Wild bird feeders & bird houses

QUESTIONS ABOUT FEEDING WILD BIRDS AT BIRD FEEDERS

When's the best time to start with a bird feeder?
Start whenever you want to. There is no best or worst time. The birds can use help in the very early spring when their natural seed sources are scarce. In general, whenever weather is poor, birds will appreciate an alternative food source.

When's the best time to stop?
There is no reason to stop. You can do it all year-round. Feeding birds throughout the hot summer months will not make them dependent. Keep your bird feeder area clean, and there's no reason for you to stop feeding millet, fruit, suet, sunflower, or nectar.

How long does it take for birds to find a feeder?
Sometimes it can seem like forever. It may take more time for birds to find window feeders than hanging or pole-mounted feeders. If you're impatient, start with a feeder full of hulled sunflower. If that doesn't get their attention, wrap aluminum foil around the top of the feeder hanger. Sometimes all it takes is the reflection of light on the foil to catch their attention.

Do wild birds need added grit?
In the winter, you may see flocks of birds along roadsides. They're look for the grit after the snowplows have left. Birds lack teeth to grind up and process their food. Dirt, sand, pebbles, and the grit they eat sits in their crop and helps grind up their food. Adding grit to your feeder can be helpful all year-round, but especially in the winter and spring. Crushed eggshells do the same thing, and in the spring have an added benefit. They provide extra calcium during the nesting season.

Bird Feeders in winter?
Won't birds' feet stick to metal feeders and perches in the wet winter weather?
Birds don't have sweat glands in their feet, so they can't freeze onto metal parts of bird feeders. There's no need to cover any metal feeders parts with plastic or wood to protect your birds feet, tongue, or eyes.

How close to your window can you put a feeder?
Don't worry that a feeder on the window will cause birds to fly into the window. Sometimes it takes a while for them to overcome their initial reluctance, so be patient. Birds can fly into the window because they think they see the reflection of the woods. Window feeders and randomly sized decals can help break up the reflection.