Hi, I have bought a new feeder with an "anti squirrel" cage round it, however I can't get the birds to feed from it! Any suggestions would be much appreciated
Thanks Foxy
Hi Foxy, Welcome to the forum.
There has been a number of posts from new members aking the same question.
I can offer the same advice as I did to the other members.
It is important to remember that birds are cautious about exploring new feeding stations. It can take as long as as a few months for birds to visit a new feeder, so do not get discouraged if you add a feeder to your garden and it is not immediately visited. Keep it filled and change the seed as necessary to prevent mold or staleness.
Seed not yet in a feeder should be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from going stale. Also make sure that your seed is not getting moldy as it sits in the feeder. After a rain, it may be necessary to clean out seed that still remains, as it will stay wet and start to mold. This not only makes the seed unappealing, it creates a possible health hazard for your birds.
Birds will search through this mixture, take what they want, and leave the rest. When the good seed is gone and only filler remains, you may find your feeders are visited far less frequently. Choose seeds such as black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, niger seed, and peanuts to attract birds to your feeders.
Feeders should be placed at various heights around your yard. This is especially important if there are cats or other predators in the area. Although many birds will feed off the ground, if all your feeders are placed too low you may have trouble convincing them to come. If birds suspect there are predators nearby, they will not put themselves in harm’s way. Offer feeders at varying heights to ensure birds can feed safely.
A common problem in bird feeding is the placement of the feeders. First, the feeders must be within a very short distance of trees. This provides the birds a safe place to escape to if a predator or unexpected disturbance frightens them while feeding.
If trees are not available, shrubs, fencing, or a deck can substitute quite well.
In time, the birds will trust it is a safe feeding station and will visit often.
Hope this helps Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hello Foxy, and welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy it here.
I think you will have to be patient for a week or two. The birds need time to assess the new feeder and decide whether it is a feeder with food inside, or a trap of some sort. They always take a while to get used to something new. I would leave it where it is, but make sure the food is dry and fresh, and it won't be long before one of your birds takes the plunge and tries it out. Then the others will follow.
Cheers, Linda.
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You may need to leave it out a while until the birds get used to feeding from it, it is something new in their environment and I think a lot of birds are wary of any cage feeders at first. If you are still feeding from other feeders, it may be worth cutting down a bit to try and encourage them to try the new feeder, otherwise they'll stick with the old ones that they are used to as they won't need to try the new feeder.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Sorry, my post crossed with Buzzards.
Hi Foxy and welcome to the RSPB Forum
As what to had been mentioned here you need to be a little patient with your birds. The caged feeders need to have a scare factor about them so the birds are never too forthcoming with feeding.
Try different locations if you feel that there is no response after a few weeks. As what has been mentioned about security of birds. Birds need somewhere 'safe' to hide if they feel exposed to the world and its threats so a nice bush would be a bonus. {smile}
Another hint of mine would be to give the feeders (all of the ones you have) a good shake back and forth every day (especially after rain) as it keep the air flowing and the seeds do not get mouldy so quickly. {thumbs up}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Buzzard,
Thanks for your reply, I shall take this advice and be a bit more paient!!
Foxy