UL/Pied Wagtail/What food? (1 Viewer)

[gradders52]

Yo,
Hard weather has brought a Pied Wagtail to the garden in search of food. Most other bird food out for the usual suspects. Any suggestions as to what type of food might satisfy the Pied Wagtail and encourage further visits?
Thanks
g

 

[ChrisKten]

They feed on insects, mainly flies and caterpillars if they are feeding from a lawn. Maybe something like this might encourage regular visits. Although other birds might eat the mini mealworms before the Pied Wagtail gets a chance.

 

[gradders52]

Thanks Chris, in the meantime, I've noticed;
I think it is perhaps the mealworms that are already out that have attracted it in the first place... but as you rightly point out, they don't last long before every other culprit gets there first. Wondered if there were any source of 'insects' other than the fat balls I've seen with them in... might be 'grow your own'... or maybe a visit to the fishing tackle shop for some live maggots (feeders)!
Any suggestions/ideas appreciated.
Cheers
g
Ho Ho ho and seasons greetings etc... now where's that black and white sweet, bah...

 

[gradders52]

Thanks Chris, in the meantime, I've noticed;
I think it is perhaps the mealworms that are already out that have attracted it in the first place... but as you rightly point out, they don't last long before every other culprit gets there first. Wondered if there were any source of 'insects' other than the fat balls I've seen with them in... might be 'grow your own'... or maybe a visit to the fishing tackle shop for some live maggots (feeders)!
Any suggestions/ideas appreciated.
Cheers
g
Ho Ho ho and seasons greetings etc... now where's that black and white sweet, bah...

 

[ChrisKten]

I have to admit my middle name is Ebenezer since my children grew up.|=)|

Being an Angler in the past, Maggots were something that I considered myself for the birds. However, after a bit of research, I changed my mind:

Maggots are bred on offal and the like, meaning there is a real risk of passing on Salmonella to the birds that eat them. Mealworms, though much more expensive than Maggots, are fed on vegetable matter, so no Salmonella risk.

Seasons Greetings to you in return, and I have my own Humbugs.|=)|

 

[Jabberwocky]

I've had a Pied Wag coming for over a week now. It comes several times a day and feeds on crumbs from some stale scones I got for free. They were about to be thrown in a skip and I managed to intercept them.

Lewis

 

[Mary]

The pied that occasionally visits us takes suet bits that drop from the feeder or from the suet pellet crumbs that I've scattered around.

 

[Ditch]

My Pied Wag's looking decidedly scruffy just now. He was around earlier today and alone. I don't know where his mate's got to. Not looking too promising overall ||

However, I have a Robin on the window sill here, and one out on the fence post. They both come for their pinch of minced beef which I put out for them each day. I suspect the waggy may pick up the odd morsel of that which may get flicked to the ground out there?

For the record; I'm well aware that cattle are not insects. Feed such birds on a regular diet of flesh and it'll kill them stone dead in short order. However, these crafty birds have read that too. Thus they only come to supplement whatever else they're managing to find out there. And they've been at it for weeks now and are doing fine.

Maybe the wagtail could do with a bit more help? But, if I put it on the ground for him, my Dogs will just snaffle it.

 

[barnstormer]

Pasty crumbs and the like seem to attract pied wagtails,ask anyone who frequents a greggs bakers. You'll see them kicking about there i know i do.

 

[gradders52]

The pied that occasionally visits us takes suet bits that drop from the feeder or from the suet pellet crumbs that I've scattered around.

THANKS All, Keep suggestions coming.

I think there is such a diversity of options (many as mentioned) seems happy enough. Seems to have a varied diet from everything on offer...

For anyone with a 'Wilkinsons' (Wilco) in their locality, our local branch was selling dried mealworms at £2 for 100g. Going down well here... dunno if any left at those prices!

Thanks and Best W
g
trying to upload pics to no avail... seed eating and mealworms! maybe try again later... t'internet!!!

 

[gradders52]

Pics?

Thanks and Best W
g
trying to upload pics to no avail... seed eating and mealworms! maybe try again later... t'internet!!![/QUOTE]

T'internet... drives you bonkers!

 

[barnstormer]

Home bargains have larger tubs of mealworms in stock for £2 i've used loads mixed in to home made fatballs and just scattered about and the birds love em.

 

[captaincarot]

next time you empty one of those containers that bulk fat balls come in get a darning needle and push about 100 holes in the lid.

fill the tub about half full with corn meal or porridge oats, and a few slices of potato.


go to your local pet shop that sells live reptile food.

buy 1 tub of live meal worms. should cost betwen £1.95 and £2.70
sling them in the tub and stick in on one side for a couple of weeks changing the potato every couple of days, this is essential as it provides moisture while not allowing molds to grow. start to harvest your new bounty of home grown meal worms you will need to change the oats once they've been eaten i.e. every few months.

 

[gradders52]

next time you empty one of those containers that bulk fat balls come in get a darning needle and push about 100 holes in the lid.

fill the tub about half full with corn meal or porridge oats, and a few slices of potato. etc

GREAT tip, captaincarot, thanks.

What sort of temperature do they need to be kept at... i.e if I stick them in the garage and it gets to 0 degrees or below will that kill them off, or somewhere warm (like the house), too warm?... or extra warm int'airing cupboard?
Cheers
g

PS
just thought ((always dangerous!) what do the worms turn into... before creating more mealworms... i.e que lifecycle?

 

[captaincarot]

normal room temperatures will be fine for them

they turn into a beetle but as long as you only make holes which are small about the size of the ones in the tub you buy the worms in then they won't escape.

in fact of all the live foods used in reptile keeping these are by far the most breeder friendly.