This bird feeder is ready to use right out of the box. It's a heavy and solid bird feeder.  It's a gravity fed type hopper that lends an even amount of the bird food on both sides. Very easy to refill. The top slides off to the side, fill it and slide back in place and hang. This is made of recycled materials which makes it eco-friendly. Definitely will last for many years. I love the pale green color. I have this hung up on my covered front porch where many birds congregate on my decorative gates to take shelter from the rain or the sun depending on the season and I get to watch them from my window while working. Love it!