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Hi there
I have to say this issue of feeding birds is on all of our mind at the moment
The first thing I do is chisel the iced up water in our Birdbath. I use an axe if the ice is to thick.
The birds sit on the ice to show that they need water - like the Collared Doves
So our feathered friends will keep us on iur toes until better weather now.
Any 'tips' to make our bird food go further {smile}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
It certainly is a challenge for us as well as the birds in this weather. I have set my alarm for 6 tomorrow morning so I can get up and sort the feeders, then planning on going back to bed for a couple more hours.
As for making the food go further, I'm really not sure. The demand has increased vastly these last few weeks with all this bad weather.
I'd just say make sure its spread around so all the birds get a good chance of feeding. Also, variety helps, some birds like things and others don't. Sultanas are a winner every time!
Hi Blackbird & Paul E,
I found some bran flakes last night that I am going to soak in warm water, I'll let you know if it goes down well. I also recommend spreading food out, but even with 3 different ground spots yesterday I had even dunnocks fighting which surprised me as they are usually mild tempered. My old blackbird wouldn't let anything else (even his mate) near the one pile. It's so difficult to know what to do. I don't want to get rats by putting food everywhere but I don't want some birds preventing others from feeding.
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Chopped apples are great MarJus, especially for the Blackbirds, and if you are lucky enough Redwing and Fieldfares. Household food scraps, cereals and fruit are ideal foodstuffs and are often readily available. Keeping the snow off of the food is a real battle at the moment, short of finding a sheltered spot or a cover to protect the food, we all need the snow shovels at the ready!
Hi,
How often should you feed?
I ususally put food out approx 8.00 am then again at 12.00 and everytime I get flocks of starlings,sparrows etc!
Ive noticed that they love lard mixed with cheap porridge oats (uncooked) dried fruit,seed and peanuts. I also put out grated cheese.
A daft question? Where do birds go at night and how do they survive this cold weather?
Unknown said: I don't want to get rats by putting food everywhere
Many rats die off in these harsh weather conditions, so not as many about. You will always have a rat if you have bird food on the ground. I'm afraid it is inevitable. You just don't see them as they come out after dark. I have one very fat brown rat we call Roland. He is still alive and comes out during the day, but is very nervous and the slightest movement sends him scuttling back to wherever he comes from. I don't worry about him, and he also needs food. I have everything crossed that he is a loner. He has been with us for a long time and I have never seen another one with him. I read somewhere that brown rats stay in family groups, and have millions of babies, but sometimes a dominant one will turf out some of his/her rivals. It is these turfed out ones that live alone and tend to feed during the day time.
Cheers, Linda.
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Paul: I know what you mean about the sultanas. The bird love them softened up and soaked in warm water. Must be the natural sugars that the birds love in water too.
MarJus: Good idea about the apples. I tend to go for the apples that are on at a reduced price. Anything for a saving. The kids sized apples at a £1.00 odd a bag are fine for birds.
The same also apples on the turn in the fruit bowl. Fruit Flies destroy a nice apple, and the birds get a contaminated one destroyed by a Fruit Fly
That is the problem with dark days the food is given and the morning, and emptied at night. At least the birds are tucked up in their beds when you get back home.
Mrs T: I have my cages with plastic plant pot lids to protect the bird food and they work every time.
Terry: There is no limits to a birds diet. They know how much they should eat. The thing is more to do with how much you can afford. That is worth a thought.
Trees and bushes is the answer to your last question. Of course a spare bird box (already set up) might be a home to keep out of the cold too.
Sparrow: Brown rats have never been an issue with us and that is fine by me. I think it is not looking for problems, but enjoying the birds instead.