- Attracting birds to a feeder while deterring squirrels can be a bit of a challenge, but it's definitely doable. Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Feeder: Opt for feeders designed specifically to deter squirrels. Look for ones with mechanisms that close off access to the seed ports when a squirrel's weight is detected.
Location, Location, Location: Place your feeder in a spot that's difficult for squirrels to access. Hang it high off the ground, away from trees or other structures that squirrels could jump from.
Use Squirrel Baffles: Install baffles above or below the feeder to prevent squirrels from reaching it. Baffles are essentially barriers that make it difficult for squirrels to climb or jump onto the feeder.
Choose the Right Seed: Some birdseed mixes are less appealing to squirrels. Opt for seeds like nyjer (thistle), safflower, or hot pepper-treated seeds, as squirrels tend to dislike these.
Clean Up Spills: Birds are messy eaters, and dropped seeds can attract squirrels. Clean up any spilled seed regularly to reduce the chance of attracting unwanted visitors.
Provide Alternative Food Sources: If you can't beat them, feed them! If you have space, consider setting up a separate feeding station for squirrels with food they enjoy, such as corn or peanuts. This can help divert their attention away from the bird feeder.
Physical Barriers: If all else fails, you can try creating physical barriers around the feeder, such as placing it on a pole with a baffle below or wrapping the pole with a slick material that squirrels can't climb.
Be Persistent: Squirrels are persistent creatures, so you may need to try a combination of tactics to keep them away from your bird feeder. Keep experimenting until you find a solution that works for your situation.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase the chances of attracting birds to your feeder while keeping pesky squirrels at bay.
Our bird seed products have a recommended shelf-life of two years after production. They will have a date of manufacture printed on the back of the bags to determine when this is.
We recommend storing our bird food in a cool, dry environment, so as to maximize this shelf-life. As it is made of organic material, too much moisture and humidity can cause bird food to spoil ahead of schedule!
We recommend storing our bird food in a cool, dry environment, so as to maximize its shelf-life. As it is made of organic material, too much moisture and humidity can cause bird food to spoil ahead of schedule!
There could be many reasons for this, but some common reasons include:
Perceived danger - Birds may have had multiple encounters with a cat, dog, or other perceived predators in the area, and decided to lay low for a little while. This is not a permanent issue, as birds will continue to pop by and will begin to revisit after they perceive the threat to have been subsided.
Changed feeder location - Birds are small and delicate creatures, and as a result, they have evolved to be very careful. It may not seem like a big deal to us, but moving a feeder constitutes a suspicious change in the eyes of our feathered friends, and they will proceed with caution for a few days until they can confirm this new location is as safe as the last!
Changing seed types - Most birds will eat a variety of seeds, but most will still have preferences. If you change your seed type, there will more than likely be a bit of an adjustment period where your regular birds will be cautious, and decide over several days whether they like this new food and if it is safe, and where potentially new birds will begin to pop by and assess this new feed.
Feeder is dirty - Birds are intelligent creatures, and can sometimes tell when our feeders are in need of a cleaning. Bird feeders are their dining rooms, and no one feels comfortable in a messy dining room. Be sure to keep feeders clean!
If your feeder is particularly dirty, at this point soak your disassembled feeder in a bath of 1 part bleach, and 9 parts warm water for 5-10 minutes (wear gloves!).
After this step, remove the feeder from the bleach and water solution, and rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any excess bleach or leftover dirt!
Be sure to let your feeders dry off completely before adding more seed to them, as trapped moisture can create mold and bacterial growth.
We recommend you clean your feeders in this way every two weeks to maintain a healthy feeding environment for our feathered friends!
We recommend you initially soak your disassembled bird feeders in a bath of warm water and dish soap for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, with a small brush or towel, wipe down your bird feeder and its parts.
