How To Stop Larger Birds Feeding

[Jaybird99]

I have just bought a new bird feeder and have hung peanuts, niger seed and general bird seed up on it. There is also a tray to put bird seed in. My problem is that I am getting several large birds - pigeons, rooks, doves etc. - that are eating all the seed, particularly in the seed tray and the little birds aren't getting a look in. I have put my old feeder on the other side of the garden with fat balls and bird suet on it to attract the larger birds away, but they are just having a feast on both of them!!

I know all birds need to eat and I do feel a bit mean wanting rid of the larger birds, but the little ones can't get near. Can anyone please help with any suggestions? Would a squirrel proof feeder stop the larger birds?

Thanks.

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, enclosing a feeder with wide guage wire will allow only the smaller birds through. However, most feeders are really only useable by small birds (and the odd woodpecker) - what sort of feeder do you have? Picture?
I think you'll find that the small birds do get some food - what the larger birds drop, for instance.
One thing to think of is that any means of excluding doves and starlings will also keep out thrushes and blackbirds ... you win some and you lose some. A good start is not to include corn (wheat, oats or maize) in your seeds - these definitely encourage doves, pigeons and pheasants ....

Originally Posted by Jaybird99

I have just bought a new bird feeder and have hung peanuts, niger seed and general bird seed up on it. There is also a tray to put bird seed in. My problem is that I am getting several large birds - pigeons, rooks, doves etc. - that are eating all the seed, particularly in the seed tray and the little birds aren't getting a look in. I have put my old feeder on the other side of the garden with fat balls and bird suet on it to attract the larger birds away, but they are just having a feast on both of them!!

I know all birds need to eat and I do feel a bit mean wanting rid of the larger birds, but the little ones can't get near. Can anyone please help with any suggestions? Would a squirrel proof feeder stop the larger birds?

Thanks.

[Jaybird99]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Yes, enclosing a feeder with wide guage wire will allow only the smaller birds through. However, most feeders are really only useable by small birds (and the odd woodpecker) - what sort of feeder do you have? Picture?
I think you'll find that the small birds do get some food - what the larger birds drop, for instance.
One thing to think of is that any means of excluding doves and starlings will also keep out thrushes and blackbirds ... you win some and you lose some. A good start is not to include corn (wheat, oats or maize) in your seeds - these definitely encourage doves, pigeons and pheasants ....

Thanks. I don't have a picture, but they are the smaller regular feeders with peanuts and seed in. The main problem is the open tray I put seed in (I've put robin seed in this). One particular pigeon was there for a good half hour eating the whole lot and not letting any other birds near!!

[diggleken]

I have this problem too - I help the smaller birds though cos I have a sloping roof over half the table, with only small access into that part by wooden 'bars' across the space in - the woodies and rooks stretch and can get some, but not all, so its there for smaller stuff.
And the blackbirds say thanks very much, for the droppings on the floor!
Ken.

[NJP87]

I used to be annoyed with the pigeons in my garden, i made a large tray feeder for them with loads of cheap seed etc on it and have the hanging feeders and small tray for the smaller birds.

I wouldn't be without my pigeons now tho, they all have names and are usually the only birds i see in the garden