 |
Bird Feeding Problems: Just the Facts"Understanding bird feeding problems, Bird feeding problems are unavoidable. It is common for a person who is a backyard bird feeder to encounter problems that need to be over come. Let’s have a look at some of the problems that can crop up from time to time and how they can be dealt with one by one.
2. Excessive bird seed build up on the ground under the feeder: If you notice a lot of bird seed building up under your feeder then switch the brand of seed you are buying. Buy good quality wild bird seed. It may seem expensive, but the amount of seed you will save will more than make up for the initial purchase price. Poor quality seed will end up on the ground because the shells are empty and a poor quality mixed seed contains types of seed like wheat, buckwheat, milo, red millet etc. that the wild birds don’t eat. Uneaten seed will spoil causing more bird feeding problems.  3. Squirrel proof bird feeders (It’s true!): 4. Use a nyjer (or thistle) feeder to ease bird feeding problems: A bird feeder that dispenses only nyjer (thistle) seed is very effective at deterring larger birds and squirrels. (Nyjer seed is a very small seed which requires a special feeder.) Squirrels, Blackbirds and Starlings are not usually attracted to nyjer seed. If the nyjer feeder is a tube style feeder, the larger birds will not be able to sit on the feeder to eat, as it is unmanageable for them. It will attract Gold Finches by the dozens, Chickadees and Purple Finches. 5. Use tube feeders:
Tube feeders for sunflower seeds that have metal feeding ports and perches will prevent the squirrels from chewing the holes larger and chewing off the perches. (If larger pesky birds are managing to eat at a tube feeder and the perches are made of wood or plastic then cut off the perches to about an inch and a half long. This length is not long enough for them to perch and will reduce bird feeding problems.) 6. Use a globe feeder: Use a globe feeder that only clinging agile birds can use like Chickadees, small Woodpeckers, some Finches and Nuthatches. Large, non clinging birds cannot feed from this type of bird feeder. 7. Upside down suet feeders: They allow only clinging birds to feed from them, such as Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Brown Creepers and some Finches. The underside is the only surface a bird can eat from with this type of feeder which requires a lot of agility. (Blackbirds and Starlings are not clinging birds.) 8. Use safflower seed: Safflower seed can be used in hopper style bird feeders. Clean the feeder out well, and then fill with only safflower seed. Cardinals and a few other birds love this seed. Most other birds and squirrels do not care for it. 9. Cayenne and other hot peppered seed: Do not use seed with cayenne or other hot peppers to deter squirrels. Squirrels have been known to scratch out their eyes and chew off their paws to get rid of the burning. It also lowers the body temperature of wild birds. Wild birds spend all day foraging for food to acquire enough energy to carry on their daily activities and go through the night. It would only be counter productive for them to feed them this type of seed creating a new bird feeding problems. 10. Cage feeders: Are a bird feeder surrounded by a wire cage with large enough openings for small birds. Usually tube feeders, suet feeders and small hopper style feeders come in cages. Larger birds like Starlings and Blackbirds, and squirrels cannot fit through the openings to reach the bird seed. 11. Double grid system bird feeders: This type of bird feeder is a platform bird feeder with two horizontal grids that cover the feeding area, leaving spaces which are small enough to keep paws out and large beaks. 12. Put out a squirrel feeder: Provide one of the many entertaining squirrel feeders on the market or make your own. Squirrels bring out many diverse emotions and attitudes among people who bird feed. But understanding them and adjusting our behaviour can make life easier for us. 13. Feed the pests: But don’t think the Squirrels, Blackbirds and other pesky birds will necessarily stop trying, even if they can’t access your bird feeders. So fill the feeder you are using now or a platform feeder or tray feeder with cheap seed, like corn and red millet. Once a day at the same time everyday add a few peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds and/or reduced baked goods. This will attract all the greedy birds and squirrels to that feeder. Place this feeder off by itself away from your other feeders, in an easy accessible location for them, preferably away from your favourite viewing area. 14. Domestic Cats: Domestic cats pose bird feeding problems unto themselves. Cats won’t eat the seed in the bird feeders but they will consume the wild birds eating at the bird feeders. They are attracted solely for the sport of hunting and so it is incumbent upon us, since we have attracted the feathered ones in the first place, to protect them from the felines we also keep as pets. Read more to understand this particular problem The Number One Backyard Bird Predators are…?. 15. Birds of Prey:
Birds of Prey are doing what they need to do to survive. There are actions we can take to reduce the unfair advantage we have provided them with our bird feeding activities. But we can also learn to appreciate and respect the many ways animals survive. 16. Snakes: Snakes will not be a contributor to bird feeding problems but will be attracted to bird houses and nests to eat the baby birds and eggs. Here are solutions that will help reduce this hazard. 17. Raccoons and squirrels as predators: Both of these types of animals will visit bird feeders to partake of the bird seed. But they will also visit bird houses to eat the eggs. Here are solutions to this problem. 18. Nectar feeders have problems all their own. After learning the facts about bird feeding problems and implementing solutions, a greater satisfaction will be derived from this wonderful hobby.
Learn More Facts about Bird Feeding Problems Pest control at bird feeders If you enjoyed this page then please tell others by clicking on the Bookmark button and choose how you would like to share it.  
|
