Now, it doesn't solve the issue outright, but it helps. Water stays at the bottom of the feeder and causes the seeds to mold and also tough to clean.įortunately, Droll Yankees try to solve this issue by making a drainage hole at the base of the feeder. It is 23" tall and has eight ports that should be enough, and if not, you can try their 36" inch feeder.Īn issue with most thistle feeders, including this one, is their drainage and cleaning. However, since it serves only nyjer seeds, it'll be left alone by critters and other birds that may terrorize the feeder.Įven if you've got quite a number of finches already visiting your yard, its 2-pound seed capacity should be enough. Plus, it has a polycarbonate tube that won't discolor even under constant exposure to the sun. The top and bottom of the feeder are made with die-cast metal, which would see no rust or damage from little birds for years. As a matter of fact, Droll Yankees offers a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage on this feeder. It's made with the best of materials in mind, so you can expect to use this feeder for many seasons. So, only birds with equally tiny beaks can enjoy the thistles in the feeder. More specifically, this feeder can serve only nyjer seed, a finch-favorite, because of its tiny feeding ports. Well, and maybe other little birdies that won't chase off the finch, like chickadees and siskins. Droll Yankees Sunflower/Mixed-Seed FeederĮarning the top spot is a finch feeder that serves only finches. I strongly advise taking steps to keep these rodents out of the feeders.6. However, they might still be in danger of squirrels or chipmunks. Hanging the feeder near a shrub or a tree makes finches feel safe enough to visit the feeder. By placing the feeder in an area where finches naturally feel safe, the chances of drawing them in increase.Ī feeder out in the open makes finches feel exposed and vulnerable to predators. Step 6: Place the Feeder Where the Finches Feel SafeĪs I have already mentioned before, finches are small birds that are wary of danger. I discovered that it’s best to buy seeds that the birds can consume within less than a month. I’ve found it useful to buy seeds on an as-needed basis. What’s more, they can tell the difference between old seeds and fresh seeds. They always choose seeds with a strong black color, like thistle seeds or black oil sunflower seeds. I need to be able to screw the cap on and off the bottle when refilling the seeds.Īn interesting observation I’ve had was that finches prefer fresh black seeds over other bird foods. I’m careful not to put glue on the cap threads, though. The glue also helps keep the moisture out of the bottle. I use the glue to secure the hook and make sure that it is secure. Using an awl or a drill, I make a small hole in the bottle cap. Step 4: Secure the Metal Screw Hook on the Bottle Cap Feeding holes taller than they are wide are easier for birds to feed on. Depending on the type of seed I’ll use (more on this later), the holes should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide. This accommodates the upside-down feeding style of finches. Using the awl, I cut feeding holes 1 to 2 inches above and below the perches. I also rotate them around the bottle to provide maximum space for the finches. Each additional perch is about three inches higher or lower from the other. I add more perches if I have enough space. I make sure to balance the length of the perch on both ends before using glue to secure it. Insert the perch completely across the bottle and out the matching hole on the other end. They should also be big enough for the perches to fit in snugly. The holes should be in pairs, one on each side of the bottle. It will spoil the seeds faster.Ĭut holes along the side of the bottle for perches. It’s important to make sure that there is no moisture in the bottle. I thoroughly rinse the water bottle then let it air dry for several hours. ![]() ![]() I don’t want to poison the finches with chemicals. ![]() Making sure that the bleach solution is not too strong s important. Then I use a weak bleach solution to sanitize the bottle. Cleaning the primary seed holder is a very important first step. They don’t want to go to feeders that are unclean or moldy. Drill, awl, or any other puncturing toolįinches are very picky.Related: How to Attract Roadrunners to Your Yard
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