Sunflower Heart Feeder Spillage

AndrewB · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 04:45 PM

I have been having a problem for quite a while now with spillage from my sunflower heart feeder and wondered if anyone could recommend anything which may help? Ideally something like a niger holder with a decent sized tray attached.

At present I use a plastic gazebo feeder which has several large ports and plenty of room for the birds to perch, but so much spillage ends up on the floor. Some does get eaten by the ground feeders, but an awful lot is simply wasted.

I have tried the silver metal type feeders with the small metal tray, but the birds wouldnt use it possibly because it was difficult for them to perch. The only thing I can think of is just putting a bowl or something underneath.

They are easily the most popular food item, and I get goldfinches and greenfinches visiting nearly every day.

Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 05:15 PM

I have tried allsorts to stop the fine husk mess from sunflower hearts, my partial solution is to mark out the affected area and sink a huge saucer (of the type you put under patio pots) this needs to be emptied fairly frequently.
Robins and other birds like the emptying ritual as they can get to the worms etc. underneath (the dish needs drainage holes)

RobinP · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 06:00 PM

I find these lantern type feeders cut out the mess, except when I'm re-filling them!

Most Finches and Tits have no trouble using them, the Chaffinches struggle a bit but the Robin manages well.

Robin

AndrewB · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 06:28 PM

Thanks folks. Robin, those feeders look ideal. Do you have a link or advice as to where to obtain one?

RobinP · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 06:47 PM

Hi Andrew

They are made by Gardman so just search for Gardman Lantern Feeder and you should find several stockists, B&Q are one...

Robin

wizzo · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 06:53 PM

I've seen a large tray for this purpose at one of the 'large' chain pet outlets. I'll see if I can find out some details and post on here. - Wizzo

John · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 07:15 PM

I have used feeders that come with extra large trays fitted to them. They were brilliant at catching all the spillage.

The trouble was the trays were that large and successful that the pigeons moved in and just stood on the trays and emptied the feeders on their own. The other birds couldn't get a look in so I had to remove the trays and suffer the spillage.

The pigeons do clear this spillage up a bit but unfortunately I have to power wash the area quite frequently.

John