topic Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months? in Garden

What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

sfnative — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 19:19:01 GMT

In our new condo, I really enjoy sitting in my chair in the livingroom, which gives me a great view of our small garden through a 15" wide x 8' tall window. We have various kinds of birds, grey squirrels, and yes, brown rats, which my husband is going to do away with. Personally, I don't want to see those cute dead rats, as my first pet with an albino rat from the research labs at UCSF. We also have racoons and really big hawks.

I'd like to place food outside for the birds and squirrels during the winter months. Should I have DH build a platform? We don't have a tree to help fashion anything, but do have fence on 2 sides. Also, what's the best thing to feed them in the winter?

I know this can be googled, but have found your advice has a great chance of being spot on.

(BTW, we are located in the Pacific Northwest. Temps can get down to single digits, but not often. Mostly high teens/twenties and 30s and mid-40s. We are wet with rain, but do ice up and occasionally have snow. This year they are predicting more than normal amonts of snow.)

Thanks so much for your help! ~Rebecca

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Nightowlz — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 19:33:14 GMT

DH made a couple of feeders that look like these to put on the fence for corn. You can also hang bird feeders on those black wrought iron poles used to hang hanging baskets on. My dad told me bird food has quite a bit of Millet in it. He said the birds don't care for that so check the ingredients.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

geezerette — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 20:05:11 GMT

Sunflower seed is loved by all of those critters you mention, except for the "really big hawks", which will try to dine on your birds and squirrels. It's true that the cheapest bird food has mostly millet in it and the only birds I know of that will eat that are doves.

Shepherds hooks are great for hanging bird feeders if you want an immediate or temporary feeding station, plus they can be moved if you like. Different birds prefer different types of feeders, so it depends on what type you want to attract. Smaller birds may feel intimidated by the larger ones, so you may want to put feeders for them in one spot and the larger ones in another area. The squirrels will get into pretty much any type of bird feeder, unless it's specifically designed to keep them out. Also, the raccoons, while cute, may quickly become destructive, so you may want to consider that.

Also, living in a condo you must be concerned about your neighbors. Feeding the birds is not something that everyone enjoys. They do make a mess, and the seed hulls can quickly build up on the ground. Feeding attracts not only raccoons, but those rats your husband wants to do away with, which also will attract snakes. Just something for you to consider, if you haven't already.

You may want to start with one or two feeders and see what happens. Once the critters know you have food always available, they'll show up in droves.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Lilysmom — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 20:40:01 GMT

@sfnative, it's nice that you are getting settled in your new home and even nicer that you have some feathered friends!!!

If you do have rats, I would not start to feed the birds until they are gone. You will have to be careful that you don't entice them back with food. When we buy feeders, we look for the ones that have squirrel guards as the squirrels can make quite a dent in the food. Having said that, I have had many feeders that the squirrels have vanquished. They are persistent and agile so it takes a lot to deter them.

For the smaller birds like chickadees, you can get feeders that attach to your window with suction cups and the birds will come right there to feed. It's lovely to see. Many of them are clear plastic so you can watch them closely.

You may want to check if there is a local store that sells supplies for feeding birds. They will have some recommendations I'm sure. LM

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Lilysmom — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 20:45:19 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
Sunflower seed is loved by all of those critters you mention, except for the "really big hawks", which will try to dine on your birds and squirrels. It's true that the cheapest bird food has mostly millet in it and the only birds I know of that will eat that are doves.

Shepherds hooks are great for hanging bird feeders if you want an immediate or temporary feeding station, plus they can be moved if you like. Different birds prefer different types of feeders, so it depends on what type you want to attract. Smaller birds may feel intimidated by the larger ones, so you may want to put feeders for them in one spot and the larger ones in another area. The squirrels will get into pretty much any type of bird feeder, unless it's specifically designed to keep them out. Also, the raccoons, while cute, may quickly become destructive, so you may want to consider that.

Also, living in a condo you must be concerned about your neighbors. Feeding the birds is not something that everyone enjoys. They do make a mess, and the seed hulls can quickly build up on the ground. Feeding attracts not only raccoons, but those rats your husband wants to do away with, which also will attract snakes. Just something for you to consider, if you haven't already.

You may want to start with one or two feeders and see what happens. Once the critters know you have food always available, they'll show up in droves.

@geezerette, writing at the same time😀!!! Good advice about being considerate of condo neighbors. In addition to the mess, birds can be noisy especially early in the morning. Some people hate that. Go slow is the answer in introducing feeders. Get some feedback to see if it's an issue with neighbor's Rebecca. Maybe you are lucky and have a wall not connected to someone else. That would be a good location if you have a window. LM

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Sweetbay magnolia — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 21:40:26 GMT

I am an avid bird watcher, and live amongst mature woods with lots of squirrels, hawks, bears, tons of bird species - and I'm sure there must be rats and mice. The hawks provide control for the rats.

Anyway, I swear by suet (rendered fat, usually impregnated with some seed). Realtively no mess, relatively cheap, and all the birds in the yard seem to dine on it, and the squirrels gnaw on it (I do have to take it in at night or Mr. Bear steals it). Since I live in a squrrel highway, I don't put plain seed out anymore. They'll clean you out quickly.

When I lived in close quarters with neighbors, I would use a "tube" feeder with hulled sunflower seed (no mess under the feeder). Another option is thistle seed. You can buy a simple "sock" for it. Finches, chickadees, siskens like it, and the tiny seeds, as they fall to the ground, are eaten by mourning doves. Maybe you just screw a hook into the fence post and hang your feeder. I like a seed tray on the tube feeder - less waste, and it becomes another perch for birds to use.

Bah humbug to those who do not like to hear bird song in the morning! Maybe the birds would rather not hear revving car engines, either!

I just thought of something - water is essential to good bird feeding. Even if you find the feeders impratical (or someone objects - ugh), a small fountain or basin for fresh water will be enjoyed by birds, and it could be incorporated as an "aesthetic" feature on the patio. Just keep it fresh. In the winter a de-icer is nice but that requires a power source. I just go out regularly with hot hot hot tap water when the landscape is frigid.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Lilysmom — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 21:33:56 GMT

@Sweetbay magnolia, are you my neighbor😀. Sounds very similar to my place. I so agree with you on the sound of birds in the morning. I stopped using my iPod on walks to hear the birds. Music to my ears. Have to say, not everyone agrees. LM

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

JustJazzmom — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 21:58:17 GMT

You can buy suet with hot pepper powder mixed into it-- this prevents any mammals from gnawing on it.

I like the Droll Yankees tube feeders and they can be put on poles and hammered into the ground before the ground freezes (if it does in your area).

A water source is most important with a deicer plugged into some GFI outlet outside. I use a large plastic saucer that is about 2" deep and about 16" wide. If you get snow- put a brick below the saucer to raise it above the ground level (if desired). Make sure to add water every day as it will either evaporate or be drunk by the birds and other animals.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

ValuSkr — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 22:02:34 GMT

You have rats?! That's not good. My condo association tells us that bird feeders attract unwanted varmints - squirrels, chipmunks, mice, rabbits, etc. - and, if we insist on them, they should be placed well away from the building where they won't do damage. I think it's good advice, especially since I garden.. This year, a rabbit did considerable damage in my flower gardens.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Kachina624 — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 05:38:37 GMT

I would not feed the animals. You can feed the birds and fight with the squirrels over the bird food. If you invite other animals, you're just inviting trouble. They will make pests of themselves and can cause damage to your property. You will become very unpopular with your neighbors. Nobody wants mice, rats and raccoons in the neighborhood. I didn't realize how many critters visit bird feeders until I saw footprints in the snow under the feeder I had briefly. Another thing you're likely to attract are skunks. We have them in my neighborhood and sometimes the smell is so potent,it wakes me up at night.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

sfnative — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 05:56:49 GMT

@Kachina624

@ValuSkr

I feel it necessary to share with you the city and area in which I live, including the first words out of the mouth of my new neighbor.

We moved to Portland, OR, 2 years ago. Basically, this city was cut out of the forest, so the animals which existed then are still around, for the most part. Portlandiers, being the kind of people they are, pretty much let be. Of course, if you have squirrels in your attic, you gotta get 'em out. That happened to us once and our phone lines were eaten through twice.

As to our next door neighbor: on move-in day, she asked if we had seen the rat. What rat?!? Apparently she's been seeing this mink colored rat for quite some time in her backyard and has done nothing about it, but TOLD us that if we see it in OUR backyard, WE should get rid of it. Tell you what: That just made me NOT want to kill that rat, but my husband has just purchased some rat traps, so the rat(s) will be no more.

Again, we are a city of trees and so have thousands of squirrels all over the place. The racoons come out only at night and apparently travel via roofs, according to the crew that's replacing our shakes at present.

Please understand that I only want to provide food for birds and squirrels in the winter and don't think that's a bad thing. My mother would have thought it horrid, so maybe that's one reason I love creatures so much.

Plus, we no longer have cats. We've been married nearly 48 years and always had cats. In 2013 we had to put down our 21 year old female Burmese "Shasta" and previous to that her brother "Nigel" who was 16 (of lymphoma). When Shasta left us and I was retiring, followed by the move to Portland, we decided against another 2 cats for a number of reasons.

Being able to enjoy animal life outside is a daily joy that I want to continue throughout the winter.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Nataliesgramma — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:57:54 GMT

@ValuSkr wrote:
You have rats?! That's not good. My condo association tells us that bird feeders attract unwanted varmints - squirrels, chipmunks, mice, rabbits, etc. - and, if we insist on them, they should be placed well away from the building where they won't do damage. I think it's good advice, especially since I garden.. This year, a rabbit did considerable damage in my flower gardens.

So true!! The neighbor on my left had chipmunks eat thru the cement block and get into their basement.....the neighbors on the right had a raccoon make a nest in their fireplace. I have heard of squirrels getting into attics if feeders are close to the house. Both neighbors had feeders next to their house so they do not feed the birds anymore.

I have my feeders wayyyyy in the back of my yard.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

JustJazzmom — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:37:19 GMT

Squirrels get into people's homes two ways-- first through the chimney where they get either stuck, or make a nest and die anyway. A metal chimney cap helps prevent small animals and birds from entering into the chimney and also keeps rain out of the chimney too.

Second way they get into an attic is by jumping from overhanging trees near your rooflines and then gnawing through the wooden soffits to gain access. Aluminum siding helps prevent this from happening when applied to the soffits and also regular pruning of your trees helps keep the critters from getting in and the pruning helps the trees by not becoming top heavy (in a wind storm) and when pruned away from a roofline, helps the shingles dry out so moss and mildew don't form on the shingles.

One thing I forgot to mention @sfnative about the feeders, they must be cleaned at least every season with a soft brush (there are brushes available at stores or online at Droll Yankees) and some mild soap, allow to either air dry or dry with paper towels and refill the feeders. The seeds get removed and any that are old or rotting can cause disease in the birds you are feeding. If your feeders are near a cement area, that area must be cleared of unusable seeds weekly for the same reason.

The saucer holding the water can be cleaned of algae with either a soft brush and a few drops of bleach added to the water. The birds do not just drink the water, they bathe in it too. So keeping it clean is a way to help stop diseases from spreading too.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

sfnative — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 16:50:38 GMT

@JustJazzmom wrote:
Squirrels get into people's homes two ways-- first through the chimney where they get either stuck, or make a nest and die anyway. A metal chimney cap helps prevent small animals and birds from entering into the chimney and also keeps rain out of the chimney too.

Second way they get into an attic is by jumping from overhanging trees near your rooflines and then gnawing through the wooden soffits to gain access. Aluminum siding helps prevent this from happening when applied to the soffits and also regular pruning of your trees helps keep the critters from getting in and the pruning helps the trees by not becoming top heavy (in a wind storm) and when pruned away from a roofline, helps the shingles dry out so moss and mildew don't form on the shingles.

One thing I forgot to mention @sfnative about the feeders, they must be cleaned at least every season with a soft brush (there are brushes available at stores or online at Droll Yankees) and some mild soap, allow to either air dry or dry with paper towels and refill the feeders. The seeds get removed and any that are old or rotting can cause disease in the birds you are feeding. If your feeders are near a cement area, that area must be cleared of unusable seeds weekly for the same reason.

The saucer holding the water can be cleaned of algae with either a soft brush and a few drops of bleach added to the water. The birds do not just drink the water, they bathe in it too. So keeping it clean is a way to help stop diseases from spreading too.

@JustJazzmom

Thanks so much for the very welcome and practical advice. I'm clearly a novice at this and want to do it correctly. I've started a folder in Word so that I may reference all of the advice proferred thus far.

***

Some Clarification for All: The condo community we moved into a little over a month ago is situated on gently rolling city hills (not huge ones). We have a large variety of trees, both deciduous and evergreen, large grassy areas and beautifully landscaped areas around all of the paths. Each condo has a small, as in quite small, front yard and what I believe is called a "patio garden" (backyard). Many here have chosen to cover about 3/4 of their patio (with all of our wet weather, one can still sit outside protected from the rain). We have a cover, through which sun shines - and it's some sotr of hard material, not fabric. The perimeter of the garden is soil, which is where I plan to create my little Japanese mini-garden. I'm thinking about removing a corner of the patio's concrete so that I can have room for a water feature.

The reason for this explanation is to give you a sense of perspective: it's really, really hard for a crow, let alone a hawk to get into our backyard, given the cover and the surrounding trees. If we didn't have that cover, I honestly believe those rats would be history.

Hope this helps.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

sfnative — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:04:24 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I would not feed the animals. You can feed the birds and fight with the squirrels over the bird food. If you invite other animals, you're just inviting trouble. They will make pests of themselves and can cause damage to your property. You will become very unpopular with your neighbors. Nobody wants mice, rats and raccoons in the neighborhood. I didn't realize how many critters visit bird feeders until I saw footprints in the snow under the feeder I had briefly. Another thing you're likely to attract are skunks. We have them in my neighborhood and sometimes the smell is so potent,it wakes me up at night.

@Kachina624

Thanks for your advice. As previously indicated, the rat or rats have been here some time and my immediate next door neighbor knows it and has done nothing about it. (The condos are arraged in 2s, with one shared wall.) The day we moved in she let us know it was OUR responibility to get rid of the rat(s). Boy, does this lady have her nose up in the air!

According to our condo SOPs, P&P and what-not, we are each responsible for ridding our houses and garden of pests. The Association does nothing with regard to any pest issue, which I find rather puzzling.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

GingerPeach — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 18:37:23 GMT

Hi @sfnative

The best thing you can do about rats is to get rid of vegetation they like to live in, and that means taking out ivy.

My homeowners association continues to drag its collective feet about this despite it being explained that not only does it house rats, but ivy is dated and reduces property value. A horticulture professor once told my class that Los Angeles removed much freeway ivy in order to control the rat problem.

There are rats in my neighborhood. Trapping them can be costly as well as being a full-time job, which is likely why few HOAs take on pest control. Most association CC&Rs state pest control is the responsibility of each owner.

You may want to first try some of those rodent repellent sprays you can get from amazon and elsewhere. Basically, they consist of cod-liver oil, which apparently rodents don't like. I just ordered some.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

JustJazzmom — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 21:31:35 GMT

Another thing you can do is get rat poison which is really an anticoagulant and they ingest it and bleed to death somewhere (hopefully not in your yard).

Another thing that attracts vermin is obviously uncovered garbage. You may be the neatest person in your HOA but your neighbor may be slumming it for Oscar Madison on his day off!

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

Kachina624 — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 22:51:35 GMT

@sfnative With regard to your neighbor and the rat...could it be that you have a man in the house and she doesn't? Everyone knows it's men's work to eradicate vermin. LOL.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

sfnative — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 03:03:22 GMT

@GingerPeach wrote:
Hi @sfnative
The best thing you can do about rats is to get rid of vegetation they like to live in, and that means taking out ivy.

My homeowners association continues to drag its collective feet about this despite it being explained that not only does it house rats, but ivy is dated and reduces property value. A horticulture professor once told my class that Los Angeles removed much freeway ivy in order to control the rat problem.

There are rats in my neighborhood. Trapping them can be costly as well as being a full-time job, which is likely why few HOAs take on pest control. Most association CC&Rs state pest control is the responsibility of each owner.

You may want to first try some of those rodent repellent sprays you can get from amazon and elsewhere. Basically, they consist of cod-liver oil, which apparently rodents don't like. I just ordered some.

@GingerPeach

My complaining next door neighbor has at least a dozen plants and small fruit trees in containers. We have one ancient container in a corner from the original owner, the shell of which appears to be made of concrete and in it are a few scraggly remnants of bamboo. I bet the bamboo once look quite wonderful. It's possible the rats are living in any one of these containers or under one of my neighbor's 3 decks (she has a larger backyard). Who knows. I'll certainly check into the ideas you've provided. I'd rather do something humane like encouraging them to find another home than be caught in a trap.

Re: What's the best way to feed birds and fury friends during winter months?

GingerPeach — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 19:13:57 GMT

@JustJazzmom wrote:
Another thing you can do is get rat poison which is really an anticoagulant and they ingest it and bleed to death somewhere (hopefully not in your yard).

Another thing that attracts vermin is obviously uncovered garbage. You may be the neatest person in your HOA but your neighbor may be slumming it for Oscar Madison on his day off!

Hi @sfnative and @JustJazzmom

And for anyone else planning to use poison: Please remember to place any poison inside a covered trap.

If you simply put out poison, there is too much danger of (1) other animals eating it and (2) the rodent dying out in the open where some prey animal will eat the dead or dying rodent and thereby ingest poison.

I hope everyone knows this, but I think it's a good reminder.