Bird Feeders

Pj Hall asked:


You have learned how to make nectar to feed hummingbirds, but what is the best way to feed them?  All bird feeders are not created the same and hummingbird feeders are special types that are specifically suited to their feeding habits.  If the hummingbird cannot reach the nectar they will not come back to feed.  You don’t want other animals eating the nectar either.  These are some of the considerations that should be made when deciding on the style of feeder that you want to use.

Types of Hummingbird Feeders

With the many types of bird feeders on the market today it is not difficult to find a feeder that is made specifically for the hummingbird.  When buying a feeder, remember that hummingbirds love bright colors, especially the color red.  Hummingbird feeders should be made to hold the nectar in a way that the hummingbird can get to the nectar without drawing other insects or unwanted creatures.  These feeders come in a wide range of prices and are easily affordable by all.  Feeders can be made from different types of material.  Most often they are made of plastic, wood, and glass.  Plastic feeders are usually easy to care for, but they do tend to fade with time.  Wooden feeders are beautiful and provide a pleasant feel to your garden or anywhere that you decide to place them.  Wooden feeders require extra care and are a little harder to clean but are worth the effort.  Glass feeders can provide some of the brightest colors which hummingbirds love.   These types of feeders are very artistic and provide a different look to the area that you place them in.  They also tend to be somewhat easier to clean than the wooden feeders. 

Hummingbird Feeder Safety

There are a few guidelines specific to hummingbird feeders.  Hummingbird feeders that are not cleaned can cause diseases for these sweet birds.  Feeders should be cleaned each time that you fill them.  Use a vinegar and hot water solution to clean all parts of the feeder.  Rinse the feeder well with clear warm water then let dry before replacing the nectar.  Change the nectar when you start to see it become cloudy.  Some experts recommend changing the nectar every 3 - 7 days.  To keep ants, bees, wasps, and other insects from the feeder use a little mineral oil on the wire to the feeder and on the ports of the feeder.  A word of caution when using the type of feeders that goes on windows!  There have been occasions when hummingbirds have flown into windows that had a dark film on them. If you do decide to hang your feeder outside a window make sure that is has no tint to it.

Each type of feeder has some really good aspects.  Only you can choose the feeder that is right for you and your décor.  Don’t be afraid of having to keep them clean and safe for the hummingbirds.  The joy of having these beautiful birds in your yard or garden far out weighs the job of maintaining the feeders.  Get the feeder that is right for you and enjoy!



Carrie

Lee Dobbins asked:


Some of the fondest memories of childhood are the discovery of the biords nesting on our backyard. The bird feeding in our backyards is the easiest way to enjoy the world of wild life. People of different ages can enjoy doing this.

It does not matter whether you’re living in the suburban or renting an apartment. You can easily hear the chirping of birds coming form your windows or backyards. These chirps can even create music in our ears. Life would surely be dull without birds.

Bird watching is one of the most convenient recreations. You don’t need to cash out even a penny just to enjoy it. All you’ll need is some piece of leftover food and some water to feed the birds.

A lot of bird feeders are now available in the market. There is the platform feeder, hoppers feeder and also the tube bird feeder. Each feeder has its own advantages. Each also attracts different kinds of birds.

The tube bird feeders are long and cylindrical in shape. It also has perches on its feeding ports. It is one of the most popular bird feeders and they usually come in upside down or seed tray models.

The tube bird feeders usually discourage competing animals such as the squirrels. The perches on the feeding ports also discourage the large birds from eating the bird seeds.

Tube feeders attract birds such as the titmice, chickadees, woodpeckers, finches and nuthatches. Be sure to see to it that there is no dead space which occupies the bottom of the feeder. The seeds may rot in there which may cause illnesses to birds.

You can start by picking a location where it is quite easy to get and reach. This is because when the weather gets bad, which is also a time wherein birds need a lot of food that they can possibly get, it would be much better if the feeder is an easy-to-reach places.

Try to pick a location wherein the droppings of bird seed’s shells will not be too much of a problem when cleaning it. Place your feeder where squirrels will not be able to reach it also. The squirrels are one of the ultimate competitors of birds when it comes to bird seeds. They even often scare the birds so that they’ll just be the sole beneficiary of it.

You can hang your tube bird feeder from a branch of strong tree or mount it using a pole. Try to put some baffles around it to avoid other animal intrusions. Don’t over hide your feeder just because you’re avoiding the squirrels to see it. Your main point here is to actually appreciate viewing the birds eating.

If ever you see squirrels on your neighborhood, it would be safe if you’ll assume that they will invade your feeder at any given time. So choose the place wisely. You can hang your feeder at a height where they can’t reach it.

You should also avoid the plastic or wooden tube feeders because squirrels tend to chew this off just to take a bite form the bird seeds. Choose a tube feeder that is metal mesh protected.

So what are the best foods to feed the birds? Seeds are your best option. Do not try to waste you money purchasing those mixed bird seeds bag on the supermarket. They may look yummy for the birds but then the tendency is that they will choose the tastiest seeds on it. So instead of birds consuming everything, what will happen is that the seeds with the least flavor will just be put into waste.

It would be best to offer one kind of seeds to each feeder. You can try sunflower seeds which most pet stores offer. Cracked corn and peanuts are a good option too.

The bottom line here is that every type of feeder is just the same thing. What matters is that you are enjoying watching the birds eating and at the same time being able to feed them is spiritually rewarding. Just remember the simple tips and advices on how to make your tube feeder a squirrel proof one. Start purchasing your own bird feeder to enjoy the therapeutic effect of the bird watching brings.



Ana