How do I keep squirrels out of a bird feeder?
Here are 4 easy solutions:
Feeder Placement - Most folks use a method of trying to keep the squirrels from getting to the bird food. You can place the feeder in a location where the squirrels can not climb or jump to, but this is often not ideal. Many people want to place their bird feeders in a location that they can easily view their bird friends, such as on a deck rail or a low hanging branch. However, these locations also allow squirrels in.
Cone Barrier - A second common method is to place a cone on top of the feeder or below the feeder. You can find cones made for this purpose in most hardware stores. You can also make your own! Try using a Tupperware bowl or similar kitchen bowl that does not have a handle. You may need to cut out an opening for a pole (for placement below the feeder) or a role/chain (for placement above the feeder). A simple hose clamp placed directly below the bowl will work great for keeping it in place.
Tricking the Squirrels - A third method, if you have a pole mounted feeder, is to oil the post down or mount a slinky (yes that old-time kid toy) under the feeder with the pole through the slinky. Frankly, we have had limited success with these methods. We have found that using a larger diameter PVC pole, 4" or more, does prohibit squirrels from climbing as the diameter is to large for them to grab onto. The downside is having to look at a big old pole.
Our FAVORITE method is altogether different and quite simple. Mix hot chili powder into your bird feed. It is tasteless to the birds but way too hot and spicy for the squirrels. Give it a try and let us know if it works for you!
How can I help prevent bird window collisions?
According to some experts, window collisions cause the deaths of more birds than any other human-related avian mortality factor. Here are some good suggestions to help prevent these unfortunate events:
Place decals on your windows - Many collisions can be prevented if something on the window breaks up the reflection to the landscape outside. Place a decorative decal on your window, hang an ornament from the top window frame (it many come with suction cups to hang in the center of the window), or hang an art project your children made at school! The key is to break up the reflection caused by the clear glass.
Place feeders close to a window - This may seem wrong, but it really works. Place your bird feeder close to the window, ideally within 3 feet. Many feeder styles are designed to hang on the window via suction cups attached to the glass. When feeders are close to the window, birds do not have a chance to build up to full flying speed. If they do bump the window, it should not be too serious.
How do I prevent peanut butter or lard recipes from melting in the hot summer sun?
Here are 3 easy solutions which should help:
Render your Suet Twice - render the lard/fat mixture twice (heat it, let it cool, heat it again, let it cool again). This will cause it to harden more than just doing a single heat/cool cycle and help to keep it from melting in the hot summer sun. Check out our suet recipes for more details steps.
Add Bread to your Recipe add bread products to the peanut butter or lard. This is key, as the bread products will 'soak up' the liquids in the mixture and cause it to harden. We like bread products like croutons, dried bread crumbs, oatmeal, cornflour, etc.
Feeder in the Shade this one seems easy enough, but not always very feasible. Try to place the feeder out of direct sunlight. This will help, but only if you can place the feeder in a location where you can still enjoy the view and the birds will still visit the feeder.
Are there fruiting shrubs I can grow that will produce berries that birds will eat right off the plant?
Why Yes. The colors and shapes of berries are as appealing to gardeners as they are to birds, which consume them through winter for a nutritious food source. Here are some of our favorites:
- Mountain Ash
- Crab Apple
- Hawthorn
- Serviceberry
- Winterberry
We hope you find these tips helpful!
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