds
- Safflower, millet, or peanut-based mixes
- Chopped fruit (placed in the water/jelly box accessory)
- Mealworms
"The single most impactful choice a feeder host can make is seed type. Black oil sunflower seed attracts the broadest variety of species, from cardinals and chickadees to goldfinches and nuthatches. Avoid cheap filler mixes heavy in milo or wheat, which most songbirds will reject." — Consistent with feeding guidance from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society
Match your seed choice to the birds common in your region and season. In winter, high-fat options like suet cakes and peanuts are particularly valuable for providing the calories birds need in cold weather.
Preventing Seed Spoilage
- Store seed in a sealed, dry container away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Do not mix old and new seed — always clear out remaining seed before refilling.
- In wet weather, check the seed every few days for moisture or clumping.
- Use the BirdSnap app to monitor the feeder between visits — if birds are avoiding it, check the seed quality.
When to Contact Support
If the feeder roof does not seat properly after refilling, or if the feeder body shows damage that may allow moisture to enter the seed area, contact support with a photo of the issue.
- Email: support@birdsnap.com
- Phone: +1 573-514-4826
- Live chat: Available at BirdSnap.com
- In-app chat: Tap the chat icon in the BirdSnap app
- Facebook Messenger: Message us via our official Facebook page
Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time.
