Bird table

[Zeb]

Mother used to have a bird table and when I asked her where it was she said it had rotted and collapsed.

I'm eager to either buy a new one or build one but I'm not sure which design is best. There are a few cats in the area so I want to keep the platform out of reach. Barbed wire to keep the cats away is out of the question and land mines would scare the birds when set off by a cat getting too close

Any particular wood to avoid or any thats better to use?

[greg.siddons]

Not sure of the wood, but I use an animal friendly alternative to creosote. My bird table is about 15 years old and it is still in fair condition. Things to watch out for though: Make sure the table edging has gaps at the corners to help with cleaning and normal drainage. Go for one with a roof over the top to help keep the food from going soggy quickly (esp. bread!). Also, keep it away from nesting sites/boxes as the bird table's activity will deter nesting close by.

Not sure how to deter cats, but I guess that will warrant a forum subject all by itself!

Good luck Zeb.

Other than that, not really a strict science.

[Zeb]

Wow! I forgot about wood protection! Is there a name for the animal friendly creosote?

[greg.siddons]

Sorry, I can't remember for sure. However, it was a big brand product from B&Q so I'm sure it will be easy to find. Possibly "Cuprinol Duck's back", but that may be just fence stuff.

It was a long time ago when I last bought and used any. So I suppose it must be good then!!

[Tragus]

Here you go Zeb, check out this site...
http://www.rspb.org.uk/gardens/advic...ng_a_table.asp

It may be actually cheaper to buy one than to try and make your own. But don't forget the ground feeding birds in winter.
I always scatter food in fairly open areas on the lawn or borders so they can feed. We don't have problem with cats though, so make sure the food is accessible for birds but not for cats! You could try putting food on a plastic washable tray in the middle of the lawn. This gives the birds a good all round view of anything creeping up on them.
tragus

[nightshade]

I always have a roof on my bird tables nowdays it keeps them dry while they eat and reduces large birds muscling in
I cheated with my last one and bought a very reasonably priced from a big DIY store hanging bird tableand fixed it to a 2.5mtr post well out of the way of cats

[henrya]

They say a "super squirter" water pistol and an open window helps deter cats - doesn't do them any more harm than making them wet and giving them a big surprise. I've not had to try this, thouigh, as I don't have a cat problem - my resident stray seems to keep any others away, and she doesn't catch many birds herself, as far as I can see. Neither does she climb the tree that the bird feeders are in and sit there, as the previous stray used to do!

henrya