Is it worth spending extra on metal feeders,if squirrels are not an issue?
Colin
Hi Colin. I started using metal feeders because of the squirrels, although mine also chewed through the metal peanut feeder. Some plastic feeders are sturdier than others and they seem to have a variety of perch sizes and shapes. Maybe other forumites can offer feedback on perch types, as in which are easiest for the birds to use and which are most hard wearing. I have noticed than some snap off easier than others. Which species do you have visiting your garden and what do you intend to put in the feeders? If you have Tits visiting they tend to take an item of food and eat it elsewhere, Sparrows and Finches will perch and eat. If you have large numbers of Starlings you might want to take that into account, as the more fragile perches might not stand the action! I haven't exactly answered the question, but I have raised a few more issues lol
I have surrounded this seed feeder with a cylinder shaped from plastic mesh. The Spadgers can get in and out easily enough. I made it because I was trying to keep the Ferals from taking all the seed. The squirrels don't touch it because they don't show any interest in the seed. The small pagoda shaped feeder nearest the camera is a big favourite with the Spadgers and the base forms the perch, so no chance of it breaking off.
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
I have had numerous feeders for around 3 years and did tend to buy metal ones,because I thought they would last longer,but I had 5 feeders stolen at the start of the year,which sort of put me off buying them,as you would expect a thief to be more attracted to them. Thankfully,touch wood,the theft problem seems to have gone away now and I've just about stopped worrying about it. I do get zillions of starlings,which points towards favouring metal feeders,although the two Droll Yankees plastic Bird Lovers seed feeders which I just recently bought,do seem to be quite sturdy,although time will tell.
As a side note,it's strange how you and a lot of folk on here,have a problem with pigeons on their feeders. I get quite a lot in the garden,but I've never seen any attempting to eat out of my feeders. They just usefully hoover up the spilt seed on the ground.
Philippa M said: As a side note,it's strange how you and a lot of folk on here,have a problem with pigeons on their feeders. I get quite a lot in the garden,but I've never seen any attempting to eat out of my feeders. They just usefully hoover up the spilt seed on the ground.
If only...