yes OK...... you can guess I'm a newbie!!!!
have spent a lot of time ( and money) getting birds into the garden. Have worked out ways round starlings AND magpies BUT I've a fornight's holiday booked in August.
So how do I prepare the birds for no food or how do I leave food for them without attracting rats and mice?
Lyndsey
I didn't get to be stupid by being blonde, I was stupid enough to pay to be blonde!!!
Hi, Lyndsey and a warm welcome to the site!
An interesting question. If it helps - there is plenty of 'natural' food around at this time of year, so 'your' birds won't unduly suffer at the lack of food. If it were winter and you suddenly stopped - different scenario and it could, literally, cost lives, as the birds expend vital energy coming to your garden once they know that you are a regular provider.
If you'd rather give them some preparation, you could taper off the amount of food you put out for them over a couple of weeks before you go away. In that way, they will be getting used to the lesser amounts of food available each day.
Alternatively, have you any friends or neighbours who could step in and put food out for you in your garden each day?
As a last resort - and I want you to know that you will owe me a big favour in return - I am willing to reluctantly step in and go on holiday in your place, so that you can stay at home and feed the birds. A fortnight's holiday somewhere, which has already been paid by you, is a massive sacrifice on my part but what can I say? I'm just a nice guy. Where will I be going?
Corriepaw.
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it - Jules Renard
well corriepaw
the cheek of it!!!!
Asking yourself round for a Free holiday???!!!!
Goodness Gracious Me!!!!
Berkshire!!!
PS do you do house dog sitting?? pmsl!!!!!!
OK Peeps, it WAS a serious question!!!!!
No I am not letting anyone go on holiday in my place!! Firstly I REALLY need it and secondly I cannot beleive anyone would want to take on an autistic teenager in my place!!! AND whilst I've made arrangements for the pooch I don't have anyone I can ask to take on bird feeding duties, well these female neighbours will HAVE careers!!!
(sorry that not against working wives you can be sure if I could I WOULD!)
sounds sensible to cut down food tho corripaw and I spose in August there won't be babies?
Hiya.
You win - sounds like you deserve the holiday far more than I ever did, anyway :)
No - in August I should think most youngsters have well and truly fledged and will be independantly feeding. Cutting down the food gradually may be the compromise that satisfies you. Plus, just think of the pleasant surprise in store for the birds when you return and begin feeding at full whack once more. They'll be grinning their beaks off.
And I hope you have a fantastic break.