Selecting Bird Feeders

Bird Feeder and Bird House Selection
During the winter months, flush with ice and snow, don't just toss seed anywhere, thinking this will help the birds. The best place for birds to get their feed is at bird feeders, off the ground, and preferably out of direct line of snow or wind. Besides, feed on the ground is open to contamination by various bacteria, dampness, mold, and contact with potentially dangerous pesticides or other chemicals. Do what is best for the birds.... use quality bird feeders and bird houses.

What makes up a good bird feeder?
Whether you buy one or construct one from your own materials, you will come in contact with commercially manufactured bird feeders and bird houses. There are hundreds to make your selection from. How do you choose the the "best" feeder for birds in your area? What makes a feeder "good?" You can find bird feeders and bird houses in our secure store, or at general garden centers.

The Squirrel Situation
Place your feeders out of the reach of squirrels. While cute, these little rodents love sunflower seeds and peanuts more than acorns. Squirrels become an issue when they take over a bird feeder, begin scaring all the birds away, and tossing your seed all over your yard. And what's worse... annoyed squirrels have been known to entertain themselves by chomping right through plastic and wooden bird feeders. If there are squirrels in your area, it's safe to assume they will be visiting your bird feeder or water fountain. Be careful when you hang anything from a tree limb. Squirrels have incredible abilities, and any bird feeder hanging from a tree, with or without a squirrel guard or squirrel baffle, is just as likely to become a squirrel feeder as well. In the long run, a feeder on a pole with a baffle is the best solution. An effective squirrel-proof feeder is a pole-mounted metal type. If you choose to hang a feeder, select a tube protected with metal mesh. In some situations, a pole with a baffle should suffice. A wood or plastic feeder can be effective when mounted on a pole with a metal or plastic baffle, placing the pole at least 12 feet or more from trees or limbs. Once you've chosen the location where you're going to put your feeder, you're ready to go bird feeder shopping.