There are many types of feeding stations. Platform feeders, hanging feeders and pole-mounted feeders are each likely to attract different types of birds. Good feeders are designed to keep the seed clean and dry, which is important for the health of your birds. Discard wet or moldy seed, which can make the birds sick.
Oil (black) sunflower seed is a popular seed with the majority of seed-eating birds, such as chickadees and cardinals. Safflower is also an excellent choice, particularly for those that want to deter squirrels from visits to the feeder.
Seed mixes can include cracked corn, niger (thistle) seeds, sunflower seeds, millet, and peanuts and will feed birds like American robins and rufous-sided towhees. Peanut butter, peanuts, and nutmeats attract birds like bluejays and thrashers, as well as small mammals. Suet feeds insectivorous birds such as woodpeckers.
When feeding seed mixes, you may notice birds eating their “favorite” seeds, while casting other seeds to the ground. Consider using separate feeders for different seed types, as this will reduce seed wastage (e.g. one feeder with only sunflower seeds, another feeder with only thistle, etc).
Allow enough space between feeders since birds are territorial. Keep the area around and under your feeders clean. Rake up sunflower hulls, peanut shells, etc., regularly. Make sure there are no sharp edges or points of wire sticking out on your feeders. Wire can cut or scratch birds' feet and wings, allowing viruses and bacteria to spread and cause health problems or death. Regularly clean and disinfect your feeders (including hummingbird feeders) with a stiff brush and a vinegar and water solution. Rinse well and let dry before filling.
Add a sugar-water solution to your hummingbird feeder, made by dissolving 1 part sugar into 4 parts water. Extra solution should be stored in the refrigerator and replaced as needed. In warm weather this solution may ferment within a matter of days -- or even hours in some areas. In the Sonoran desert, experts change sugar water 3 times per day! Periodically monitoring the solution will keep it a healthy source for the hummers - if it smells or tastes like alcohol, it's past time to change the solution. We recommend against using food coloring, as this may be harmful to the birds and is not necessary to attract them. Many feeders come with antguards, to keep fire ants out of your feed.
Separate food types and leave enough space between feeders. Birds are generally very territorial.
Keep the area around and under your feeders clean. Rake up the peanut shells, sunflower hulls and general
debris on a regular basis.
Make sure there are no sharp edges or points of wire sticking out on feeders that might injure the
bird visitors.
Regularly clean and disinfect feeders with a stiff brush and a vinegar/water solution. Rinse well and
place in the sun to dry before filling.
Use containers with resealable lids to keep out rodents which can contaminate feed and spread a host of
diseases.
