I got this to keep the squirrels and starlings out, and it works like a charm! The little birds like yellow warblers, chickadees and bushtits swarm the feeder and love it. The junkos, sparrows and even a spotted towhee eat the crumbs that fall, but we use hot pepper suet to deter the mice and squirrels. There are raccoons living nearby and we've never had a problem with them either. It is a bit heavy but that's good as it prevents raccoons and squirrels from knocking it down or bashing it about. Well made, highly recommend

I hang this suet feeder by its chain from a traditional shepherds hook. I had high hopes my grackles would be foiled. However, they just cling to the cage's side and reach in and gorge themselves. The little guys for whom I bought the feeder are chased away and intimidated. The cage must be made another inch or two larger. Btw, I am not knew to birds. I have 11 feeders going at this time of year when nesting has begun and eggs require healthier shells.