Bird Feeders: Hints and Tips

If you're planning to set up your own bird feeder, read on for some hints and tips to help you get started. There are many ways to invite birds into your back yard. The most frequently used way is to set up bird feeders for them. Bird feeders are structures designed to supply food to birds. They are placed outdoors and attract a wide variety of birds, depending on location and the kind of bird food offered.

Here are some hints and tips to get you started:

Choosing your bird feeder.

There are several types of bird feeders available. Here is a list of commonly used feeders.

- tray or platform bird feeders - are flat, raised structures where seeds are spread out. Some major setbacks of the platform are the lack of protection and the possibility of attracting undesirable species.

- hopper feeder - are containers that release food gradually as the birds eat. Hoppers are able to hold large amounts of birdfeed and can keep them fairly dry.

- window feeders - are attached to your window or windowsill. They are usually made of clear plastic and can give you an up close view of the feeding birds.

- tube feeders - are cylindrical in shape with a number of feeding ports. They are usually designed for sunflower and nyjer seeds.

- suet feeders - are baskets usually made of wire or mesh that hold suet or suet cakes. Woodpeckers love this kind of feeder.

- bowl feeders - are hanging bowls usually covered with a plastic dome for protection from rain or snow.

- hummingbird bird feeders - specially designed for hummingbirds. This type of bird feeder holds liquids, specifically nectar or sugar solution and has very small openings. They usually come decorated in red since hummingbirds are attracted by this color.

- Ground feeder - generally placed near the ground and attract birds of the ground-feeding variety.

- specialized (mealworm, peanut, thistle) - are feeders specially designed to accommodate the kind of seeds or bird feed you offer and cater to the birds that normally enjoy those kinds of bird feed.

Choosing what kind of food to use.

Different birds prefer different types of seeds. Your choice on bird seed would depend on what kind of birds you want. But the most popular food is black oil sunflower seeds. Most perching birds eat this kind of seed. White millet is popular with ground-feeding birds. You can usually start off by offering a seed mix, but remember to get a mixture with high sunflower seed content.

You should avoid feeding birds any bakery goods like bread, cookies, donuts or crackers. These kinds of food mold easily and attract other unwanted animals like starlings, mice and rats.

Choosing the location.

Feeders may be mounted on poles, attached to windows or suspended. Bird feeders should be situated at a quiet area, away from traffic and pets, and protected from strong winds. Feeders placed near the ground will normally attract ground-feeding birds while feeders placed higher above the ground will attract other species as well.

Birds like to perch before feeding, so you might want to place your feeder near natural perches like trees or branches. Or you can create your own perches using sticks or dead tree branches.

The most important thing when considering the location is the proximity to cats and to areas prone to squirrel attacks. Your feeder should be placed 5 to 6 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the nearest jump off point. You can also use squirrel proof bird feeders to prevent squirrel access into your feeders.

Caring for your feeder.

Feeders should be cleaned regularly to prevent the birds from getting sick. Your feeders should also have some sort of drainage to allow for moisture to dry up. Here are some tips on cleaning your bird feeders:

- Use white vinegar and stiff bristled brushes as your cleaning tools.

- Feeders should be cleaned at least twice a month or once a week during peak season.

- Bird droppings should be scraped off and old food should be removed. You must then disinfect with white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 20 parts water).

- Make sure your feeder is thoroughly dry before refilling.

- Keep feeders and bird seeds dry to prevent mold. Prepare food enough for 1 to 2 days if your feeder is not protected from rain.

- If you use trays to catch any seeds, make sure to clean those trays as well. If you're not using anything to catch falling seeds, clean under your feeder regularly or re-locate your feeder every once in a while.

- Remove any dead birds immediately and clean your feeder.

- If you come across sick or injured birds, notify the wildlife rescue center in your area.

Protecting your birds.

The birds safety is one of the main concerns when in inviting them to feed in your backyards. Here are some things to remember to keep your birds protected:

- Feeders should be in cat free areas. Cats are exceptional hunters and will kill the birds in your backyard.

- Do not feed potential predators and parasites. The presence of bird predators and their nest parasites can disturb your ecosystem. It is best to avoid having these animals when you feed birds.

- Feeders should be carefully watched to spot unwanted visitors.

- Take away your feeder if the number of predators increases.

- Offer quality food. Don't offer a lot of the variety that attracts cowbirds.

- Scrub out your feeders regularly! Dirty feeders cause illnesses in birds.

- Look out for signs of disease. Wash and remove feeders if you notice diseased birds. Wait a few weeks before using your feeder again.

These are just some of the guidelines to keep in mind when starting to feed birds in your backyard. Remember, the safety of the birds come first.

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