Wastage of bird seeds is a significant problem in raising birds and can cost you a fortune. You may be wondering how you can stop bird seed from going everywhere so that you can minimize waste and save on expenses. Worry not, for you are in the right place where you will get the answer to your question and more.
If you want to stop bird seed from going everywhere, consider using these eight tips:
1. Use a Stable Bird Feeder
A hanging bird feeder is usually unstable since it causes random movements while a bird feeds due to either wind or other factors. This causes bird seeds to spill all over. To avoid these, fix a bird feeder to a pole or perch to ensure stability.
2. Limit the Number of Seeds that You Put in the Feeder
One of the best and most practical ways of preventing bird seeds from going everywhere is by controlling the number of bird seeds you give them. When the feeder is always full, there is a greater chance of spillage, which causes the wastage of grains. Besides, controlling these seeds will help you feed birds fresh seeds daily and save you money due to minimal wastage.
3. Mount a Bird Seed Catcher
A birdseed catcher is installed below the feeder to ensure that all the bird seeds falling from the feeder do not go everywhere. You can easily have your bird seed catcher be simple, such as a tray, or buy some in the available bird shops.
4. Make Use of a High-Quality Bird Seed Mixture
Bird seed spills on the ground because your birds may dislike the mixture and thus spill it to at least get their favorite. To avoid this trouble, using a high-quality birdseed mixture is essential so your birds can like the combination. These will help in avoiding waste.
5. Change the Type of Birdseeds You Give
Sometimes, bird seed spillage is due to your birds disliking the seeds. It is essential to note the types of seeds that your birds like and dislike. Once you notice that more seeds are thrown on the ground, consider changing the mix to avoid waste.
6. Ensure There Is a Mesh Floor on Hopper and Tray Feeders
The purpose of mesh floors and tray feeders is to allow air to dry out wet seeds. Birds like dry seeds compared to soaked seeds; thus, they will minimize throwing them if they feel comfortable eating the bird seeds.
7. Clean Your Feeder with Hot, Soapy Water
Regularly cleaning your feeder will help prevent moldy bird seeds. Birds dislike moldy seeds and are likely to throw them all over the ground. After cleaning the feeders, change the bird seeds so your bird can consume fresh seeds.
8. Changing Feeders from Tray Feeders to Tube Feeders
Kicking is usual for some birds, like sparrows; thus, tray feeders will make them throw many seeds on the ground.
You can avoid spillage by shifting to tube-like feeders, where they will likely not kick the bird seeds. Also, these tube feeders help you minimize waste, thus saving you time and money.
What Can I Put Under My Bird Feeder to Catch Seeds?
You can put a Bird Seed Catcher tray on the pole to catch seeds, thus avoiding spillage on the ground. The best bird seed catcher tray can be purchased at a meager price in a local bird shop near you.
Once you have a large bird seed catcher tray, you can quickly replenish and recycle the bird seeds, thus saving you money.
If you fail to get a tray to catch seeds, consider using a spill-proof bird feeder to prevent bird seeds from going everywhere. This feeder avoids the waste of bird seeds, saving you both time and money.
How Do You Keep Bird Seed in a Cage?
You can put bird seeds in a cage using seed guards. One of the seed guards is the diminutive mesh netting that covers the perimeter of the cage. The tiny mesh helps prevent seeds from going everywhere outside a bird’s cage.
Also, consider using the best bird seed catcher tray, which is large enough to accommodate the falling seeds. You can purchase the tray on Amazon or at the nearest Avian store near you.
Using these methods will help you avoid messy grounds; thus, cleanliness is guaranteed.
Why Do Birds Throw Seeds Out of the Feeder?
Birds throw seeds out of the feeder due to the following six reasons:
1. Habit
Some birds, like sparrows, habitually throw seeds out of the feeder, especially when using tray-like feeders. In this scenario, shifting from tray feeders to tube feeders is essential to avoid spillage.
2. Poor Quality Seeds
Birds usually examine and test seeds to check whether they have a meaty center. Once they note that some seeds do not have food inside them, they discard them by throwing them out of the feeder.
Thus, poor-quality seeds will likely be discarded and thrown on the ground.
3. Seeds They Dislike
Like humans, birds dislike some seeds and will probably throw them away from the feeder. They spill them on the ground to get seeds that they like. Thus, it is important to note their favorite bird seeds to avoid waste.
4. Germinating Seeds
Birds are never comfortable eating germinating seeds. Therefore, once the seeds start sprouting, consider disposing of them and getting fresh seeds for consumption.
5. Moldy Seeds
Once the seeds become too wet, they become mushy and develop a foul odor. Mold and bacteria start growing on them, making them unsuitable for consumption. Avoid moldy seeds, as they can make your birds sick or even kill them.
6. Accidental Spillage
Sometimes, birds throw seeds out of the feeder by accident. Some birds are usually very active, and thus accidental spillage can happen.