12/29/2023 0 Comments Platform bird feeder planSeed also tends to get packed down into the bottom of the tubes, causing them to rot or mildew. If this happens, try drilling some small drainage holes into the bottom of the feeder. Some designs allow moisture from condensation to get trapped inside, which can lead to moldy or sprouting seeds. So you don’t have to avoid them or bother purchasing plastic covers for the metal parts. Contrary to popular belief, the eyes and feet of birds will not freeze to metal feeder-parts and perches. They are easy to fill, clean, and squirrel-proof, and you can hang them from a branch or mount them on a pole. These feeders, made of a tough polycarbonate plastic such as Lexan and reinforced with non-corrosive metal, are a good overall choice. Also, the rough surfaces of wooden feeders can harbor dangerous microorganisms, making them breeding grounds for infection among birds. Unfortunately, because the seed is dispensed on a platform, these feeders are often dominated by larger birds. If the opening is any larger, small birds can push their heads in and get stuck. Be sure the hopper panels are made of tough plastic and that the seed opening is no larger than half an inch. When buying these feeders, look for solid, untreated wood (preferably red cedar) held together with glue and screws. A narrow gap between the bottom edges of the hopper sides and the platform makes up the bottom of the feeder, allowing access to the seed. These attractive feeders made of wood are designed to resemble a house with a peaked roof, and usually have a plastic-sided hopper to hold the seeds. The biggest drawback is that they are completely helpless against squirrel attacks and the seeds are constantly exposed to wind and rain. One advantage of this feeder is that birds can easily be photographed without the intrusive sight of the feeder in the picture. Raised slightly off the ground, these feeders attract ground-feeding birds such as sparrows, juncos, and mourning doves. Platform feeders, also called table feeders, are flat, uncovered surfaces, with a rim around the edges. Why not put up both kinds? A well-stocked backyard (from the birds’ point of view) would have a large, all-purpose feeder as well as a suet basket, and a feeder designed specifically for small, clinging birds such as nuthatches and chickadees. A highly specific feeder, on the other hand, may leave out birds that you would never know about. Although a general bird feeder does a reasonably good job, it does feed birds that you may not want in your yard or that may scare off those you do want. Types of Bird Feedersīird-feeder designs range from the general, which attract a wide variety of birds, to the highly specific, which attract one or two types of birds. By learning how to pick the right feeder, where to place it, and what to feed them, you’ll be able to admire the birds of your choice year-round. The real reason for setting up a backyard feeder is to enjoy good bird watching. Regardless of the season, supplemental feeding has hardly any impact on birds at all. Both schools prove conclusively that even the most feeder-habituated birds forage for at least 80 percent of their diet. According to recent studies from University of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania State University, it’s a big myth. They figure the birds will starve if they go away on vacation or are bed-ridden with the flu for a week, particularly during the brutal wintertime. Many people worry that the moment they put up a bird feeder, that’s it–their backyard birds will become completely dependent on them. Home Organization News, Blog, & Articles.
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