News1 min ago
Bird Table
16 Answers
i'm a little disappointed that i'm only getting starlings and ring necked doves on the feeder ,was hoping for some smaller birds.
Answers
Hello mallyh, it depends what you're putting out. If you're offering sunflower hearts, they're a good bet for many small birds and niger seed will attract goldfinches too. I have a terrible problem with starlings. They are incredibly greedy and there are so many of them! I put out coconut halves filled with suet and insects, then I sit on the back doorstep for...
09:22 Wed 07th Jan 2015
Hello mallyh, it depends what you're putting out. If you're offering sunflower hearts, they're a good bet for many small birds and niger seed will attract goldfinches too. I have a terrible problem with starlings. They are incredibly greedy and there are so many of them! I put out coconut halves filled with suet and insects, then I sit on the back doorstep for ages whilst my resident robin has a good feed. When he/she's gone, I can go back indoors knowing that the starlings will then come down and scoff the lot. I detest them!
Brilliant link there from Ratter, however I wouldn't buy from the RSPB, have you seen their prices?! I have found the cheapest, good quality foods from Wilko. I buy in bulk and have it delivered. For variety I have also been comparing prices on ebay. I get a very good deal on mealworms these days since I found a chap in Barnsley, which is the nearest dealer to me. I use a bank transfer which affords me an extra 5% off and they are delivered much more quickly too.
As Sandy says, apples and cheese will bring back your blackbirds, but I've found that cheese is loved by the robins too.
Don't despair, it took me ages to attract the goldfinches, now I have dozens!
As Sandy says, apples and cheese will bring back your blackbirds, but I've found that cheese is loved by the robins too.
Don't despair, it took me ages to attract the goldfinches, now I have dozens!
It may be worth investing in some specialist feeders that are more suitable for the smaller birds like tits etc but more difficult for larger species to use.
I've had success with a peanut feeder within a cage that only allows the smaller birds through the bars.
Putting some more loose/bulky food on a flat table, some distance away, may also give our smaller friends a fair chance.
Good Luck
I've had success with a peanut feeder within a cage that only allows the smaller birds through the bars.
Putting some more loose/bulky food on a flat table, some distance away, may also give our smaller friends a fair chance.
Good Luck
Mallyh - also make sure that there is water available for the birds as this attracts them to the garden. Doesn't need to be an expensive bird bath, we have 3 plastic saucers - the ones for large plant pots - the birds come down for a drink and a splash around and then go on to the various feeders we have.
Have you thought of getting a cage like this?
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
Tits, Robins, Dunnocks etc can all get in fine (though for some reason our squadron of Sparrows don't bother!). You can hang up suet squares, coconuts etc and put mealworms etc on the ground. The odd Starling will work out he can muscle into the cage, but it keeps most out!
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
Tits, Robins, Dunnocks etc can all get in fine (though for some reason our squadron of Sparrows don't bother!). You can hang up suet squares, coconuts etc and put mealworms etc on the ground. The odd Starling will work out he can muscle into the cage, but it keeps most out!