Sep 16, 2025

Bird Feeders & Birdhouses: Why Location, Location, Location is Everything

Creating a backyard haven for birds is a wonderful hobby to most of us. You set up a variety of feeders, fill them with different seeds and nectar, and wait for the show to begin. This is our daily show in the yard. But if you’re wondering why some birds seem to be fighting for space and food , which make your backyard like Battle of Britain every day, or why that beautiful birdhouse you put up is empty, the answer might be in your layout. Strategic placement is the key to creating a healthy, harmonious, and thriving backyard habitat for all your feathered friends.

The Golden Rule of Feeder Placement: Give Them Space

Just like people, birds also have different social behaviors. Some are naturally communal and happy to share, while others are fiercely territorial and will defend their food source at all costs, especially hummingbirds. Putting different types of feeders too close to each other can cause unnecessary stress, aggression, and even make it easier for diseases to spread. The most important thing you can do is give them all a little room to breathe.

The Hummingbird vs. Everybody Else

When it comes to sharing, hummingbirds are not team players. They will aggressively chase away not just other hummingbirds, but also larger birds that get too close to their food source. To keep them happy and to avoid conflict, a simple solution is to keep their feeder separate from the rest (vertically too, means different heights).

A great rule of thumb is to place your hummingbird feeders at least 15 to 20 feet away from your regular bird feeders. This prevents intimidation and ensures all birds can feed comfortably without a tiny, flying missile dive-bombing them. If you have a lot of hummingbirds visiting, you can even put out multiple nectar feeders in different spots where they can't see each other. This tricks a single aggressive bird into thinking it can't patrol them all, giving other hummingbirds a chance to eat in peace.

Bird Feeder and Birdhouse Placement: A Delicate Balance

Another common mistake is placing a feeder right next to a birdhouse. While it might seem convenient, it’s a bad idea for two big reasons:

Predator Attraction: Seed feeders are like a magnet for predators, including squirrels, cats, and even hawks. Placing a feeder near a birdhouse can lead these predators directly to a vulnerable nesting family, putting the parent birds and their babies in danger.
Noise and Stress: A busy feeder is a noisy place, with constant comings and goings. This high level of activity can be very stressful for nesting birds that need peace and quiet. The commotion might even cause them to abandon their nest and eggs entirely.

The best strategy is to put your birdhouses in a quiet, secluded area of the yard. Place them at a distance from any feeders—ideally in a more private spot near dense shrubs or a tree line. This gives nesting birds the privacy and safety they need to raise their young successfully.

Your Checklist for a Happy Habitat

Creating a welcoming backyard for birds is easy once you know the rules of the road. Here's a quick checklist to help you get started with smart feeder placement:

DO separate hummingbird feeders from all other feeders.
DO place birdhouses in quiet, secluded spots away from high-traffic areas.
DON'T put a feeder and a birdhouse right next to each other.
DO offer a variety of feeders to cater to different bird species.
DO make sure all your feeders and houses are close to natural cover like trees or bushes, giving birds a safe place to land and hide.

By taking a little time to plan your backyard's layout, you'll create a safer, healthier, and more peaceful ecosystem for all of your feathered friends.