Not every bird feeder is the same. Some bird feeders are marketed as decorative or convenient but are bad for birds during the winter when they need your help the most. Before buying those attractive bird feeders, look out for these five features.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check PriceWindow Collision Danger Zones
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Windows create deadly collision zones for feeders placed within three feet of the glass. Birds will fly straight towards the glass because they are startled by feeders or visitors at the window. Mid-distance feeders (3-10 feet) are most dangerous since they provide birds with enough space to build fatal momentum from a full-speed glass strike. Therefore, the only options for feeders at such glass windows are full-distance (more than 10 feet) or \"window\" feeders that can be mounted via suction cups directly onto the glass. This is supported by ornithological studies and demonstrates the potential to decrease window collision by 90% in the winter feeding season due to this placement change.
Sick Feeders
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Feeders that have little cracks or crevices, wood materials that are porous, mesh design, etc. will collect old crumbs, moisture, old seed, and animal droppings, which can cause the deadly diseases that can affect birds, like salmonella and aspergillosis. Old materials and droppings may create a breeding ground for pathogens. Diseases spread rapidly among groups of birds at feeding stations during winter when birds gather at food stations which are limited. Look for feeders that are made of smooth and non-porous materials so that you can clean it easily. Clean your feeders at least every two weeks with a bleach solution, and every day during rain. Even if it is an attractive design, the feeder will not be worth using if you cannot adequately sanitize it.
Predator-Magnet Open Designs
When it comes to feeding winter birds, not all feeders provide the right protection for our feathered friends. Open feeders and platform feeders do not have overhead covers. Ground-feeding trays, and other feeders leave birds exposed to hungry hawks, cats, and other predators. Birds need protective coverage while feeding so they can escape as quickly as possible. Birds use a lot of energy each day searching for food, and they can’t afford to waste energy on watching for danger. Choose feeders with wire cages so all small birds can enter and larger birds are kept out, or place open feeders so that there are dense shrubs and brush piles positioned within 5 feet. Low perches can be added to provide a spot where birds can check the area for predators before going to feed below.
Nutrient-Poor Human Foods
While feeders intended for bread, crackers, or kitchen scraps may seem like they would save money, they are actually an enormous nutritional cost for winter birds. Birds need high-fat and high-protein foods in order to maintain body temperatures, and survive the freezing nights. Bread, and other empty carbohydrates provide no usable energy and only fill the birds stomachs. Additionally, bread can swell and cause blockages in birds crops. Rather than novelty feeders marketed for scraps, consider purchasing feeders that hold black oil sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, and thistle. These foods are nutritious and calorically dense, and will provide winter birds the essential nutrients they need to survive extreme winter weather.
Chemical Residue Plastic Construction
Plastic feeders can be dangerous to your birds because the materials can leach harmful chemicals when exposed to sunlight and temperature changes. This means the birds can be exposed to toxins through the water and feed that the birds eat! Cheap, low-grade feeders are also prone to cracking and splintering in cold temperatures. This can create sharp jagged edges that may injure the birds’ feet and beaks. In addition, many of the plastic bird feeders that are on the market today have colorants and UV stabilizers that were never tested with wildlife in mind! Choose feeders made from UV-stabilized polycarbonate, bird-safe recycled plastics, metals, or untreated woods. While they may be more expensive, the cheap feeders will not be worth your time because they will not be poisoning the birds and should last for many years.
