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Ground feeding.

owain21
19/05/2010 16:31

I have never supplied food for birds on the ground mostly becuse I am affriad of attracting rats like the monster my feeding station attracted last year!! i am just wondering what peoples methods are and what foods they supply. I have three dunnocks that visit every day and about three black birds that feed on whatever falls of the suet treats and feeders so id just like to supply them with their own grub!.

Cheers guys, looking forward to ur replies!

  • 19/05/2010 19:10

    Hi Owain,

    We have a ground feeder tray for our birds, a bit like this one

    http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/p/BirdTables/Mesh_ground_feeder.htm

     

    It's mostly the Wood Pigeons and Blackbirds etc that feed from it, but the Starlings will too. We had a Dunnock that visited, and he ate from the ground feeder tray too.

    We mostly just put the RSPB Ground mix in it, but we occasionally get them the suet pellets as a special treat and all the birds love them!

    Hope this helps!

    Becca.

  • 19/05/2010 21:44

    Hi Owain21 - Basically, rats are attracted to food - any food. Food that is left out, and easily accessed, can and will be taken by rats.  Rats move quickly and are excellent climbers and have no problem climbing vertical brick walls, fences or trees and bushes. They are mainly active at night and feed on a range of commodities - they are omnivores, meaning they will eat virtually anything and they are particularly fond of seeds, grains and wheat.

    To help keep your garden rat-free:

    • Keep your property in a good state of repair and close small gaps.  A rat can get through a space as small as 10mm high.
    • Remove sources of water and food overnight - this includes food left out for the birds and other animals as it will also attract rats.  Windfall apples and other fruit should also be cleared up as soon as possible.
    • Clearing areas which could provide nests or shelter
    • Covering the ends of exposed downpipes with chickenwire or other suitable material as rats will use downpipes as a means of climbing to roof spaces.
    • Special attention should be given to compost heaps which should be kept contained and tidy.  While rodents are active no food waste should be placed on a compost heap unless the compost is stored in a lidded composter

    Removal of food, water and shelter will deny rodents their main requirements for survival, and this is the key to solving rat problems.  

     

     

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