Bird Feeding 101

Being smart about wild bird feeding is good for you and for wild birds. A dirty feeder can lead to the spread of disease. Moldy or spoiled seed can make wild birds sick. Poor seed choices can mean more waste and fewer visitors. Following these bird-feeding tips will help keep your wild bird population well fed and disease-free.

Clean feeders = healthy birds

• Keep seed trays and platform feeders clean and free of hulls.

• Rake the ground beneath the feeders regularly, or hang the Seed Saucer under the feeder to catch empty hulls and droppings.

• Wash feeders at least once a month with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Bird-safe products like Microbe-Lift Birdhouse/Birdfeeder Cleaner simplify cleaning while maintaining wild bird health. Be sure to let feeders dry completely before refilling.

Protect seed from the elements

• On wet, rainy days offer seeds in covered feeders, like the Covered Ground Feeder.

• Replace old, wet, or moldy seed with fresh, dry seed. Place Feeder Fresh crystals inside your feeder to trap moisture and help prevent seed from molding.

• In hot weather, hang out heat resilient suet that won't melt or spoil. Try Never Melt Suet.

• Feed seed mixes with high-quality, nutritious ingredients including millet and sunflower seeds.

• Black Oil Sunflower Seed is a favorite of many wild bird species. Offer in a tube feeder like the Giant Sunflower Feeder or the ever-popular Triple Tube Wild Bird Feeder.

• When you are away on vacation, hang out a feeder that can hold an extra supply of seed. The Le Grand Gazebo Feeder has a 20 pound capacity. The Jagunda Feeder with Auger System is a large capacity, 7-1/2 ft tall squirrelproof feeder that offers seed to wild birds, not pesky squirrels.

Birdhouse & Birdfeeder Cleaner

Covered Ground Feeder

Never Melt Suet

Black Oil Sunflower Seed