I have two types of finch feeders - the net/sock, and the plastic tube. I am only using the plastic tube at present because I need to make another net type. My husband bought me the plastic tube feeder because it had interchangeable ports - one way they are turned the general bird population can use it, and the other way the entrance to the seed is turned, only the finch beak will fit. It also is more attractive with copper-like trim on the tube cover and the tray. The finches seemed to like the sock type just fine, but the socks will need to be replaced, and the seed it not protected from rain, and the seed can drops to the ground.

If I had to choose only one I would go with the plastic tube feeder designed for finches or like mine, that is a multi-purpose feeder. Mine also has a tray to collect the seeds that are dropped by the birds.

Jane

The plastic tube feeder is more attractive than the sock but the squirrels chewed the perches off. Walmart has a dual sock finch feeder that I really liked this year.

Depends on what sort of sparrows you get. If it's house sparrows, they can't hang from finch socks and so won't go for it. If it's American tree sparrows, the ones in my backyard will actually use the finch sock, too.

The sock works pretty well, but it tend to dump seed all over the place. If you have squirrels, they will constantly chew through it and cause your sock to empty.

I managed to deter house sparrows by the use of hanging wires. The tube feeder has wires hanging off the side which deter house sparrows from getting to it. House sparrows are bothered by the wire but American tree sparrow and finches are not affected as you can see from the picture.

Paul

That is quite the finch feeder you have the link to! It looks great. The only problem I had with a sock feeder was rain. I felt I couldn't leave the seed there, too much chance of it rotting.

I swear by the two finch feeders I have: both made by the "Perky Pet" company. One is a plain plastic finch feeder with the tiny portals, and regular perches; the other is one made specially for goldfinches, on which they have to hang upside down. Only goldfinches have ever used their feeder, and the goldfinches also love the other feeder. Our house finches usually prefer black sunflower in the regular tube feeder we have, but I've seen them on the finch feeder too.

I have seen chickadees enjoying the regular finch feeder.
The house sparrows don't bother it though.
One note: I have read that if you shorten the perches on a finch feeder it makes it more difficult for other birds to use those perches.

I actually prefer the look of the tube style finch feeders. If cutting the perch's minimizes the chance of sparrows bullying the finch's away then I'm all for it. How short can/should I cut them down to?

Here's an article on the perch lengths:

http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/how_to/feeding_feeders/feeder_war.aspx

I use a metal mesh tube style feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited. I like it because the seed stays fairly dry. The goldfinches love it. Seed does spill sometimes, but other birds pick up what's on the ground. I've used plastic tubes in the past, but the squirrels just tear them up.

I use sock feeders (two) and while they spill some seed, I find the goldfinches prefer them in my area (No. CA.) I've had no problem with rain -- we've had plenty, but the goldfinches go through the nyjer seed so fast, it's not an issue. My squirrels bother the tube feeders, but not the sock feeders.

It seems responses here are about 50/50 for one or the other, so you'll just have to see what works best for you. A sock feeder is a fairly inexpensive way to start. If that doesn't work for you, a tube feeder may. I'm in a mild climate, so that could factor in as well.

Jann

We feed black oil sunflower seed in cheap plastic tube feeders and we feed corn on the cob and suet mounted on a post for the squirrels and woodpeckers. I placed two dollar store feeders(actually yardsale for .50 cents a piece near a crabapple tree and these have been used exclusivly by the yellow finches and nuthatches. This works well and is a lot cheaper than thistle seed.