Food on the bird table.

bedver · #1 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:22 PM

I would like to know if it is ok to put various different foods together on my bird table to attract the different birds. Eg. Sunflower seeds, niger seeds, dried mealworms, peanuts etc.. I have a mesh (holes 50mm x 50mm) surrounding the bird table, so to attract only birds of a certain size like robins, tits, finches -not pigeons, magpies etc... Will the robins go onto the bird table which is approximately 1.5 metres off the ground ? At the moment I only have sunflower seeds and peanuts on the table, which are attracting the tits. I have not seen any robins up there (no dried mealworms to attract them perhaps ?)
Thanks, Dave.

GME · #2 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:26 PM

Definitely! You can mix the food up as you see fit. I regularly pile up a right old variety. Mealworms will be good for your Robins, but be warned others may still get to them first! The more variations of foods and heights for tables/ feeders etc the more variations you'll see in the birds that visit your garden

Edit: Oh, and the Robins will come onto your table at that height (1.5m). Well, they go on any of mine and I have a few at different heights. They don't seem bothered by the height, more by what the food is!

Kayleigh · #3 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:27 PM

H Dave and welcome,
You can put all those things on the bird table, but don't put out hole peanuts.
Have you got a peanut feeder they can go in.

Don't put large lumps of food either as the parents may take the wrong food back to the nest.

djackso · #4 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:32 PM

Re. the robins, the height shouldn't be a problem.

My robins are reluctant to pass through mesh though.

bedver · #5 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:33 PM

Hi GME,
Thanks for the advice. I would like to attract as many different types of bird as possible, so I will put dried mealworms to attract the robins. My only concern was that because robins are ground feeders, they would be reluctant to go up onto the table, and (stupid question) how would they know the mealworms were up there on the table ?
Dave.

bedver · #6 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:41 PM

Hi Kayleigh.
Thanks. I am putting crushed peanuts on the table. I also put out some grated cheese which appears not to have been eaten although I'm not sure ! I have two hanging feeders, one with whole peanuts (squirrel proof) the other with sunflower seeds. I also have a hanging coconut with a fat mix in it which I bought from the local garden centre.
Dave.

brianwaugh · #7 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:43 PM

quote...
and (stupid question) how would they know the mealworms were up there on the table ?

Yep stupid question....:-) they will find them

There is a dispute of advice whether to feed birds during the summer months or not. RSPB do suggest that feeding be suspended after the breeding season until the harsh weather comes along again. Many others suggest all year round feeding ( which I adhere to ) I feel its a little cruel to get my local birds to expect food at the tables and to suddenly remove it from them. I just make sure that food is small incase its taken back to the chicks and that theres NO BREAD put out while chicks are in the nest as it can swell up in their throats.
My robins have no fear of going thro mesh to get at foods and its the best way to feed mealworms, otherwise the lager louts, the Starlings just wolf them down and leave nothing. Beware tho regular feeding of birds is expensive , good seeds are not cheap these days.

bedver · #8 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:46 PM

Hi djackso,
Thanks. I will keep an eye out to see if the mesh deters the robins. I have a squirrel proof baffle under the table to deter our furry blighters. It seems to work well - as I noticed this afternoon !
Dave.

bedver · #9 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:51 PM

Hi brianwaugh,
Yes, I thought I was a rather dumb question -however I had to ask it !!
I have only recently put up the table (about a week so far), and it is attracting the tits mainly.
Dave.

brianwaugh · #10 (**permalink**) 26-06-2008, 04:58 PM

No probs in asking questions sorry if I sounded a bit harsh.. not meant.
The main thing with feeding your birds is to do it often, make sure there's always something their for them..even if its a few halved apples ( sultana's for blackbirds they love em )
Niger seed in a proper feeder is the only thing that attracts goldfinches to my garden. And use husk free sunflower hearts as its less mess scattered about.
I choose a seed mix which is Wheat free as all my birds are not keen on it and throw it away where it sprouts all over the garden.