Tips for Providing Food for the Birds from Your Backyard
In the heart of winter, watching birds flock to your garden can bring a sense of joy and warmth. However, unwanted visitors such as squirrels can easily spoil the fun. To help you keep your garden birds well-fed and squirrel-free, we've compiled a list of essential tips and recommendations for squirrel-proof bird feeders.
Firstly, it's crucial to offer high-quality food to attract a variety of bird species. Mealworms, a favourite among insectivorous birds, are high in protein and can be given all year. Just remember to soak them first to prevent baby birds from choking during the breeding season. Mealworms are enjoyed by robins, blue tits, blackbirds, and many other species.
Quality seed mixes, such as Kaytee Wild Bird Food Basic Seed Blend, are highly nutritious and attract various bird species. These mixes typically include sunflower seeds, maize, rolled oats, pinhead oatmeal, millet, kibbled peanuts, and niger seed. However, beware of poor quality seed mixes that contain mainly wheat and maize, which are 'bulking' ingredients or 'fillers' such as split peas or dog biscuits with no nutritional value.
Peanuts, a great source of protein, should be given in their labelled, 'nil detectable aflatoxin rated' form to ensure safety for the birds. Raisins, another energy-rich food, are loved by robins and thrushes but are toxic to dogs and cats, so keep them out of reach.
When it comes to bird feeders, strategically placing them away from branches, fences, or poles that squirrels and rats can climb helps keep them at bay. Smaller seed ports in bird feeders can also help reduce spillages, and fixing a seed-catching tray on a bird-feeder pole can catch excess food.
The best squirrel-proof bird feeders for a garden combine innovative weight-activated or mechanical barriers, use chew-proof materials, and have good clearance from nearby footholds to effectively prevent squirrel access. Highly recommended models include the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder and the Squirrel Buster Evolution, both featuring patented weight-activated mechanisms that close feeding ports when squirrels try to access them, while allowing birds to feed freely.
To further enhance protection, ensure a minimum of 18-inch clearance around the feeder so squirrels cannot jump or bridge from nearby branches or structures without triggering the feeder’s closing mechanism. Additionally, consider using squirrel baffles like the Woodlink Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle, which installs on feeder poles to block climbing squirrels and is made of powder-coated steel for durability and preventing grip.
The Squirrel Buster Evolution is particularly praised for its ease of cleaning, durability, and effective squirrel-proof design, while the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone offers an attractive all-metal option with a reliable weight-activated system. Combining feeders with squirrel baffles further improves protection.
Lastly, remember that leftover food from the kitchen, such as beef suet, potatoes, pastry scraps, and grated cheese, can be a practical and cheaper option to feed garden birds. However, avoid feeding them salted, dry, or roasted peanuts from your pantry.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a happy, healthy, and pest-free garden for your feathered friends. Happy bird-feeding!
[1] Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder: https://www.perkypet.com/products/squirrel-be-gone-wild-bird-feeder [2] Squirrel Buster Evolution: https://www.squirrelbuster.com/products/squirrel-buster-evolution [3] Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder: https://www.squirrelbuster.com/products/squirrel-buster-suet-feeder [4] Woodlink Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle: https://www.woodlink.com/products/audubon-wrap-around-squirrel-baffle [5] Valley Farms Sunflower Hearts: https://www.valleyfarms.com/products/valley-farms-sunflower-hearts
- Offer a variety of high-quality food for pets like robins, blue tits, and blackbirds, such as soaked mealworms, quality seed mixes, peanuts, and raisins, ensuring safety and nutrition for the birds.
- Strategically place bird feeders away from potential squirrel climbing spots, use smaller seed ports to reduce spillages, and attach a seed-catching tray to minimize excess food.
- Invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders with innovative weight-activated or mechanical barriers, chew-proof materials, and good clearance from nearby footholds, like the Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone and the Squirrel Buster Evolution.
- To further protect bird feeders, install squirrel baffles such as the Woodlink Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle, providing durability and preventing climbing squirrels.
- supplement bird food with practical alternatives like beef suet, leftover fruits, and vegetables, but avoid feeding them salted, dry, or roasted peanuts from your pantry.
