As I continue my never-ending quest of reviewing bird feeders and bird seed, I bought a super cheap bird feeder on Amazon: The iBorn tube bird feeder.

Buying a cheap bird feeder is a gamble. My infamous story of starting bird feeding years ago is that I bought a cheap, plastic feeder online that arrived to my apartment in pieces. I had to piece it together with scotch tape to make it semi-functional. Not ideal.

However, this feeder was the exact opposite experience. The iBorn tube bird feeder is a solid pick for beginner birders on a budget. After testing it through a Minnesota winter, I found it durable enough for snow and weather, attractive to Chickadees and Finches, and worth the ~$20 price — though it’s not squirrel-proof and works best paired with a baffle.

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I love this feeder, especially if you’re new to bird feeding. It’s a popular stop for my neighborhood birds and it’s easy to use. It’s not made of top-of-the-line materials, but it’s made well enough to stand up to weather and wear and tear. Including the ever-present snow here in Minnesota. It’s a fantastic Amazon budget bird feeder.

Pros	Cons
Durable metal ports top resists squirrel damage	Not squirrel-proof on its own
Six aluminum feeding ports accommodate multiple birds	Plastic tube (not premium materials)
Holds up to Minnesota weather, including snow	Limited availability beyond Amazon
Attractive perches for Chickadees, Finches, and other small songbirds	Needs refilling about once a week in high-traffic yards
Easy setup: Ready to fill straight from the box	Requires regular cleaning to prevent disease spread
Budget-friendly at around $20

A Cheap Bird Feeder That Holds Up Well

The iBorn feeder has six aluminium feeding ports with a durable metal top. The ports being metal is crucial in avoiding damage from squirrels. The tube is made of a strong enough plastic.

Tube feeders have several benefits. According to the Cornell Lab, they’re easy to hang and their perches offer an attractive spot for smaller birds like Chickadees and Finches to perch from.

In my Minnesota yard, this feeder pulled in Black-Capped Chickadees, House Finches, American Goldfinches and the occasional Downy Woodpecker.

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This feeder isn’t squirrel-proof. It was pretty popular with squirrels when I put it out. I’d recommend pairing this feeder with a squirrel baffle of some kind. Or using a spicy birdseed to repel them away. Also, be sure to clean a tube feeder with a diluted bleach solution often. They’re usually generate a lot of traffic from birds (awesome), which can lead to spreading disease if you don’t keep your feeder clean (not awesome).

I had to refill this feeder about every week, which is typical for the amount of birds that visit my apartment. Setting up this feeder took me less than a minute. It’s set to fill with seed and hang straight from the box.

Here’s how the feeder looks outside of my apartment. I tend to load my tube feeders up with sunflower chips. I like them because they’re less messy. Worth the extra cost!

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Where to Buy the iBorn Bird Feeder

Here are your purchasing options for this feeder below. I’m listing as many as I can find so you can compare prices. Mine was around $19, but that’s subject to change over time. Overall, I couldn’t find a ton of options:

• Purchase on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iBorn bird feeder squirrel-proof? No, the iBorn tube feeder is not squirrel-proof. The metal feeding ports help prevent chewing damage, but squirrels can still access the seed. Pair it with a squirrel baffle or use spicy birdseed to keep them at bay.

What birds does the iBorn feeder attract? The iBorn feeder attracts small to medium songbirds that prefer tube-style feeders, including Black-Capped Chickadees, House Finches, American Goldfinches, and Downy Woodpeckers. Tube feeders work especially well for clinging and perching birds.

What kind of seed should I use in the iBorn feeder? I like to use sunflower seed is the best all-purpose option for the iBorn. Safflower seed and specialty finch mixes also work well. Avoid whole peanuts, suet, or large nut blends, which can clog the feeding ports.

How often should I clean the iBorn bird feeder? Clean the feeder every two weeks at minimum, or more often during heavy use. Use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before refilling.

How long does a refill last? In a moderately busy yard, expect to refill the iBorn about once a week. High-traffic yards or peak migration seasons may require more frequent refills.

Where can I buy the iBorn bird feeder? The iBorn feeder is most readily available on Amazon, typically priced around $20. Retail availability beyond Amazon is limited, so Amazon is your most reliable purchasing option.

Authors note: This story was last updated in May 2026.