Will birds’ feet stick to metal perches in the winter?
Show Answer...No. Birds have no sweat glands in their feet, so there is no moisture to freeze onto the metal surface.
Why aren’t the birds eating?
Show Answer...- Replace the seed and clean the feeder. The high oil content in many seeds and mixes can become rancid. Make sure the store from which you purchase your food keeps fresh inventory.
- Check your seed mixture. It may be the wrong mix for the birds you want to attract.
- Make sure you have the correct feeder.
- Make sure the holes of the feeder are open and not plugged. Many inexpensive wild bird food products contain high levels of sticks and other debris that will clog holes and ports.
How do I clean my feeders?
Show Answer...Thoroughly wash with soap and warm water. Sterilize with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Rinse thoroughly.
How do I stop attracting starlings and grackles?
Show Answer...Use a wild bird food that these birds do not like. Foods with corn and milo will attract these birds.
Why do I see only sparrows?
Show Answer...Many people like to feed sparrows. Others prefer not to have sparrows. To avoid sparrows, use foods that do not contain millet, milo or corn.
When should I feed birds?
Show Answer...It is best to provide food sources all year long. February through August, birds are nesting and need extra food for breeding and rearing baby birds. September through March are difficult times for birds, as many natural sources of food disappear in the winter months.
What about water?
Show Answer...Clean, fresh water should be made available at all times. During the summer, drinking and bathing are important for birds. In the winter months, in many areas, natural water sources freeze.
Should I provide a constant food source?
Show Answer...Keep feeders full at all times. Without a constant food source, birds will leave.
How much do birds eat?
Show Answer...Birds have a high metabolic rate and an average body temperature of 100 degrees (F). They need to eat constantly to store up energy for the winter months and to burn off excess heat during the summer months. Birds will eat their own body weight daily.
Do I need trees, shrubs and flowers?
Show Answer...Birds prefer to live and eat in areas where cover in trees and shrubs is readily available.
What do I do about squirrels?
Show Answer...No matter what you do, squirrels will find your feeders. Make sure to supply squirrels with foods they prefer somewhere away from your bird feeders. If you purchase inexpensive plastic bird feeders, the squirrels will damage or destroy them. Use well-made feeders with metal bindings and squirrel-proof guarantees.
What about moths and other insects in my bird seed?
Show Answer...Seed is a natural product. Often, various types of insects and meal moths are present in seeds. These are harmless natural creatures, and many birds thrive on these insects. To avoid this problem, buy seed in smaller quantities or packages so that it is used quicker. Also, make sure your supplier is keeping seed fresh and that you do not see insects or moths in the store. You can also freeze your wild bird food to eliminate the problem.
Why do birds come to my feeder, take a seed or two and fly away?
Show Answer...Some birds, like Jays and Nuthatches, take a seed or two and then fly to a perch to crack open the hull. They will then hide these seeds in trees and other places for later use.
Why is all the seed on the ground?
Show Answer...Many birds do not like certain seeds and grains used in lesser-quality mixes. They will “throw” this unwanted seed out while searching for more desirable seeds and grains. The higher the content of millet, milo, corn, wheat, oats, etc., the more uneaten seed you will see on the ground.
Why did my American Goldfinches disappear?
Show Answer...These beautiful yellow birds change colors in their home range and also migrate. During the breeding season, the males’ feathers change to a bright yellow either at home or as they migrate.
Why aren’t any birds coming to my feeder?
Show Answer...- Make sure you are using the right seed mix for the birds in your area.
- Make sure the seed is fresh.
- Make sure you have the correct feeder. For example, it is difficult to get Cardinals to come to a tube feeder.
- Make sure that cats are not close to your feeder.
- Make sure there are no birds of prey (Hawks, Owls, Eagles, etc.) nesting or roosting close by.
- Make sure your feeder is close to natural cover (trees and shrubs).
- Be patient. Sometimes, it takes a week or two for birds to find your feeder.
- Tie a small piece of tinfoil on your feeder so it glints in the sun. The birds will have an easier time spotting the feeder.
Why are weeds growing under my feeders?
Show Answer...When seeds are “thrown” out of feeders, many will sprout. The solution is to use outdoor pet foods that contain more of what the birds want to eat, so less ends up on the ground.
Why is my “no-waste” product not working?
Show Answer...Many so-called “no-waste” or “waste-free” products are simply made with hulled seeds and grains that many birds don’t like. The birds “throw” those seeds and grains out, and so, in fact, the products are wasted. A true “no-waste” product should contain only desirable ingredients, such as sunflower hearts or chips, nuts, nut meats and fruit.
