Bird seed feeders with trays offer a convenient way to attract wild birds to any backyard. They come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy for bird lovers to find the perfect fit for their outdoor space.
With tray-style feeders, you can enjoy watching your feathered friends from up close as they land on the tray to grab some seed. Not only do these feeders provide hours of entertainment, but they also make excellent gifts!
Different Types Of Seed Feeders
When it comes to bird feeding, seed feeders are an essential part of the experience. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find something perfect for your backyard. There are tube feeders, window feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders and tray feeders – all designed to make sure your feathered friends stay safe while they eat.
Tray or open-top feeders provide perches for birds to rest on while they snack. This makes them particularly popular with larger species such as doves, cardinals and jays. The wide trays also allow other small animals like squirrels or chipmunks to join in on the feast – although this may not always be what you want!
With that said, there are many benefits to using these types of seed feeders. Moving forward we will examine those advantages more closely.
Benefits Of Tray Feeders
Switching gears from the different types of seed feeders to the benefits of tray feeders, it’s time for us to take a closer look at why this type of feeder may be beneficial.
It’s like stepping out of an elevator and entering a new world: one where birds are living in abundance and harmony with nature.
So what makes tray feeders so great? Here’s a quick list:
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They provide easy access for all kinds of birds – large or small
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Tray feeders eliminate bird waste on floor and walls
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The open design allows for multiple birds to eat at once
Tray feeders can offer some serious perks that make it worth considering when choosing your next bird house.
Not only do they protect your outdoor space from messes created by various species of birds, but they also encourage social behavior among them while providing ample eating opportunities.
Allowing multiple birds to dine together helps foster natural community building habits, making these must-have items even more attractive.
Having explored the advantages that come with using tray feeders, we can now move onto selecting which types of seeds are best suited for use with these structures.
Types Of Seeds To Use
Using the right seeds in your bird feeders can make a big difference when it comes to attracting different species of birds. There are several types of seed available and each attracts different kinds of birds:
| Type | Attracts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower Seeds | Cardinals, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers | Hulled or hull-less; black oil sunflower seeds most popular for wild birds |
| Safflower Seeds | Cardinals, Doves | Mostly used by ground feeding birds |
| Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds | Finches | Very tiny black seeds with high fat content |
In addition to these three standard options there are other specialty mixes designed to attract certain species like Blue Jays or Chickadees. It’s important to note that some seeds should be avoided as they could be potentially harmful to birds such as avocado pits and rhubarb leaves. Once you’ve selected the type of seed for your feeder, it’s time to determine how best to hang the feeder…
How To Hang A Feeder
Hanging a bird feeder is like setting up an all-you-can-eat buffet for feathered friends. It’s important to get it just right so that birds can come and go without interruption while they enjoy the food you provide.
Before you hang your feeder, pick out a spot in your yard or garden that’s sheltered from wind and rain but still easy to access. Make sure there are no trees nearby where cats or other predators might hide.
Next, use thick string, wire, or rope to attach your feeder to a tree branch or pole at least 6 feet off the ground. This will keep squirrels away and make it easier for songbirds to land on the tray below.
Be sure not to overfill the seed dispensers as well – leaving space makes it easier for small birds to reach their meals.
Now that your feeder is securely hung up outside, you’ll need to stay vigilant about keeping it clean and free of debris. Regular maintenance helps prevent disease transmission between birds, discourages pests like rats and mice, and ensures only healthy seeds remain inside the containers.
Cleaning should be done regularly throughout spring and summer when birds are most active; however, take care not to disturb any nesting activity during this time!
With careful attention and regular upkeep, you can create a safe haven for wild birds all year round.
Keeping Feeders Clean
It is important to keep bird seed feeders with trays clean in order to attract wild birds.
To ensure the health and safety of your feathered friends, you should empty out old seed from the tray regularly so that it doesn’t get moldy or clog up the ports on the feeder.
You can also use a mild soap solution (diluted dish soap) and warm water to clean off any debris or grime build-up. Give both the tray and feeder a good scrubbing each month or as needed to maintain their condition.
In addition, be sure to rinse them thoroughly after cleaning and let them dry completely before refilling them with fresh seed. This will help prevent bacteria and fungus growth which could harm visiting birds.
Plus, it will make for a more inviting place for wildlife to come and enjoy some much needed treats! As an added bonus, this regular upkeep will extend the life of your birdseed feeders too!
Now that we’ve discussed keeping our birdseed feeders clean, let’s move onto how to go about attracting wild birds with these helpful tools.
Attracting Wild Birds
Maintaining a clean bird feeder is key to ensuring wild birds have access to the food and water they need. Now that you know how to keep your feeders in top condition, it’s time to focus on bringing those feathered friends into your backyard.
There are several strategies for attracting wild birds:
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Choose the right location – Place the feeder in an area with plenty of natural cover and away from windows or other areas where cats can easily reach them.
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Put out multiple types of seed – Different species will be attracted by different kinds of seed, so offer a variety like sunflower seeds, suet cakes, peanuts, safflower seeds, etc.
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Make sure there’s enough food – Monitor the amount of seed available and refill as needed (especially during periods when local wildlife are migrating)
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Provide fresh water – Birds enjoy bathing, drinking and cooling off in shallow dishes filled with water. Consider adding a heated birdbath if temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods.
These tips should help attract more birds into your backyard but selecting the right feeder design is also important. Feeders come in all shapes and sizes so it’s best to choose one that appeals to the type of birds you’re hoping to attract.
Selecting The Right Feeder
The selection of the right bird seed feeder is an important step. It’s best to opt for a model that has a tray, which will make it easier to clean and maintain.
Consider how many birds you want to attract: if there are just a few in your area then select a smaller feeder; larger models can accommodate more birds but they also require more maintenance. Additionally, look for ones made from durable materials that won’t succumb to weather conditions or rust easily.
Once you’ve selected the feeder, take into account its placement. Where should it be located? Which spots offer the most protection from harsh weather? These questions must be considered before installing the feeder so as not to disturb any local wildlife and ensure their safety.
With these considerations in mind, let’s move on and discuss some tips for placing a feeder correctly.
Tips For Placing A Feeder
As the old saying goes, ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.’ When it comes to placing a feeder, there are certain factors that will increase your odds of attracting more birds. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
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Put your feeder close enough to trees or shrubs so that birds can perch on them after they eat from the tray.
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Place the feeder in an open area with plenty of sunlight; this encourages activity and helps reduce disease transmission between birds.
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Keep cats away by positioning the feeder at least 10 feet off the ground.
By following these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a safe and inviting feeding space for our feathered friends.
Now let’s look into how we can ensure their continued comfort and protection through proper feeder maintenance.
Feeder Maintenance
Let’s talk about cleaning and refilling our feeders – it’s important to keep them in good shape! We’ll need to make sure we’re doing both regularly to keep our feathered friends happy.
Cleaning
When it comes to feeder maintenance, cleaning is an important step.
Every few weeks, you should take apart your bird-seed feeders and rinse them out with warm soapy water.
After that, fill a tray or container with some warm water and submerge the parts of the feeder in it for a few minutes to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have built up.
Once they’re done soaking, dry all the pieces off thoroughly before reassembling your feeder!
Taking care of your bird seed feeders is essential if you want to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy – don’t forget to give them a good clean every now and then!
Refilling
Refilling your bird-seed feeders is just as important as cleaning them.
You should check the seed levels every few days and refill it when necessary.
Make sure to only use fresh, high quality seeds that haven’t been sitting around for too long – old, stale seed can be unhealthy for birds!
Using a scoop or funnel makes refilling much easier and less messy.
Don’t forget to get rid of any debris like husks or empty shells before topping off the food supply – this will keep things cleaner overall.
Keeping up with regular maintenance and refills will not only make sure your feathered friends are always well fed but also give you peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands!
Common Feeder Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes people make when setting up bird seed feeders with trays is not providing enough food. Not only should they keep the tray full, but they should also refill it regularly to ensure there’s plenty for all the birds that come by.
Another mistake many people make is neglecting to clean the feeder and tray often enough. Keeping a clean feeder and tray is essential for preventing disease; otherwise, bacteria can quickly spread from one bird to another. It’s recommended to thoroughly clean both pieces of equipment at least once every two weeks.
| To help avoid these common mistakes, here are five tips: | Tip | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Always fill the tray with fresh food. | |
| 2 | Refill regularly throughout the day as needed. | |
| 3 | Place several different types of seeds in the tray to attract different kinds of birds. | |
| 4 | Remove any uneaten or spoiled food daily. | |
| 5 | Clean both pieces of equipment at least once every two weeks. |
Following these simple guidelines will help you create an inviting environment for your feathered guests while keeping them healthy and happy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Bird Seed Feeder For My Garden?
Figuring out the best bird seed feeder for your garden can be daunting. There are so many different styles, materials and sizes to choose from that it’s hard to know where to start.
Finding one with a tray is important as you don’t want birds making a mess in your yard or having waste spill on the ground below. You’ll also need to consider if the feeder will fit in the space you have available and how easy it will be to fill and clean.
All of these factors should help you decide which type of bird seed feeder is right for your garden.
Are Tray Feeders Safe For Larger Birds?
For centuries, bird-lovers have tried to find ways to attract feathered friends into their gardens. However, are tray feeders safe for larger birds?
The answer is yes – with a few caveats. Anachronistically speaking, even in the days of yore when the first bird seed feeder was built, it had an attached tray that made it possible to accommodate various sizes of birds.
Today’s models come with trays and perches specifically designed to provide safety and comfort for larger species so they can enjoy their mealtime without any worry or danger.
How Often Should I Replace The Bird Seed In The Feeder?
It’s important to keep up with replacing the bird seed in a feeder regularly.
The amount of time between refills depends on how many birds are visiting, but it should generally be replaced at least once every two weeks.
This ensures that the seed is fresh and safe for the birds to consume.
It also helps prevent mold or other contaminants from forming in the feeder itself.
Can I Place Multiple Feeders In The Same Area?
Placing multiple birdseed feeders in the same area can be a great way to attract a variety of birds. As they flit around, vying for their share of food, it’s like watching an aerial ballet of beauty and grace!
Depending on the size of your yard or garden, multiple feeders might help you create a feathered oasis with all kinds of avian activity. However, make sure that if you’re using more than one feeder that each is spaced at least several yards apart to avoid overcrowding and competition between birds.
How Can I Keep Other Animals From Eating The Bird Seed?
You can keep other animals from eating the bird seed by making sure that your feeders are placed in a location where they cannot be accessed easily.
Make sure to place them out of reach, such as on an elevated platform or hanging from a tree branch.
You should also look for feeders with trays that have edges high enough to discourage access from larger animals like squirrels and raccoons.
Finally, you can use covers over the top of the tray to make it more difficult for any animal to get inside.
Conclusion
I’ve been trying to figure out the best bird seed feeder for my garden, and I’m so glad that tray feeders are a safe choice for larger birds.
Replacing the bird seed regularly ensures that the birds get all of the nutrients they need from their food, and multiple feeders in one area means plenty of happy (and well-fed) feathered friends!
The last thing I was worried about was other animals eating up all of the bird seed, but there are great ways to keep them away with little effort.
From using baffles to simply covering your feeder at night, you can make sure that only your feathered friends have access to mealtime.
In conclusion, finding a good feeder is essential for providing healthy meals for our avian visitors.
Tray feeders provide an easy solution – plus, it’s simple enough to deter any unwanted animal guests.
With some love and care, we can create a comfortable home for these beautiful creatures!