Difference between revisions of "Feed Wild Birds"
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#*Do not use artificial sweeteners since these do not contain the calories the birds need to survive, and effectively starve the birds. In addition, the chemicals in artificial products or manufactured items such as jelly can cause digestive disturbances in birds. | #*Do not use artificial sweeteners since these do not contain the calories the birds need to survive, and effectively starve the birds. In addition, the chemicals in artificial products or manufactured items such as jelly can cause digestive disturbances in birds. | ||
#*You do not need to add food coloring to your solution to attract birds. Most commercial hummingbird feeders are bright enough to attract the birds without the need for additives. | #*You do not need to add food coloring to your solution to attract birds. Most commercial hummingbird feeders are bright enough to attract the birds without the need for additives. | ||
| − | #*Once you've made your stock solution, store it in a clean airtight bottle in the fridge, but make sure the "nectar" is at room temperature before offering it to the birds.<ref>http://www.wildbirdshop.com/Birding/humfeed.html</ref> | + | #*Once you've made your stock solution, store it in a clean airtight bottle in the fridge, but make sure the "nectar" is at room temperature before offering it to the birds.<ref name="rf1">http://www.wildbirdshop.com/Birding/humfeed.html</ref> |
#*You can also purchase nectar commercially, in liquid or powder form. This might be more appropriate where the balance of nutrients in the nectar is important for maintaining the birds' health (such as with rainbow lorikeets). Look for brands that explain how they have nutritionally balanced the nectar for the species specific to your backyard. | #*You can also purchase nectar commercially, in liquid or powder form. This might be more appropriate where the balance of nutrients in the nectar is important for maintaining the birds' health (such as with rainbow lorikeets). Look for brands that explain how they have nutritionally balanced the nectar for the species specific to your backyard. | ||
#*In New Zealand, putting out nectar when native nectar is in short supply will attract tui, waxeyes, and bellbirds. In the meantime, plant some nectar-flowering trees to improve the local natural supply. | #*In New Zealand, putting out nectar when native nectar is in short supply will attract tui, waxeyes, and bellbirds. In the meantime, plant some nectar-flowering trees to improve the local natural supply. | ||
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#*Make sure that the feeder you choose is sturdy and will not be damaged if it falls. Bird feeders can really take a beating, especially from squirrels, so buy one that is strong and made of quality materials, so that you don't have to replace it quickly. | #*Make sure that the feeder you choose is sturdy and will not be damaged if it falls. Bird feeders can really take a beating, especially from squirrels, so buy one that is strong and made of quality materials, so that you don't have to replace it quickly. | ||
#Provide large or ground feeding birds with "platform feeders." A platform, or tray, feeder is a tray with a roof above it, and holes in the sides or bottom for drainage. Hang platform feeders on trees or poles, at least twelve inches above the ground. Birds attracted by platform feeders include sparrows, doves, jays, and cardinals. | #Provide large or ground feeding birds with "platform feeders." A platform, or tray, feeder is a tray with a roof above it, and holes in the sides or bottom for drainage. Hang platform feeders on trees or poles, at least twelve inches above the ground. Birds attracted by platform feeders include sparrows, doves, jays, and cardinals. | ||
| − | #*Platform feeders are best suited to fruit eating birds. Cutting up grapes, apples, or pomegranates and putting them on a platform helps to attract fruit eating birds. However, be sure to put the fruit out fresh. Also remove it once it is no longer moist as it will attract vermin.<ref>http://www.birdsforever.com/mockingbirds.html</ref> | + | #*Platform feeders are best suited to fruit eating birds. Cutting up grapes, apples, or pomegranates and putting them on a platform helps to attract fruit eating birds. However, be sure to put the fruit out fresh. Also remove it once it is no longer moist as it will attract vermin.<ref name="rf2">http://www.birdsforever.com/mockingbirds.html</ref> |
#Choose a tube feeder if you want to feed small birds. Tube feeders are designed with short perches and large holes; the former is so small birds can feed without being intimidated by larger birds and the latter is so they can feed on large seeds such as sunflower seeds. Hang tube feeders from trees or porch leaves, or set them on high, flat surfaces. | #Choose a tube feeder if you want to feed small birds. Tube feeders are designed with short perches and large holes; the former is so small birds can feed without being intimidated by larger birds and the latter is so they can feed on large seeds such as sunflower seeds. Hang tube feeders from trees or porch leaves, or set them on high, flat surfaces. | ||
#Let [[Feed Hummingbirds|hummingbirds feed]] from nectar feeders. With a tubular shape and small holes, nectar feeders are designed for hummingbirds. Clean nectar feeders frequently to ensure scrupulous hygiene. Since you'll need to clean frequently, choose a container that is easy to take apart and [[Clean a Hummingbird Feeder|clean]]. | #Let [[Feed Hummingbirds|hummingbirds feed]] from nectar feeders. With a tubular shape and small holes, nectar feeders are designed for hummingbirds. Clean nectar feeders frequently to ensure scrupulous hygiene. Since you'll need to clean frequently, choose a container that is easy to take apart and [[Clean a Hummingbird Feeder|clean]]. | ||
| − | #*Sugar solution does not just feed birds, it also encourages bacterial growth. In order for the birds not to ingest infected nectar, it's important to change it regularly and clean the feeder. In cool temperatures (below 70 F) once a week is sufficient, but if the temperature is above 90 F, you need to clean the feeder and change the solution daily.<ref | + | #*Sugar solution does not just feed birds, it also encourages bacterial growth. In order for the birds not to ingest infected nectar, it's important to change it regularly and clean the feeder. In cool temperatures (below 70 F) once a week is sufficient, but if the temperature is above 90 F, you need to clean the feeder and change the solution daily.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Keep suet in suet feeders. Suet feeders, which are square wire cages, are designed for feeding suet. Birds can hold onto the cages as they eat the suet. Having more than one in your yard is recommended to avoid conflict between larger and smaller birds. | #Keep suet in suet feeders. Suet feeders, which are square wire cages, are designed for feeding suet. Birds can hold onto the cages as they eat the suet. Having more than one in your yard is recommended to avoid conflict between larger and smaller birds. | ||
#*If you have dripping or lard leftover from cooking, small pieces of it can be stuck onto clean upright nails or similar items along fence tops for the birds to alight near and peck at. Do not use rusty nails or objects and don't have any sharp ends poking out. | #*If you have dripping or lard leftover from cooking, small pieces of it can be stuck onto clean upright nails or similar items along fence tops for the birds to alight near and peck at. Do not use rusty nails or objects and don't have any sharp ends poking out. | ||
| − | #*For birds such as Woodpeckers, consider rubbing suet on the bark of a tree, which will help attract them to your garden.<ref>http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/f/14005/t/83862.aspx</ref> | + | #*For birds such as Woodpeckers, consider rubbing suet on the bark of a tree, which will help attract them to your garden.<ref name="rf3">http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/f/14005/t/83862.aspx</ref> |
| − | #*Many suet eating birds don't like to feel exposed, so positioning the feeder near the cover of trees is a great way of helping them to feel at home. Woodpeckers like to store their food in tree crevices and enjoy eating on high branches, but will move to lower ground if necessary.<ref>http://beautyofbirds.com/attractingwoodpeckers.html</ref> | + | #*Many suet eating birds don't like to feel exposed, so positioning the feeder near the cover of trees is a great way of helping them to feel at home. Woodpeckers like to store their food in tree crevices and enjoy eating on high branches, but will move to lower ground if necessary.<ref name="rf4">http://beautyofbirds.com/attractingwoodpeckers.html</ref> |
| − | #*If the suet starts to smell strongly or gets moldy, the chances are it has gone rancid. Birds can get sick from moldy suet, so throw it away!<ref | + | #*If the suet starts to smell strongly or gets moldy, the chances are it has gone rancid. Birds can get sick from moldy suet, so throw it away!<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Choose a hopper feeder for a decorative look. With an appearance similar to a tiny house, hopper feeders can hold a variety of seeds and can have perches to suit small and large birds. However, hopper feeders are favorites of squirrels, and extra protection is necessary to keep them out. | #Choose a hopper feeder for a decorative look. With an appearance similar to a tiny house, hopper feeders can hold a variety of seeds and can have perches to suit small and large birds. However, hopper feeders are favorites of squirrels, and extra protection is necessary to keep them out. | ||
=== Setting Up a Bird Feeder === | === Setting Up a Bird Feeder === | ||
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#*Also keep the feeder near trees and bushes. These provide a place for the bird to hide if predators come too close, something birds are constantly mindful of. | #*Also keep the feeder near trees and bushes. These provide a place for the bird to hide if predators come too close, something birds are constantly mindful of. | ||
#*Ensure that predators such as your beloved cat or dog cannot get to the feeder. Place your feeder in a location that your pets cannot get to. | #*Ensure that predators such as your beloved cat or dog cannot get to the feeder. Place your feeder in a location that your pets cannot get to. | ||
| − | #*When feeding nectar eating birds such as hummingbirds, mount the feeder in the shade and the sugar solution will stay fresher for longer. Whilst you can put the feeder in the full sun, be aware you need to change the nectar more often to avoid it becoming contaminated with bacteria. <ref | + | #*When feeding nectar eating birds such as hummingbirds, mount the feeder in the shade and the sugar solution will stay fresher for longer. Whilst you can put the feeder in the full sun, be aware you need to change the nectar more often to avoid it becoming contaminated with bacteria. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#Mount the bird feeder. There are different ways to mount bird feeders and this largely depends of the type of feeder you are using. The feeder can be hung from a shepherd’s hook, mounted to a post, hung from a tree, set on a stable, or flat surface. Certain feeders even attach to windows, giving you a close-up look at the birds. | #Mount the bird feeder. There are different ways to mount bird feeders and this largely depends of the type of feeder you are using. The feeder can be hung from a shepherd’s hook, mounted to a post, hung from a tree, set on a stable, or flat surface. Certain feeders even attach to windows, giving you a close-up look at the birds. | ||
#*Remember to follow the mounting instructions accompanying the design you've purchased. If you made your own bird feeder, be sure to mount your feeder securely. | #*Remember to follow the mounting instructions accompanying the design you've purchased. If you made your own bird feeder, be sure to mount your feeder securely. | ||
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#Keep away insects. The sugar rich nectar offered to nectar-eaters is highly attractive to insects, such as ants or bees. Using a hanging hummingbird feeder (rather than a window mounted device) can help, or chose a feeder with a built in ant guard, which stops the ants travelling down to the nectar. | #Keep away insects. The sugar rich nectar offered to nectar-eaters is highly attractive to insects, such as ants or bees. Using a hanging hummingbird feeder (rather than a window mounted device) can help, or chose a feeder with a built in ant guard, which stops the ants travelling down to the nectar. | ||
#*Be wary of using other methods such as applying vaseline or sticky agents, because there is a risk of injuring the birds you are feeding by soiling the birds' feathers and reducing their ability to fly. | #*Be wary of using other methods such as applying vaseline or sticky agents, because there is a risk of injuring the birds you are feeding by soiling the birds' feathers and reducing their ability to fly. | ||
| − | #*Bees are more of a problem to deter because they fly. The best remedy is to take care when filling the feeder so there are not splashes of sugary solution to attract the bees in the first place.<ref | + | #*Bees are more of a problem to deter because they fly. The best remedy is to take care when filling the feeder so there are not splashes of sugary solution to attract the bees in the first place.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Never use insecticides to kill ants or other insects. Different types of birds eat different things, and what might be good for a Hummingbird could be very bad news for a different type of bird, such as a Woodpecker, which eats ants.<ref | + | #*Never use insecticides to kill ants or other insects. Different types of birds eat different things, and what might be good for a Hummingbird could be very bad news for a different type of bird, such as a Woodpecker, which eats ants.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Keep away predators. Choose a tube feeder or other small feeder which birds of prey cannot access. Keep the feeder near a native shrub with dense foliage that can offer protection from attacking predators. | #Keep away predators. Choose a tube feeder or other small feeder which birds of prey cannot access. Keep the feeder near a native shrub with dense foliage that can offer protection from attacking predators. | ||
#*Think carefully about putting out food for birds, if you own outdoor cats or there are a lot of cats in the neighborhood. By attracting the birds to feeder, you may inadvertently set up a buffet for the cats. | #*Think carefully about putting out food for birds, if you own outdoor cats or there are a lot of cats in the neighborhood. By attracting the birds to feeder, you may inadvertently set up a buffet for the cats. | ||
#[[Get Rid of Mice and Rats|Keep away mice and rats]]. Mice and rats are often attracted by discarded seed, and minimizing the amount of discarded seed will keep mice and rats away. To do so, choose seeds (such as black-oil sunflower seeds) that birds in your area enjoy and eat quickly, add a seed catcher tray to the base of a tube feeder, or feed entirely different feed. | #[[Get Rid of Mice and Rats|Keep away mice and rats]]. Mice and rats are often attracted by discarded seed, and minimizing the amount of discarded seed will keep mice and rats away. To do so, choose seeds (such as black-oil sunflower seeds) that birds in your area enjoy and eat quickly, add a seed catcher tray to the base of a tube feeder, or feed entirely different feed. | ||
| − | #*Also remove food that is dried out and no longer attractive to birds. It may still be a tasty treat for vermin.<ref | + | #*Also remove food that is dried out and no longer attractive to birds. It may still be a tasty treat for vermin.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#[[Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed|Keep squirrels away]]. Consider using a baffle, a dome-shaped piece of plastic that can be placed under or over the bird feeder, or a [[Keep Critters Away|squirrel repellent]] that will not hurt the birds, such as one that contains cayenne pepper. Hang your feeder at least four feet above the ground. If the feeder is hanging from a tree, hang it as far away from the trunk as possible. If the feeder is mounted on a pole, keep the pole away from trees or structures. | #[[Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed|Keep squirrels away]]. Consider using a baffle, a dome-shaped piece of plastic that can be placed under or over the bird feeder, or a [[Keep Critters Away|squirrel repellent]] that will not hurt the birds, such as one that contains cayenne pepper. Hang your feeder at least four feet above the ground. If the feeder is hanging from a tree, hang it as far away from the trunk as possible. If the feeder is mounted on a pole, keep the pole away from trees or structures. | ||
#*See also [[Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed|How to stop squirrels from eating your bird food]]. | #*See also [[Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed|How to stop squirrels from eating your bird food]]. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
* Feeding orphaned baby birds is very different from feeding adult birds. It requires special attention and specialized knowledge of the particular species' needs. Read up on the needs for that species or speak to a vet or someone in a bird/animal rescue organization for appropriate details. | * Feeding orphaned baby birds is very different from feeding adult birds. It requires special attention and specialized knowledge of the particular species' needs. Read up on the needs for that species or speak to a vet or someone in a bird/animal rescue organization for appropriate details. | ||
| − | * Avoid feeding birds with bread unless you're absolutely sure it is pure, wholemeal, and that the birds that you're feeding it to can actually digest it (not all can). Many birds love it, from small bird species such as starlings, finches and mynahs, to the larger bird species such as ducks, geese, swans, etc. However, a constant supply of bread as a food source can encourage pest species to win out over native species; moreover, bread is high in salt and salt is bad for birds, so either avoid feeding it or keep the levels of bread given low. It is recognized that there may be times when high energy complex carbohydrates in the form of bread may be useful for some birds, such as cockatoos, lorikeets and noisy minors when it's breeding season and the natural food supplies are low.<ref>http://www.birdhealth.com.au/bird/urban/wildlife.html</ref> However, this should be the exception, not the rule. Never feed birds moldy bread. | + | * Avoid feeding birds with bread unless you're absolutely sure it is pure, wholemeal, and that the birds that you're feeding it to can actually digest it (not all can). Many birds love it, from small bird species such as starlings, finches and mynahs, to the larger bird species such as ducks, geese, swans, etc. However, a constant supply of bread as a food source can encourage pest species to win out over native species; moreover, bread is high in salt and salt is bad for birds, so either avoid feeding it or keep the levels of bread given low. It is recognized that there may be times when high energy complex carbohydrates in the form of bread may be useful for some birds, such as cockatoos, lorikeets and noisy minors when it's breeding season and the natural food supplies are low.<ref name="rf5">http://www.birdhealth.com.au/bird/urban/wildlife.html</ref> However, this should be the exception, not the rule. Never feed birds moldy bread. |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
* Do not recycle nectar; toss the leftovers away. | * Do not recycle nectar; toss the leftovers away. | ||
* If using purchased bird food, never feed it if it has passed its expiration date. | * If using purchased bird food, never feed it if it has passed its expiration date. | ||
| − | * Know what ''not'' to feed the birds. Avoid food such as desiccated coconut and peanuts; these are harmful to birds.<ref>http://www.nzbirds.com/more/feed.html</ref> | + | * Know what ''not'' to feed the birds. Avoid food such as desiccated coconut and peanuts; these are harmful to birds.<ref name="rf6">http://www.nzbirds.com/more/feed.html</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
