There is no telling how many plastic feeders I have purchased over the years.  Although the birds used them all, many lasted only a season or two.  Since they were cheap, when they cracked or got cloudy, I simply bought another. 

       Eventually it dawned on me I could save a lot of money by spending a little money up front and buy a plastic feeder that would last for years.  The problem was how I could tell if I was actually buying a better feeder or simply spending more money for a feeder that would not last very long.

       When I told a friend about my dissatisfaction with plastic feeders, he recommended I purchase clear plastic feeders made of a polycarbonate named Lexan™.  He told me he has been using a feeder made of the material for a couple of decades.

       After hearing his praise, I did some research on Lexan™.  It seems since this manmade material is transparent, impact and crack resistant and resists ultraviolet rays and clouding, it is ideal for many types of feeders.

       With that in mind, if you are looking for a long-lasting feeder, before you purchase one, check the label and make sure it is constructed out of a polycarbonate such as Lexan™  Do not let its sticker price keep you for buying it.  Keep in mind; it should outlast a host of far more inexpensive models and save you money in the end.