subject: Garden Bird Feeders - A Buying And Setting Up Guide [print this page] Before setting up your new bird feeder there are some points to consider to ensure that you attract the wild birds and that they keep returning to your garden. Which species of wild birds are you hoping to attract? Is the environment you are providing for the birds a safe one? Are you giving them the right types of food that will be healthy for them? All these points must be carefully thought about before you even buy your bird feeder.
Types of Bird Feeder
Not all birds are attracted to the same kinds of feeder so you be aware of the species that are prevalent in your neighborhood and the types of feeder that will attract them. Do you want to attract hummingbirds? If you do then a feeder specially designed to hold the sugar water that they require is needed. What about attracting lovely finches? A tube bird feeder is the best design for these. Tube feeders are long and thin with attached perches that are used to hold seeds suitable for smaller birds such as nuthatches, titmice, chickadees as well as finches.
For attracting a wide range of birds a gazebo bird feeder is ideal as it is large and you can add different kinds of food in the different compartments. They can hold a large amount of seed and the design ensures the seeds stay in the feeder and don't spill on the ground where they can attract ants and predators.
If you have a problem with squirrels in your area then you will want to use a squirrel proof bird feeder. These types of feeder employ a variety of methods to prevent squirrels stealing the food intended for the birds.
What Food Should You Put in the Bird Feeder?
Again this depends on the bird species in your area and which ones you want to attract. many people hope to attract lovely finches and for this you will need to supply their favorite foods, thistle or nyger seeds. These small seeds are best placed in a thistle or tube feeder which will keep them dry and the mesh allows the long beaked finches easy access without allowing the seeds to fall onto the ground.
Other seeds to use include sunflower seeds which will attract a wide variety of birds including cardinal, jays, woodpeckers, chickadees and doves. A good seed mixture containing sunflower, cracked corn and millet can be used but avoid those containing wheat or oat seeds which are often added to the cheaper mixtures as most birds will not eat them.
Making Sure the Wild Birds Feel Safe
Providing the right kinds of food for the wild birds is fine but you will also need to provide a safe environment for the birds or they will not be visiting your feeder. You need to carefully consider where you place your feeder. Placing a feeder under trees means that they have a close escape route should a neighbors cat try to stalk them. If you have a cat yourself then consider attaching a bell to her collar to warn the birds of her approach.
Other Ways to Attract Wild Birds
In addition to setting up feeding stations make sure there is a supply of fresh water, especially in the winter when it can be hard to find. A bird bath is perfect but place it some way away from bird feeders as birds like to eat in the quiet! Allowing a small area of the garden to grow wild and seeding with wild flowers will attract, not only the birds but butterflies as well.
