My birdtable designs are working well

Geoff F · #1 (**permalink**) 15-03-2010, 11:10 PM

I have found that many birds don't like using the hanging bird feeders while crows and pigeons quickly gobble up everything on the open table design. Using a two tier design did slow down the bigger birds but they eventually worked out a way of getting in.

So when my tables needed replacing I decided to combine a hanging feeder cage within a traditional birdtable design.

The sunflower seeds taste best!

This is a traditional 'birdhouse' design with a 12 x 12 ins feeding area. The feeding cage locates on a headless nail to stop it from getting pulled around. The house has a hole cut in the 'ceiling' to take the feeder top. I did consider a hinged roof but this design is stronger and I find that I am able to slide the cage in place without any problems.

Version 2 was based on a 'temple' design and has a 10 x 10 ins feeding area plus a 2 ins all round perching area. The roof, which doubles as a feeding tray for larger birds, lifts off to gain access to the feeding cage.

Is this restaurant open! Some customers just couldn't wait for me to finish.

This design incorporated a slightly more expensive stainless steel feeding cage and because it had a threaded base I inserted a bolt in the floor so it screws down firmly. But the simple headless nail would work. Once again there is a hole in the 'ceiling' to accommodate the top of the cage.

The sides are painted with non toxic garden paint but the feeding surfaces are unpainted. The main criterion of design was that they shouldn't cost anything, except for the feeding cages, so were constructed from scrap pieces of wood. Which accounts for the dimensions; nothing scientific here.

A wide variety of birds started using these tables on the first day and I regularly see; robin, blackbird, greenfinch, blackcap, chaffinch, blue and great tits, collared dove etc but the crows, gulls and pigeons don't get further than their designated section.

There is no copyright on these designs so anybody is free to copy or amend these designs as required. If more information is wanted, just ask.

Jez · #2 (**permalink**) 16-03-2010, 12:22 AM

Cracking feeders Geoff!! I have plans for making some at a future date for tuffties garden so if you don't mind I'll certainly like to go with your designs!

If I need any further details I'll kindly send you a PM.

We also find that sunflower hearts are the favorites with the smaller birds i.e tit's, finches and nuthatches though I may also make a big ground feeder too as pheasants feed here throughout the year, jays in winter aswell as moorhens and come spring and throughout summer, mallards!

Tobyh · #3 (**permalink**) 16-03-2010, 01:21 PM

Good job that man!

I have to say I'm impressed, especially as anything I make looks like it was made by Homer Simpson....

They look really smart.

TobyH

Dinasaw · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 07:27 AM

Beautiful andpractical!! My daughter has just got a commercial birdtable "off the internet" - made of matchsticks I should say! If a blackbird flies too near, the wind from its wings blows the thing over, she says!!!

Back · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 07:32 AM

Excellent Geoff! Can you make me one?

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 07:56 PM

I'll make a deal with you.

I will stand by with the first aid kit while you have a go with the saws and drills!

A friend has made a slight variation to his new table by combining my two designs. His version is similar to my second design but has a lift off pitched roof instead of my flat roof.