Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloud
I'd like to put out some bird food/seeds for the wildlife for the winter, and am wondering what is the best way. I'm watching chipmunks out my window now. (wish I could get a good pic of them--they're pretty cute). I also have doves, quail, roadrunners, owls, etc. Mainly doves.
I know doves like sunflower seeds, and have put out suet cakes attached to a tree before (which was eaten all up). I don't just want to put a bowl of seeds out there, because I think it will attract ants, mice, and other pests which might then come into my home.
Is there a right way to do this?
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Doves and quail are ground feeders, so a hanging feeder won't work for them - I'd just toss a few cups of seeds out in a protected area once a day.
Owls are meat eaters, so I wouldn't even try putting anything out for them.
Chipmunks like cracked corn - I know because they sneak into the chicken coop and pick it out of the feed bins.
I recommend getting a good hanging feeder and putting it near a window, so you can watch the little boogers up close and personal.
If you do get a hanging feeder, get a solid metal/glass one, or the squirrels will chew into it to get to the seeds. The squirrel-proof feeders can be a bit pricey, but they're worth it if your main goal is to feed birds (squirrels are voracious eaters and tend to be quite aggressive so they keep the birds from feeding - in other words, the squirrels will end up with
all of the food if you're not careful). And, if you think you'd enjoy watching squirrels FAIL!, get one of
these:
