Feeding the birds is a fun way to get to know the native birds in your area. The JCs Wildlife Team has put together five “feeding fails” to avoid. Read on for insider tips on keeping your birds happy and healthy!
1. Dirty Feeders
A clean feeder equals happy birds! Sadly, a not so clean one can spread sickness and parasites to your feathered friends. Keeping feeders clean is an essential part of feeder maintenance that ensures a healthy bird and brood habitat. Feeders simply need to be washed out regularly with warm water and non-toxic Cleaning Supplies . Make sure feeders are dried completely before refilling with fresh seed.
2. Sneaky Squirrels – Squirrels are devious little critters and unless you want to feed them, you’ll need to squirrel proof! Here at JCs Wildlife, we have a wide range of squirrel proof feeders.
The Brome Squirrel Buster Mini gives you the freedom to locate your feeder just about anywhere. When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the shroud down, closing access to the seed ports. All squirrels and many large birds are foiled, but not harmed in any way.
Another awesome option is the Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder that features a weight activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply. Adjustable springs can be calibrated to accommodate different bird sizes and keep away nuisance birds as well as squirrels.
3. Empty Feeders
Once birds discover your feeders, they’re sure to return time and time again! It’s important not to let feeders go empty, especially in the winter months. Bird feeders, suet cakes, log jammers, and even a pine cone with peanut butter and bird seed will help birds maintain their weight during the cold season.
4. Rancid Suet
Suet is a tasty powerhouse food for birds made up of rendered fat, quality seeds, grains, peanut butter, and peanuts. Unfortunately, some suet can melt or turn rancid in direct sun or hot temperatures. A fantastic solution is Pine Tree Farms Never Melt Suet! This vitamin fortified suet can withstand temperatures of over 120 F and is ideal for spring/summer feeding and warm climate customers.
5. Not So Fresh Food
Proper storage of your bird food is just as important as selecting a feeder. Choose a sturdy waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid. It’s important to keep pesky critters such as rodents from chewing into containers and contaminating the seed. A waterproof container will keep your seed dry to minimize the potential for mold.
Wondering which feeders are right for you? Contact us and we're happy to help. Be sure to check out what our customers are saying about our company and products!
