Suet feeders may be constructed of wire mesh or plastic-coated wire mesh, or be a simply mesh onion bag. When adding new seed to tube feeders, always empty the old seed out first. During periods when only a handful of birds use these feeders, use smaller models so the seed is used up fairly frequently. But these are best used only during times when many birds are using them. Some tube feeders are huge, accommodating a dozen or more birds at a time. It’s best to block the bottom of the tube below the bottom feeding ports. Seed that collects here may become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Unfortunately, the seed-containing tube on most tube feeders extends an inch or more below the bottom-most feeding ports. Depending on the size of the feeding ports, you can offer tiny nyjer seeds or larger seeds. Styles with perches above the feeding ports are designed for seed-eating birds that can feed hanging upside down, such as goldfinches and chickadees, while dissuading others. Depending on the size of the perches under the feeding ports, you may attract small birds such as sparrows, grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice, and finches while excluding larger species such as grackles and jays. Hollow tubes keep seed fairly clean and dry and, if they have metal feeding ports, may be somewhat squirrel resistant (though squirrels often chew through the end caps or the plastic tube itself). Providing Nest Material for Birds: Dos & Don’ts Some models have a roof to provide some protection from the weather. Tray feeders can also be mounted on deck railings, posts, or stumps, or can be suspended. Tray feeders placed near the ground are most likely to attract ground-feeding birds such as juncos, doves, jays, blackbirds, and sparrows (along with squirrels, deer, raccoons, and other critters). Unless constructed with an effective squirrel baffle on the pole or suspension chain, tray feeders are an open invitation to squirrels and chipmunks. Offer only enough seed in tray feeders for birds to finish every day or two, and shake out the bottom every time you add new seeds. Even with drainage, the bottom should be removable for fairly frequent hosing. The best tray feeders have a screened, rather than solid, bottom to promote complete drainage at the very least, tray feeders should have several drainage holes. Bird droppings can quickly soil the seed in tray feeders. Tray feeders offer no protection against rain and snow without excellent drainage, seeds may become wet enough to sprout, and wet seeds may also foster fungal and bacterial growth. Trays attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds, including pigeons, starlings, and House Sparrows, but also grosbeaks and native sparrows.
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