My bird feeder destroyed by blackbirds!! :) (1 Viewer)

[BeardedBirder78]

Hello,
I had a bird feeder in the backyard, and the blackbirds took control of it and chewed it up and it is essentially useless now, but it was pretty cheap/ plastic tube style. What kind of bird feeder can I get to avoid this the next time? Also, to avoid squirrels and spills of food on the ground.
Thanks





Dan Fairman
La Vista, Ne usa
danpafa78 'AT' gmail.com

 

[DownyWP]

Are you talking about Red-winged Blackbirds?? Or European Starlings?

I have this feeder from WBU, it is costly, but it can be set to exclude large birds from feeding; this way my chickadees and nuthatch can eat in peace and it is of course, squirrel proof!

http://shop.wbu.com/products/produc...umber=2720/567.0.1.1.25206.25760.0.0.0?pp=12&

 

[nikiapple]

Hello,
I had a bird feeder in the backyard, and the blackbirds took control of it and chewed it up and it is essentially useless now, but it was pretty cheap/ plastic tube style. What kind of bird feeder can I get to avoid this the next time? Also, to avoid squirrels and spills of food on the ground.
Thanks





Dan Fairman
La Vista, Ne usa
danpafa78 'AT' gmail.com

I'm sorry that you have had this problem. If it is red-winged blackbirds, they are rather aggressive and will shoo your wanted songbirds away. Never thought about them chewing up a feeder. I agree with DownyWP, a squirrel-proof feeder is what you need. There are several different types on the market that will solve your problem. As for the spilled seed, you might want to get a feeder that comes with a tray. I personally use a triple tube feeder with dome, tray and a squirrel baffle on the pole underneath.

www.wildandwinged.com

 

[WoodDuck16]

Here is a list of squirrel-proof feeders (and free shipping!)

http://www.mysongbirds.com/squirrel-proof-feeders/


Also try safflower seed - blackbirds typically will not it, but cardinals, chickadees, finches and grosbeaks love it.

 

[KC Foggin]

He's probably talking about Grackles, which I've had just about enough of at the moment as well.

Dan, a larger tube type feeder surrounded by metal squares might be your best bet. The Cardinals and smaller birds still feed from it but the Grackles have a hard time with it.

 

[peter96]

We use a roller feeder - this feeder has solved our problems with larger pest birds and squirrels, it's also great for preventing seeds from spilling - see demonstration, when squirrels hit the feeder the housing takes the impact not the seed container - we've had our for a few years now and it's built like a tank does the job and then some http://www.rollerfeeder.com/RF_squirrel_rolling.htm#Demonstration of there is a video at the bottom.