4 Best Suet Feeders for Attracting Woodpeckers to Your Backyard

You’re about to explore four suet feeders that can attract woodpeckers, from the Upside-Down model with a lid that blocks larger birds to the Squirrel-Proof Cedar design that’s easy to refill. Think about the Birds Choice Pileated with Tail Prop for stability and quick refills, the rugged Veehoo All-Metal Double Cage, and a modified Tail-Prop version for easier cleaning—each offers year-round appeal, yet a key detail could tilt your setup. Ready to weigh your options?

Upside-Down Suet Feeder, Squirrel-Proof Cedar Wood, Easy to Refill

Upside-Down Suet Feeder for Woodpeckers

If you want a suet feeder that helps woodpeckers, this upside-down design stands out. It keeps bigger birds and squirrels away and still brings in woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. You get a lively, varied visit at your feeder.

Made from durable cedar, it resists rot and weather. It lasts through all seasons. The lid blocks access, keeping the food fresh. The wide, easy-to-fill opening makes refilling simple. You mount it easily, with no assembly needed. The all-wood look feels sturdy in hand. It takes suet, seed cakes, bread, or fruit.

Best For: Woodpecker lovers who want a durable, upside-down feeder that keeps bigger birds and squirrels out and is easy to refill.

Pros:

• Attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees; deters larger birds and squirrels.
• Cedar wood is durable and weather-resistant; all-wood design lasts long.
• Easy refilling with a wide opening and no-assembly setup; simple to mount.

Cons:

• Some durability concerns in tough field conditions.
• Wear can happen over time with heavy use or bad weather.
• Requires a hanging setup; move to a stable spot to avoid sway or access issues.

Birds Choice Pileated Suet Feeder with Tail Prop

One standout feature of the Birds Choice Pileated Suet Feeder with Tail Prop is its 9.5-inch tail prop. It gives woodpeckers a steady perch while they feed on firm suet cakes. The feeder is built to last with recycled poly lumber and a vinyl-coated grid. It uses stainless screws that resist cracking and fading. The feeder holds two suet cakes and welcomes woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches, and others. The inside is roomy for easy cake access. It is weatherproof and low maintenance. It stays in place on a tree or pole. The sides slide out for quick refills and easy cleanups. Colors are taupe and green.

Best For: Bird lovers who want a durable, weatherproof two-cake suet feeder with a tail prop to steady woodpeckers during feeding.

Pros:

• Durable, weatherproof construction using recycled poly lumber and vinyl-coated grid
• Tail prop provides stable perching for woodpeckers during feeding
• Easy to clean and refill with side-sliding access

Cons:

• Requires hanging setup (not ideal for pole mounting)
• Holds only two suet cakes
• Suet cakes not included and must be purchased separately

Veehoo Suet Bird Feeders for Outside Hanging

This Veehoo Suet Bird Feeder is great for woodpeckers. It has a double suet cage, so you can feed two cakes at once. That means fewer refills and happy birds with strong beaks. A tail prop helps steady the feeder, so birds feel secure when they land. You’ll see woodpeckers, blue jays, and other friends perch comfortably. It also has three grip perches for different spots around your yard. The feeder is all-metal and resists rust in any weather. Refilling is simple—open the top, rinse with clean water, and put the cakes back in. It has a 4.4 rating from 70 reviews. It works with fruit, mealworm, nut, or seed cakes and hangs easily.

Best For: Woodpeckers and other big backyard birds that like two suet cakes, steady perches, and all-weather metal feeders.

Pros:

• All-metal, weatherproof and rust-resistant
• Double suet cages let you feed two cakes at once
• Tail prop and three grip perches give stability and variety

Cons:

• Some users say the metal can bend with heavy use
• Squirrels may try to steal from the feeder
• A few shipments arrive damaged or need warranty help

Birds Choice Pileated Suet Feeder with Tail Prop

Modified Text:

Designed for bigger woodpeckers, the Birds Choice Pileated Suet Feeder with Tail Prop helps big birds feed easily. It has a 9.5-inch tail brace that keeps them steady. The body is weatherproof recycled poly lumber, and the grid is vinyl-coated. Stainless-steel screws resist cracking and fading. This hanging feeder holds two suet cakes and is easy to clean and refill with removable wire mesh supports. The tail prop adds extra stability, helping pileated woodpeckers and other woodpeckers settle in comfortably. It’s eco-friendly, durable, and ready for year-round backyard visits. You’ll see birds, less mess, and happier feeders.

Best For: Backyard birders who want a sturdy, weatherproof suet feeder that supports large woodpeckers (like pileated) and other species.

Pros:

• Durable weatherproof construction with a recycled poly lumber body and vinyl-coated grid.
• Stable tail-brace design reduces tail-swing and helps large woodpeckers feed more easily.
• Easy to clean and refill with removable wire mesh supports and room for two suet cakes.

Cons:

• Suet hole size may not fit all suet cake brands or shapes.
• Needs an outdoor mounting spot (hangs from a tree branch or pole) to work.
• About 2 lb in weight; place it to stay steady in windy areas.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Suet Feeders for Woodpecker Attraction

You’ll want tail-prop stability so woodpeckers can stick to the feeder without it wobbling. Make sure access is easy for woodpeckers but not for squirrels, and check material durability plus how well the design resists weather and wear. Finally, consider refill capacity so you won’t run dry during peak foraging, balancing long-term use with maintenance.

Tail Prop Stability

Tail props about 9.5 inches long give woodpeckers a solid perch. They wobble less as they pick at the suet.

A steady tail prop acts like a brace. It helps balance during feeding, so pecks are steadier and there is less swaying.

Tail props help more for bigger woodpeckers. They gain stability when they twist to grab bites.

If you use a sturdy perch with the tail prop, it makes a secure feeding spot in windy conditions and helps stop tipping.

The design can help birds with bigger beaks, but choose the right size for fit and comfort.

Test a few options on your feeder. Balance stability with how easy it is for birds to reach bites.

You will see fewer wobbly moments and steadier feeding overall.

Woodpecker Access

Access to a suet cake works best with simple, clear design. The goal is to keep woodpeckers comfy and avoid crowded eating.

• Use a tail-prop perch. It steadies the bird while it feeds. This reduces tail-swing and helps it reach the cake more easily.
• Put the feeder upside down. This helps keep bigger non-woodpeckers away. It makes it easier for woodpeckers to feed without crowds.
• Have big inside spaces. Easy-to-remove access points help birds grab and go fast. Side panels or hinged tops are good choices.
• Add a dual-cake or extra-large interior. Strong-beaked woodpeckers get more room to feed without refills every minute.
• Build sturdy, weatherproof feeding holes. This stops debris from building up and keeps access clear in rain, wind, or snow.

A simple setup saves trips to the feeder and keeps the action steady for hours.

Material Durability

Durability matters when you pick a suet feeder for woodpeckers. You want it to last through weather, chewing, and daily use.

Wood choices work well. Cedar stays natural and resists rot. It holds up in rain and sun without soaking up moisture.

All-metal parts are strong and resist rust. They can stand up to chewing and harsh weather better than many other materials.

Other good options include vinyl-coated grids and stainless-steel screws. They help keep the feeder from cracking or loosening over time.

Recycled poly lumber is durable and easy to care for. It resists warping in different climates.

A sturdy roof is important. It keeps rain out and helps keep the food fresh. That helps woodpeckers stay interested.

With a solid design, your feeder will last through many busy woodpecker seasons.

Squirrel Proofing

To keep woodpeckers happy and squirrels away, use simple, sturdy feeder designs. Pick ideas that focus on real, easy-to-use parts.

An upside-down feeder helps. It makes access harder for squirrels. A lid that stays secure and a roof that opens on a hinge also stop quick tampering.

Make refill and opening easy for you, not for the squirrels. A wide opening or easy-refill design reduces the chance squirrels stay at the feeding spot.

Some feeders use tail props or stable perches. These keep the feeder steady and cut down on tail-swing, which cuts down on leverage for squirrels.

People say that secure designs work well most of the time. But cheap or weak builds can still be tampered with. Choose feeders with metal hinges and rust-resistant latches. Look for notes on long-term durability and how squirrels behave in the field.

Refill Capacity

Choosing a feeder with good refill capacity means you spend less time refilling and more time enjoying the woodpeckers. Some feeders hold two suet cakes at once, which doubles the time between fills.

An interior space about 8 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 22.5 inches tall can fit two standard cakes in one unit. That means fewer trips to restock.

Refills go faster when the top or sides open easily or slide away. This reduces downtime between feeding sessions.

A large tail-prop or sturdy perching area helps hold multiple cakes and keeps loading steady while you refill. Easy-access designs with removable or slide-out parts make removing old cakes and adding fresh ones simple. This keeps woodpeckers fed and happy.

Weather Resistance

A suet feeder should stand up to wet and cold. Use wood that resists rot, like cedar, or use treated lumber. Metal parts with anti-rust coating stay strong in rain and humidity. A weatherproof roof keeps the food dry, even in heavy rain or freezing weather. Coatings such as vinyl on grids and hardware prevent cracking, fading, and rust.

Sealed hinges and a tight lid keep water out. A good lid seals well, and gaskets stay soft when it is cold. Check seams and joints after big temperature changes to keep them tight. That small detail prevents many repairs later.

Mounting Options

When you pick a mounting option, think about how steady the feeder stays and how easy it is for woodpeckers to grab the food. Inverted feeders hang from a branch or hook. They work well for woodpeckers, but they need a secure overhead mount.

Hanging mounts like hooks, cables, or chains give you flexible placement. They stay steady and help woodpeckers use their tails to balance. This reduces wobble while they feed.

If you use a tree branch or pole, place it so woodpeckers can perch without pieces of other birds crowding them. A weatherproof roof on the mount keeps the suet dry and stays strong in rain and sun. A top-opening or hinged design makes refills easy while keeping the hanger solid. Use compatible materials, too. Metal, wood, and synthetic parts act differently in sun and rain. Also think about quick height changes for new feeders.

Cleaning Ease

A feeder that is easy to clean is worth it. Look for parts that slide open or lift up wide so you can reach the cakes fast.

Choose simple materials. Rust-free metal or strong plastic wipe clean easily and don’t rust or peel.

Check the little parts. Squirrel- or tail-prop parts should detach or rinse off so grime doesn’t build up near the feeding spots.

Make the inside easy to wash. A smooth, snag-free surface and a washable interior cut down on scrubbing.

See if lids are easy to remove. Removable or hinge-access lids help you reach tricky spots and refill without dragging dirt inside.

Test it outside. Put the feeder in your yard and watch for gaps, drips, or creases that could hold mold after rain.

Look for tight seals. A good seal helps stop leaks completely.

Last update on 2026-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API