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Plastic domes on bird feeders

LesleyRickard
06/08/2022 12:02

I was having problems with a resident rat shimmying up my bird feeder pole, dislodging the feeders and then, of course, eating all the seed and suet. I bought a plastic transparent dome and fitted it to the pole to prevent the rat climbing up. This worked and the feeders have not been knocked off since. However, now, no birds are coming to the feeders. Could it be they don't like the dome (reflections maybe?) or is that a coincidence and it's just that time of year? If anyone has any experience with using these domes I'd be glad to hear if you've had similar issues with the birds disappearing.
Many thanks

  • 0 06/08/2022 14:06
    Hi Lesley, I've used these domes in the past to deter grey squirrels and found them very successful as you have also found. The dome will weather fairly quickly and lose the high glossy shine as it could be that the newness of the baffle dome is causing too much reflection at the moment; the other reason is the feeding station looks quite close to the fence line and the birds could be feeling more vulnerable from possible predation from cats or other predators; if it is possible, try moving the feeding station further away from the fence; if you have grey squirrels they can also leap over 2 metres so your feeders would be raided by them. The bottom water dish could also be causing added reflection so if that can be moved higher it might help. It's really a case of trial and error but the baffle domes are very successful at preventing both squirrels and vermin from reaching the feeders. Good luck.

    _____________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • 0 06/08/2022 16:27
    If it's only a recent addition, it may just be the birds natural wariness. I remember once adding a different style feeder to our pole (similar in design to yours) and it took 3 weeks for the regular birds to come back, despite the original feeders still being there.... they're probably just fickle little so-and-so's! :o)
  • 0 07/08/2022 06:24

    Hi Lesley,

    As already mentioned, it could be because the dome is new and shiny, but it will weather soon, it could also be the birds are finding food from more natural sources. We've had a dome up for a couple of years, and it hasn't deterred the birds feeding. However, with the warm sunny weather, our feeders have been quiet, and that isn't unusual as the birds will be enjoying more natural food sources like insects.

    The birds will return, so at this stage, I wouldn't worry.

    You mention you had rats, natures hoovers as I call them, that also isn't uncommon, so to help reduce the presence of rats, try to keep the area around the feeder as clear as possible from fallen feed.

    Mike

    Flickr: Peak Rambler

  • 0 07/08/2022 07:21
    I have 3 feeders up all with domes. I haven't found it a problem, even when I fitted new domes it didn't deter the birds.

    Richard B

  • 0 07/08/2022 16:05
    If I get ANY MORE PL;ASTIC GNOMES EATING MY *+%"!!! BIRD FOOD I'M GOING TO......

    Ohhh

    Domes:)

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • 0 07/08/2022 22:29
    Thanks everyone. I also read up about birds feeding in the summer and think it may be that they're finding more natural food in the park opposite. The rat has moved out since I put the dome up. I know this because my dog has stopped 'rat-watching' - she used to lie on the lawn in the direction of the rat's home for hours watching its comings and goings.
  • 0 08/08/2022 06:14 in reply to LesleyRickard
    LesleyRickard said:
    Thanks everyone. I also read up about birds feeding in the summer and think it may be that they're finding more natural food in the park opposite. The rat has moved out since I put the dome up. I know this because my dog has stopped 'rat-watching' - she used to lie on the lawn in the direction of the rat's home for hours watching its comings and goings.

    That's good the rat has gone. They're often very adept at getting up and around obstacles, and likewise so are squirrels.

    Mike

    Flickr: Peak Rambler