The original mesh feeders had to be the finch socks. These are great inexpensive ways to feed finches but they do not last very long and are very vulnerable to moisture. Mesh finch feeders are basically metal socks. The size of the mesh varies from company to company. Some mesh is only suitable for feeding straight Nyjer through while others can accommodate sunflower chip or our Black Tie mix. We carry several versions of this style of feeder (both practical and decorative.)

NONO feeders are the best examples of the mesh feeder design. They were invented by a gentleman in Lincoln Nebraska and are based the old minnow baskets. They recommend using straight black oil sunflower but I have seen people use safflower and a mixture of the two. People worry about the seed falling out but the design is such that the seed “jam up” quickly and only come out when a bird grabs it and pulls on it. The Red Cardinal and the Sunflower Basket feeders the best sellers among the NoNo line.

Peanut feeders are very popular and the Aspects’ are the best. Peanuts provide a high value food source for many species but are relatively expensive. To keep peanuts from “going too fast”, the mesh of a peanut feeder prevents the birds from being able to pull the peanuts out easily. The feeders cater to birds who have the ability to hammer and break the peanuts up into small enough pieces to fit through the wire.