Click Here for a Printable Version of our FAQs - 64Kb

When to feed birds? | How much do birds eat? | Constant food source? | No birds are coming to my feeder? | Birds are not eating? | How do I clean feeders? | What about water? | Do I need trees, shrubs and flowers? | What do I do about squirrels? | Birds come to my feeder, take a seed or two and fly away? | All the seed is on the ground? | Weeds are growing under feeders? | What about moths and other insects in my bird seed? | Will suet get rancid in the summer? | My Goldfinches disappeared? | How do I stop attracting Starlings and Grackles? | All I see are Sparrows? | Will birds’ feet stick to metal perches in the winter? | My “no waste” product is not working?

When to feed birds?
It is best to provide food sources all year long. February through August, birds are nesting and need extra food for breeding and rearing baby birds. September through March are difficult times for birds as many natural sources of food disappear in the winter months.

How much do birds eat?
Birds have a high metabolic rate and an average body temperature of 100 degrees (F). They need to eat constantly to store up energy for the winter months and to burn off excess heat during the summer months. Birds will eat their own body weight daily.

Constant food source?
Keep feeders full at all times. Without a constant food source, birds will leave.

No birds are coming to my feeder?

1. Make sure you are using the right seed mix for the birds in your area.
2. Make sure the seed is fresh.
3. Make sure you have the correct feeder. Example, it is difficult to get Cardinals to come to a tube feeder.
4. Make sure that cats are not close to your feeder.
5. Make sure there are no birds of prey (hawks, owls, eagles, etc.) nesting or roosting close by.
6. Make sure your feeder is close by natural cover (trees and shrubs).
7. Be patient. Sometimes it takes a week or two before birds find your feeder.
8. Tie a small piece of tin foil on your feeder so it glints in the sun. The birds will have an easier time spotting the feeder.

Birds are not eating?

How do I clean feeders?
Thoroughly wash with soap and warm water. Sterilize with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Rinse thoroughly.

What about water?
Clean fresh water should be made available at all times. During the summer, drinking and bathing are important. In the winter months, in many areas, natural water sources freeze.

Do I need trees, shrubs and flowers?
Birds prefer to live and eat in areas where cover in trees and shrubs is readily available.

What do I do about squirrels?
No matter what you do, squirrels will find your feeders. Make sure to supply squirrels with foods they prefer (Wild Delight® Squirrel Food, Corn on the Cob or Peanuts) somewhere away from your bird feeders. If you purchase inexpensive plastic bird feeders, the squirrels will damage or destroy them. Use well made feeders with metal bindings and squirrel proof guarantees.

Birds come to my feeder, take a seed or two and fly away?
Some birds like Blue Jays and Nuthatches take a seed or two and then fly to a perch to crack open the hull. They will then hide these seeds in trees and other places for later use.

All the seed is on the ground?
Many birds do not like certain seeds and grains used in lesser quality mixes. They will “throw” this unwanted seed out while searching for more desirable seeds and grains. The higher the content of millet, milo, corn, wheat, oats, etc., the more you will see uneaten seed on the ground.

Weeds are growing under feeders?
When seeds are “thrown” out of feeders, many will sprout. The answer is to use bird feeds that have more of what the birds want to eat so less will be wasted and the weeds won’t grow. However, regardless of the quality of seed you will see some weed sprouts.

What about moths and other insects in my bird seed?
Seed is a natural product. Often various types of insects and meal moths are present in seeds. These are harmless natural creatures and many birds thrive on these insects. To avoid this problem, buy seeds in smaller quantities or packages so that it is used quicker. Also, make sure your supplier is keeping seed fresh and that you do not see insects or moths in the store. You can also freeze your wild bird food to eliminate the problem.

Will suet get rancid in the summer?
Newly formulated suet and suet dough products will not melt or go rancid. Read the label carefully.

My Goldfinches disappeared?
These beautiful yellow birds change colors in their home range and also migrate. During the breeding season, the male feathers change to a bright yellow either at home or as they migrate.

How do I stop attracting Starlings and Grackles?
Use a wild bird food that these birds do not like. Foods with corn and milo will attract these birds.

All I see are Sparrows?
Many people like to feed Sparrows. Others prefer not to have Sparrows. To avoid Sparrows, use foods that do not contain millet, milo or corn.

Will birds’ feet stick to metal perches in the winter?
No. Birds have no sweat glands in their feet so there is no moisture to freeze onto the metal surface.

My “no waste” product is not working?
Many so-called “no waste” or “waste free” products are simply made with hulled seeds and grains that many birds don’t like. The birds “throw” those seeds and grains out and so, in fact, the products are wasted. A true “no waste” product should contain only ingredients such as sunflower hearts or chips, nuts, nut meats and fruit.

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