Bird feeder question

kylith

I have a couple of bird feeders in the back; one for fat balls (empty at this time of year) and one for seed.

We’re plagued with starlings around here and when I got the seed feeder last week they emptied it in a day so I’ve made a cage around it from chicken wire. Since then (2 days) nothing has gone near it, well, a couple of starlings have, but they don’t stay long because they can’t get to the holes.

Do you think the sparrows and tits will start using it again? It’s standard 1” chicken wire.

Alun

Maybe the holes are a bit on the small side? I have squirrel proof cages on my feeders and the holes on that are 5cm x 3cm. All the small birds like tits, finches and sparrows can get in but not larger birds like starlings or blackbirds.

I have a ground feeder for them with a cage over it but the holes on that are 5cm x 5cm, big enough to keep the pigeons and magpies out, but not the squirrel unfortunately

kylith

It’s got a built in squirrel cage, but it’s too close to the feeding ports so while the starlings can’t fit their bodies inside they can fit their heads and necks and reach the feed.

Alun

Ah, OK. Don't really have that problem here. Bear in mind also that birds take a while to get used to new things, however small. I recently replaced my feeder pole, not the feeders themselves, and the number of visitors still hasn't got back to normal yet.

OpenYourEyes

I'd suggest experimenting a bit with larger holes - maybe cut the wire between a small number of the holes to make some big ones?

Juliet799

Opt for feeders that exclude starlings with mesh cages or similar barriers. Tube feeders with very short perches or clinging mesh designs are also less comfortable for starlings. Domed feeders can also help keep starlings away, as these birds aren't as agile to get underneath the dome.