Troubleshooting Your Bird Feeder: Expert Tips from The Birdhouse

• Posted on 29 August 2024
• By Bobbi Wright
• Posted in bird feeder maintenance, bird feeder tips
• 0

Some tips and tricks for bird feeder maintenance and feeding the birds.

Troubleshooting Your Bird Feeder: Expert Tips from The Birdhouse

Welcome to The Birdhouse's guide on solving common bird feeder issues. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting, we've got you covered with tips to keep your feeders in top shape and your feathered friends happy.

Common Bird Feeder Problems: Bird feeders can sometimes present challenges, such as not attracting birds or dealing with pests. Let's dive into some common issues and how to fix them.

Troubleshooting Guide by Feeder Type:

• Tube Feeders: If seeds aren't flowing, check for moisture clumping. Gently tap the feeder or use a cleaning rod. Long cleaning brushes are available to make cleaning easier. Opt for tube feeders where the bottom easily removes to make for easy cleaning. The easier a feeder is to deal with the more likely you are to make the effort to keep it clean!
• Hopper Feeders: Ensure the roof is sealed to prevent wet seeds. Consider moving to a sheltered location. Wooden bottoms we recommend drilling some holes to allow drainage if none exist at point of purchase or build.
• Platform Feeders: To deter unwanted wildlife, adjust feeder height or use squirrel baffles or strategize the seed type in the platform feeder.
• Hummingbird Feeders: Combat nectar fermentation with frequent cleaning and a simple homemade nectar recipe. If ants are an issue (their presence in the feeder will cause Hummingbirds to bypass the feeder) please employ an ant moat. These are hung above the feeder and filled with water to physically deter the ants from being able to access the nectar in the feeder. Specialized brushes are available to help make cleaning easier.
• Suet Feeders: Use no-melt suet formulas in summer or offer suet in cooler months.
• Squirrel Buster Feeders - the Legacy version we find sometimes can clog with our mix due to the other nuts sometimes found with our peanuts. A thin metal pole to push down and break these nuts into smaller pieces can help, or remove the bigger nuts where possible and offer them in a platform style feeder for ease of access to them.

Seed-Related Solutions:

• Seed Spoilage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. Discard when mold is visible. Wash containers between fills.  Nyjer is particularly vulnerable and typically lasts a max of 3 months under best conditions - cool and dry. When it goes off, the birds will fly past this feeder.
• Unwanted Seed Sprouting: Opt for sterilized seeds (nyjer) or hulled Sunflower. Our Garden Friendly mix will also not sprout to having had all shells removed. 
• Attracting the Wrong Birds: Choose the right seed for your desired bird visitors. Strategically using a nyjer feeder, a safflower feeder and a caged feeder can deter the unwanted birds. Upside down suet feeders can minimize access for starlings as they struggle to cling upside down. We don’t mind grackles here (they are native to our environment) and so we have striped sunflower specifically for them and blue jays in the Squirrel Buster Peanut feeder. Starlings cannot crack open striped sunflower.
• Seed Waste: Use seed catchers or no-waste blends like hulled sunflower and Garden Friendly mix to minimize waste. Clean beneath feeders regularly to remove shell waste, and rinse area well to maintain clean space for the birds.

Pest and Wildlife Concerns:

• Squirrel Prevention: Explore squirrel-proof feeders (Squirrel Busters are awesome at this!) and proper placement strategies. 
• Large Bird Deterrence: Consider weight-activated feeders for larger birds or caged feeders.
• Raccoon Challenges: If you are finding your feeders down in the morning its the clue we use to know you’ve got Raccoons. Bring feeders indoors at night or use raccoon baffles.
• Predator Issues: Create safe zones for birds (shrubs or trees within 10-15 feet of feeders) and suggest bell collars for cats. If your cat must be outdoors, do all you can to negate their hunting prowess. We recommend cats stay indoors always to prevent killing of birds and to maintain the cats health and longevity.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips:

• Cleaning Schedule: Clean feeders every two-four weeks with a vinegar solution.
• Disinfection Process: Follow steps for thorough disinfection and drying. One part bleach to 10 parts water is usually enough. Soak your feeder for several hours, remove, rinse and rinse again, air dry completely and then replace in the yard.
• Feeder Repair: Some feeders like Aspects, Squirrel Buster and Woodlink offer warranties on their feeders and new parts can be accessed through us or directly with the manufacturer depending on the make. We are happy to order parts and offer repair services where possible.
• Seasonal Maintenance: Provide weather domes in inclement weather and check feeders for damage in better weather conditions.

By following these tips, you'll ensure your bird feeders are always ready to welcome feathered visitors. Stay tuned to our blog for more birding insights and happy bird watching!