With the rising costs of bird seed and fancy feeders, it’s more important than ever to ensure we’re getting the most bang for our buck when feeding our feathered friends. After decades of trial and error (and plenty of wasted money), I’ve identified the most common mistakes that cost bird enthusiasts a small fortune. Here’s how to avoid throwing your hard-earned dollars to the squirrels.
1. Buying Bargain Bin Seed Mixes
Those cheap seed mixes might seem like a good deal, but they’re often filled with filler seeds like milo, wheat, and cracked corn that most songbirds won’t touch. Birds will literally throw these unwanted seeds on the ground while searching for the good stuff, meaning you’re paying for waste. Invest in quality seeds like black oil sunflower, attracting a wide variety of desirable birds and reducing waste.
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Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend 5lb
Check Price2. Using Open Platform Feeders in Wet Weather
Rain and snow can quickly turn expensive seed into a moldy mess in open feeders. Wet seed goes to waste and can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi. Invest in feeders with good drainage and adequate coverage, or bring exposed feeders in during inclement weather to protect your investment and keep birds healthy.
3. Overfilling Feeders
Filling feeders to the brim might seem efficient, but it often leads to waste and spoilage. Seeds at the bottom can become stale or moldy before they’re eaten, especially in humid weather. Fill feeders only with what birds can consume in 2-3 days, and clean them thoroughly before refilling to maintain seed freshness.
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4. Ignoring Squirrel Protection
Those clever squirrels can empty an unprotected feeder in hours, costing you a fortune in seed. While quality squirrel-proof feeders might seem expensive initially, they pay for themselves quickly in saved seed. Invest in weight-activated feeders or proper baffles to keep these acrobatic raiders from stealing your birds’ dinner.
5. Poor Storage Practices
Storing seed in garages or sheds without proper containers invites moisture and pests, leading to spoilage and waste. Invest in airtight, rodent-proof containers and keep them in a cool, dry place. Quality storage preserves seed freshness and prevents expensive damage from mice and insects.
6. Wrong Feeder Placement
Placing feeders in exposed areas leads to seed waste, as wind scatters seeds everywhere. Additionally, birds avoid feeders placed too far from protective cover. Position feeders near natural windbreaks and about 10-12 feet from bushes or trees, where birds can quickly retreat from predators.
7. Choosing the Wrong Feeder Type
Not all feeders work for all types of seed or birds. Using the wrong feeder type can lead to excessive spillage and waste. Tube feeders work best for small seeds like nyjer, while hopper feeders are better for larger seeds. Match your feeder style to your desired birds and seed type for maximum efficiency.
8. Neglecting Feeder Maintenance
Dirty feeders with clogged ports and broken perches waste seed and can harm birds. Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent seed from spoiling and ensure feeders operate efficiently. To protect your investment, check feeders weekly for damage, clean them monthly, and replace them when they show significant wear.
9. Bulk Buying Without Planning
While buying in bulk can save money, purchasing more seed than you can use in a month or two often leads to waste through spoilage. Seeds can become rancid, especially in warm weather. Calculate your actual usage and storage capacity before stocking up, and consider splitting bulk purchases with other bird-feeding friends.