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How to Choose a No Mess Bird Feeder
Katie Schick of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania inquires, “What kind of no mess bird feeder options can I add to my apartment balcony?”
Expert birdwatchers Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman offer their opinions: “The first step to maintaining a mess-free feeding station is selecting the proper bird food.” Suet, sunflower hearts, and shelled nuts are among the less messy options. “.
Look for feeders that have trays on the bottom to capture any debris. You can also consider installing a seed hoop. The Kaufmans also encourage people to visit a nearby bird-feeding specialty store to ask about no mess bird feeders that will work well in your area. Backyard tip: A no mess seed feeder is less likely to attract squirrels and raccoons. Check out the best
An additional excellent no-mess bird feeder is a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water. To help deter bees and wasps, Kenn and Kimberly recommend a saucer-style feeder for hummingbirds. To keep ants away, make sure you build a strong ant moat. Additionally, you can give orioles grape jelly and orange halves without having to worry about cleaning up spilled seeds.
The truth behind your bird food mix
Your current wild bird food is a good place to start looking. Hulls from their cherished safflower and sunflower seeds fall to the ground and remain there. Another cause of the mess is filler seeds, which are frequently present in less expensive mixes, such as cheap milo. These ingredients bulk out the bags at less cost. However, birds tend to push these aside in favor of the nuggets—such as whole seeds, pieces of dried fruit, and nuts—that they actually want to eat.
The space beneath your feeders may become disorganized by the spilled seeds and dispersed hulls, leaving behind ugly weeds, shells, and hulls.
FAQ
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