Clean Feeders
Hi all,
This post (about feeder cleanliness) is an important one, and we hope you read it through in its entirety.
Some time ago a reader posted a question concerning the lack of activity at his feeders. Here is the exact question and the exact answer...
I have had my squirrel proof feeder up for a month and no birds. Why?
{Gordon Moe replies}
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your comment to our blog.
I'm not sure which squirrel proof feeder you are referring to since I only show that you have purchased seed from us. Anyhow, I'll take a stab at answering.
When folks call us with this concern we often pose these questions and remedies:
1. freshen up the seed AND the feeder. If you have had some rainy weather and the seed has been wet for a time, it is most likely molding. Birds can sense this and stay away since some molds are harmful to birds. Empty the feeder and wash it thoroughly with a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. Let it dry completely and refill with fresh seed.
2. make sure the feeder is located near some foliage. When birds feed in an open area they are making themselves vulnerable to cats, hawks and other predators. They like the comfort of branches and bushes and perches nearby.
3. The feeder should be some distance from your house - 10-12 feet at least until the birds return. Make sure there are no ornamental yard flags or wind chimes nearby.
4. Wild cats or even domestic cats keep some feeders bare. Make sure you keep your yard cat free. The feeder is about 5 feet from the ground.
Please experiment with these fixes. I have tried to list them in order of importance.
Sincerely,
Gordon
*****************
Co-Owner
Read our NEW blog!!
http://eBirdseed.com/blog/
218-486-5607
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center has also issued a very detailed set of instructions concerning this issue.
This is something that should be taken seriously... No joy comes without responsibility, and that includes watching the birds in the backyard.
And here are the implements of sanitation... It's not a big deal...
See you by those squeaky-clean feeders,
CapeCodAlan
This post (about feeder cleanliness) is an important one, and we hope you read it through in its entirety.
Some time ago a reader posted a question concerning the lack of activity at his feeders. Here is the exact question and the exact answer...
I have had my squirrel proof feeder up for a month and no birds. Why?
{Gordon Moe replies}
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your comment to our blog.
I'm not sure which squirrel proof feeder you are referring to since I only show that you have purchased seed from us. Anyhow, I'll take a stab at answering.
When folks call us with this concern we often pose these questions and remedies:
1. freshen up the seed AND the feeder. If you have had some rainy weather and the seed has been wet for a time, it is most likely molding. Birds can sense this and stay away since some molds are harmful to birds. Empty the feeder and wash it thoroughly with a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. Let it dry completely and refill with fresh seed.
2. make sure the feeder is located near some foliage. When birds feed in an open area they are making themselves vulnerable to cats, hawks and other predators. They like the comfort of branches and bushes and perches nearby.
3. The feeder should be some distance from your house - 10-12 feet at least until the birds return. Make sure there are no ornamental yard flags or wind chimes nearby.
4. Wild cats or even domestic cats keep some feeders bare. Make sure you keep your yard cat free. The feeder is about 5 feet from the ground.
Please experiment with these fixes. I have tried to list them in order of importance.
Sincerely,
Gordon
*****************
Co-Owner
Read our NEW blog!!
http://eBirdseed.com/blog/
218-486-5607
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center has also issued a very detailed set of instructions concerning this issue.
This is something that should be taken seriously... No joy comes without responsibility, and that includes watching the birds in the backyard.
And here are the implements of sanitation... It's not a big deal...
See you by those squeaky-clean feeders,
CapeCodAlan