Birds - Teaching Your Parrot To Talk - Part 3
By: Michael Russell
Article Word Count: 761
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this last of our series of teaching your bird to talk we're finally going to get into the training process itself.
The best time to teach your bird to talk, if at all possible, is when the bird is right out of its nest. It is best to start training your bird while it is still on formula. When birds are this young they bond much easier with people. Practice patience with your bird and it will respond well. Don't expect a young parrot to start talking right away. While it is still "clucking" for food it is not going to be interested in learning speech, but exposing them to words at this young an age will prepare them for when they are ready to talk. They will recognize words at this age even though they are too young to talk. Smaller parrots will begin to speak between 4 and 6 months while larger parrots will begin to speak between 6 and 12 months.
After a year most parrots will not learn any new words. Some may still learn a new word from time to time but for the most part their learning days are over. Therefore picking an older bird that is also afraid of people gives you almost no chance of coming away with a talker. As for the sex of the bird, males are much better talkers than females. The problem is many times it is not possible to tell the sex of a bird just by looking at it. A blood test is often required.
The best time of day to teach your bird to talk is either early in the morning or late at night. This corresponds with the times when birds gather to eat and congregate with other birds. During these times parrots are very noisy. Don't try to quiet them. Just get used to it.
In order to make learning easier, positive reinforcement is a great tool. When your bird begins to talk, reward it with food, but try to give him healthy snacks. As this reinforcement continues your parrot will more look forward to the training sessions.
When teaching your bird to talk, turn off all TV sets and radios. You want it absolutely quiet. Let in lots of sunlight. You need to be the center of the bird's attention. When you speak to it, the bird will take notice. Say the word you are teaching the bird in a loud clear voice and hesitate between each repetition of the word. Try to associate the word with some kind of action. Birds learn quicker this way.
When teaching a bird to name objects pick an object that is small and bright in color. If the bird gets the word reward it by giving the bird the object.
Some easy words for parrots to learn are grape, paper, box, corn, carrot, nail, water, treat, bean, and rock. So try starting with these words.
The first words your parrot learns will be the hardest. After that they will begin to come easier until the bird reaches the age where it can't learn any more.
Teaching your bird to talk can be a very fun and rewarding experience. Have patience and follow the above guidelines and you should find that your parrot develops quite a vocabulary. You may, however, have a lot of trouble getting him to be quiet.
Article Source: Birds Guide
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Bird Feeders: Look Who's Coming to Dinner
Bird Feeders: Look Who's Coming to Dinner
by: Allen Shaw
Birds, birds, birds. They come in all shapes and sizes. They range in type from carnivores to herbivores. Birds have been the stars of their own movies. Birds have taught children the importance of personality over looks. Some are even the leaders of nations. Is it any wonder that bird watching is one of the world's most practiced hobbies.
People from all walks of life enjoy bird watching. Anyone can do it. All it requires is patience, a pair of binoculars and most importantly, a bird feeder. And there are many types. Depending what birds you want to attract will determine what kind of feeder to get.
Hummingbird feeders are the most popular and come in two styles; inverted and basin style. The feeder usually has a small receptacle in which a sugar solution is placed. It has an opening just big enough for the hummingbird to put its long beak. But the solution is really just an energy boost for the hummingbird. A hummingbird's main diet is gnats and other small bugs. Here's a hint when choosing a hummingbird feeder. Choose one that can be taken apart easily. Your feeder needs to be cleaned every three-to-four days due to the unfortunate clotting habit of the sugar and water solution.
If you are a Woody fan, you might consider a peanut feeder. Woodpeckers, starlings and titmice are big fans of peanuts. But be sure you purchase the peanuts from a dealer that supplies aflatoxin-free peanuts. Aflatoxin fungus can cause disease and death for some birds. Also, make sure the peanut feeder is built to keep out squirrels. Squirrels are the biggest enemy to the peanut feeder.
Hopper feeders are the type of feeder most people picture in their mind when they think of a bird feeder. Most look like a small house and have a tray at the bottom. Tray feeders attract chickadees, sparrows and blue jays. Sunflower seeds are the most popular feed for tray feeders. The bigger the feeder, the easier they are to clean.
Next on the agenda, tube feeders. Most tube feeders are made of a clear plastic and have holes drilled in the side with a small perch beside each hole to make the seed accessible to the bird. Tube feeders attract a large variety of smaller birds like finches, titmice and grosbeaks. When buying a tube feeder, look for ones with a large storage capacity. Also look for feeders with metal reinforcing to help keep out squirrels and larger birds. A tube feeder with a tray at the bottom will help catch the seeds that fall when the messy birds come to dinner.
Tray feeders are the simplest and least expensive types of feeders. They can be as simple as a plate from your kitchen cupboard. Because they hold less seed than other types of feeders, the ones made close to the ground are usually best. Tray feeders attract sparrows, doves, cardinals and other birds that prefer eating close to mother earth. When purchasing a tray feeder, look for ones that allow for drainage in case it rains.
But the number one thing you should look for when purchasing a feeder of any kind is convenience. Make sure they are easy to clean, easy to refill and durable. From personal experience, I have learned that once the birds get used to being fed in the same place at the same time every day, you can't get rid of the little buggers.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleCity.com/
by: Allen Shaw
Birds, birds, birds. They come in all shapes and sizes. They range in type from carnivores to herbivores. Birds have been the stars of their own movies. Birds have taught children the importance of personality over looks. Some are even the leaders of nations. Is it any wonder that bird watching is one of the world's most practiced hobbies.
People from all walks of life enjoy bird watching. Anyone can do it. All it requires is patience, a pair of binoculars and most importantly, a bird feeder. And there are many types. Depending what birds you want to attract will determine what kind of feeder to get.
Hummingbird feeders are the most popular and come in two styles; inverted and basin style. The feeder usually has a small receptacle in which a sugar solution is placed. It has an opening just big enough for the hummingbird to put its long beak. But the solution is really just an energy boost for the hummingbird. A hummingbird's main diet is gnats and other small bugs. Here's a hint when choosing a hummingbird feeder. Choose one that can be taken apart easily. Your feeder needs to be cleaned every three-to-four days due to the unfortunate clotting habit of the sugar and water solution.
If you are a Woody fan, you might consider a peanut feeder. Woodpeckers, starlings and titmice are big fans of peanuts. But be sure you purchase the peanuts from a dealer that supplies aflatoxin-free peanuts. Aflatoxin fungus can cause disease and death for some birds. Also, make sure the peanut feeder is built to keep out squirrels. Squirrels are the biggest enemy to the peanut feeder.
Hopper feeders are the type of feeder most people picture in their mind when they think of a bird feeder. Most look like a small house and have a tray at the bottom. Tray feeders attract chickadees, sparrows and blue jays. Sunflower seeds are the most popular feed for tray feeders. The bigger the feeder, the easier they are to clean.
Next on the agenda, tube feeders. Most tube feeders are made of a clear plastic and have holes drilled in the side with a small perch beside each hole to make the seed accessible to the bird. Tube feeders attract a large variety of smaller birds like finches, titmice and grosbeaks. When buying a tube feeder, look for ones with a large storage capacity. Also look for feeders with metal reinforcing to help keep out squirrels and larger birds. A tube feeder with a tray at the bottom will help catch the seeds that fall when the messy birds come to dinner.
Tray feeders are the simplest and least expensive types of feeders. They can be as simple as a plate from your kitchen cupboard. Because they hold less seed than other types of feeders, the ones made close to the ground are usually best. Tray feeders attract sparrows, doves, cardinals and other birds that prefer eating close to mother earth. When purchasing a tray feeder, look for ones that allow for drainage in case it rains.
But the number one thing you should look for when purchasing a feeder of any kind is convenience. Make sure they are easy to clean, easy to refill and durable. From personal experience, I have learned that once the birds get used to being fed in the same place at the same time every day, you can't get rid of the little buggers.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleCity.com/
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Birds - Parakeet Care
Birds - Parakeet Care
By: Michael Russell
Article Word Count: 711
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parakeets are one of America's most popular birds today. They make great pets because they are very friendly, have a cheerful disposition and are very entertaining. They also have very beautiful bright color varieties. Parakeets don't require a lot of maintenance or money.
Parakeets are also known as Budgies or Keets. They are one of the smallest members of the parrot family. They originate from a desert-like area of Australia where it doesn't rain much, which makes parakeets very hardy birds. There are a variety of colors, such as yellows, dark greens, pastel blues, purples, solid whites and many combinations of several colors. The average life span of parakeets is 8 to 12 years.
In the wild, parakeets are flocking birds so they are used to companionship, so it is best to get more than one. However, keep the birds separate when they are young so that they will get used to humans. When they get older then you can put them together. If you plan on keeping just one bird, you should play with it as much as possible. You should also put a mirror in the cage so that they won't feel so alone when you aren't there.
You should choose the largest cage that you can afford for your parakeet. It needs to be large enough so that he can comfortably move around. You will also need room for toys and perches. The minimum size is 20" X 12" X 18". Parakeets are very playful and inquisitive. Because of this, they enjoy playing with a variety of toys. They especially love shiny objects, bells, bright colors and objects they can move around with their beak. Be sure that the toys you purchase don't contain any small parts that your bird could swallow and choke on.
Lots of parakeets take a long time to build trust in their owners. It will probably be very shy when you first get one. Every day you should just put your finger in the cage in front of the bird. Eventually it will get the courage to get on your finger. If you have the patience your bird will learn to trust you, but some birds even can take months to build trust.
Parakeets love to sing and chirp. They seem to love when you play music and will often sing along. When you are gone, you might want to leave the radio on for them. Most parakeets won't learn to talk. However, it is possible to teach some of them if you are consistent.
Parakeets always need fresh food and water in the cage. They are vegetarians and like seeds, greens and fruits. Their food should have a large variety of millet seeds and grain. Ready made seed mixes are sold at pet stores and supermarkets. Other than the seed mix, you should also provide fresh greens. However, do not leave these in the cage long or they will spoil.
The best way to keep your bird healthy is by providing a good diet and by keeping the water and cage clean. Make sure you clean and sanitize all the toys and accessories in the cage also. Birds are very good at hiding illnesses so if you think your bird is acting strangely at all, be sure to take it to the vet.
Parakeets are fun to watch and make a great companion pet. If you provide the correct care for your bird and spend plenty of time with it, you will have a great pet for a long time to come.
Article Source: Birds Guide
By: Michael Russell
Article Word Count: 711
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parakeets are one of America's most popular birds today. They make great pets because they are very friendly, have a cheerful disposition and are very entertaining. They also have very beautiful bright color varieties. Parakeets don't require a lot of maintenance or money.
Parakeets are also known as Budgies or Keets. They are one of the smallest members of the parrot family. They originate from a desert-like area of Australia where it doesn't rain much, which makes parakeets very hardy birds. There are a variety of colors, such as yellows, dark greens, pastel blues, purples, solid whites and many combinations of several colors. The average life span of parakeets is 8 to 12 years.
In the wild, parakeets are flocking birds so they are used to companionship, so it is best to get more than one. However, keep the birds separate when they are young so that they will get used to humans. When they get older then you can put them together. If you plan on keeping just one bird, you should play with it as much as possible. You should also put a mirror in the cage so that they won't feel so alone when you aren't there.
You should choose the largest cage that you can afford for your parakeet. It needs to be large enough so that he can comfortably move around. You will also need room for toys and perches. The minimum size is 20" X 12" X 18". Parakeets are very playful and inquisitive. Because of this, they enjoy playing with a variety of toys. They especially love shiny objects, bells, bright colors and objects they can move around with their beak. Be sure that the toys you purchase don't contain any small parts that your bird could swallow and choke on.
Lots of parakeets take a long time to build trust in their owners. It will probably be very shy when you first get one. Every day you should just put your finger in the cage in front of the bird. Eventually it will get the courage to get on your finger. If you have the patience your bird will learn to trust you, but some birds even can take months to build trust.
Parakeets love to sing and chirp. They seem to love when you play music and will often sing along. When you are gone, you might want to leave the radio on for them. Most parakeets won't learn to talk. However, it is possible to teach some of them if you are consistent.
Parakeets always need fresh food and water in the cage. They are vegetarians and like seeds, greens and fruits. Their food should have a large variety of millet seeds and grain. Ready made seed mixes are sold at pet stores and supermarkets. Other than the seed mix, you should also provide fresh greens. However, do not leave these in the cage long or they will spoil.
The best way to keep your bird healthy is by providing a good diet and by keeping the water and cage clean. Make sure you clean and sanitize all the toys and accessories in the cage also. Birds are very good at hiding illnesses so if you think your bird is acting strangely at all, be sure to take it to the vet.
Parakeets are fun to watch and make a great companion pet. If you provide the correct care for your bird and spend plenty of time with it, you will have a great pet for a long time to come.
Article Source: Birds Guide
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Birds - Teaching Your Parrot To Talk - Part 2
By: Michael Russell
Article Word Count: 629
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this article in our continuing series on teaching your bird to talk we're going to start with how to get ready and prepare your bird for his first words. This should help make it a lot easier when you teach your first child to speak.
The best place to keep your soon to be talking parrot is in the kitchen. The reason for this is that families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially during meals and your parrot will be exposed to a lot of talking, granted not all of it good or something you want your bird repeating in mixed company. The atmosphere in the kitchen is very relaxed which is good for your bird. A tense bird isn't going to say much. The smells in the kitchen from all the food is something that will also appeal to your bird and make him more prone to speak. Most people, while in the kitchen, because they are doing something they enjoy, eating, are relaxed. This in turn will make your bird relaxed. Once in this surrounding, give your bird at least a few weeks to get used to it before you even attempt to teach him to talk. If your bird is not shy, give it plenty of attention. If it is shy try to tame it before trying to get it to talk.
The key to getting a parrot to talk is to let it interact with people. Parrots are birds who are normally in large flocks. So depriving your parrot of company is going to make it unhappy. An unhappy parrot is not going to talk.
The way parrots learn to talk is through a one on one relationship with their owners. Never have more than one parrot in the room or even in a room nearby. Your parrot must be the center of your attention. It is almost impossible to teach two birds to talk at the same time. If you do have more than one bird then work with each one separately and make sure they are a good distance from each other so they are unaware of the other's presence.
If you want to have the best chance of getting your bird to talk you must feed it properly. Proper nutrition is not a luxury. It is a must. Birds that are fed a steady diet of sunflower or safflower seeds are always duller and not as aware of their surroundings as birds fed pelleted diets. This is because seed diets are poor nutritionally. If you want your parrot to live a long healthy and happy life gradually shift its diet from seeds to a name brand pelleted diet. The way you do this is by mixing pelleted diet food in with the seeds at the start and then gradually removing the seeds completely. You will be absolutely amazed at the change this makes in your bird's disposition and health.
In the next article of this series we're going to cover the actual training of your bird.
Article Source: Birds Guide
Article Word Count: 629
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this article in our continuing series on teaching your bird to talk we're going to start with how to get ready and prepare your bird for his first words. This should help make it a lot easier when you teach your first child to speak.
The best place to keep your soon to be talking parrot is in the kitchen. The reason for this is that families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially during meals and your parrot will be exposed to a lot of talking, granted not all of it good or something you want your bird repeating in mixed company. The atmosphere in the kitchen is very relaxed which is good for your bird. A tense bird isn't going to say much. The smells in the kitchen from all the food is something that will also appeal to your bird and make him more prone to speak. Most people, while in the kitchen, because they are doing something they enjoy, eating, are relaxed. This in turn will make your bird relaxed. Once in this surrounding, give your bird at least a few weeks to get used to it before you even attempt to teach him to talk. If your bird is not shy, give it plenty of attention. If it is shy try to tame it before trying to get it to talk.
The key to getting a parrot to talk is to let it interact with people. Parrots are birds who are normally in large flocks. So depriving your parrot of company is going to make it unhappy. An unhappy parrot is not going to talk.
The way parrots learn to talk is through a one on one relationship with their owners. Never have more than one parrot in the room or even in a room nearby. Your parrot must be the center of your attention. It is almost impossible to teach two birds to talk at the same time. If you do have more than one bird then work with each one separately and make sure they are a good distance from each other so they are unaware of the other's presence.
If you want to have the best chance of getting your bird to talk you must feed it properly. Proper nutrition is not a luxury. It is a must. Birds that are fed a steady diet of sunflower or safflower seeds are always duller and not as aware of their surroundings as birds fed pelleted diets. This is because seed diets are poor nutritionally. If you want your parrot to live a long healthy and happy life gradually shift its diet from seeds to a name brand pelleted diet. The way you do this is by mixing pelleted diet food in with the seeds at the start and then gradually removing the seeds completely. You will be absolutely amazed at the change this makes in your bird's disposition and health.
In the next article of this series we're going to cover the actual training of your bird.
Article Source: Birds Guide
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Foods That You Can Feed Your Parrot
Foods That You Can Feed Your Parrot
By Low Jeremy
When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.
Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.
By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.
1. Parrots should have also have some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.
2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions in each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.
3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food in the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.
5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that much nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.
6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.
7. Parrots should be fed twice day and enjoy it if the food is mixed in water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.
These are just a few tips in feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.
Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.
This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Pet Parrots, please visit http://pet-parrot.articlekeep.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
http://EzineArticles.com/?Foods-That-You-Can-Feed-Your-Parrot&id=320000
By Low Jeremy
When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.
Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.
By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.
1. Parrots should have also have some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.
2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions in each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.
3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food in the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.
5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that much nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.
6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.
7. Parrots should be fed twice day and enjoy it if the food is mixed in water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.
These are just a few tips in feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.
Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.
This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Pet Parrots, please visit http://pet-parrot.articlekeep.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
http://EzineArticles.com/?Foods-That-You-Can-Feed-Your-Parrot&id=320000
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Bird Feeders: Look Who's Coming to Dinner
Bird Feeders: Look Who's Coming to Dinner
by: Allen Shaw
Birds, birds, birds. They come in all shapes and sizes. They range in type from carnivores to herbivores. Birds have been the stars of their own movies. Birds have taught children the importance of personality over looks. Some are even the leaders of nations. Is it any wonder that bird watching is one of the world's most practiced hobbies.
People from all walks of life enjoy bird watching. Anyone can do it. All it requires is patience, a pair of binoculars and most importantly, a bird feeder. And there are many types. Depending what birds you want to attract will determine what kind of feeder to get.
Hummingbird feeders are the most popular and come in two styles; inverted and basin style. The feeder usually has a small receptacle in which a sugar solution is placed. It has an opening just big enough for the hummingbird to put its long beak. But the solution is really just an energy boost for the hummingbird. A hummingbird's main diet is gnats and other small bugs. Here's a hint when choosing a hummingbird feeder. Choose one that can be taken apart easily. Your feeder needs to be cleaned every three-to-four days due to the unfortunate clotting habit of the sugar and water solution.
If you are a Woody fan, you might consider a peanut feeder. Woodpeckers, starlings and titmice are big fans of peanuts. But be sure you purchase the peanuts from a dealer that supplies aflatoxin-free peanuts. Aflatoxin fungus can cause disease and death for some birds. Also, make sure the peanut feeder is built to keep out squirrels. Squirrels are the biggest enemy to the peanut feeder.
Hopper feeders are the type of feeder most people picture in their mind when they think of a bird feeder. Most look like a small house and have a tray at the bottom. Tray feeders attract chickadees, sparrows and blue jays. Sunflower seeds are the most popular feed for tray feeders. The bigger the feeder, the easier they are to clean.
Next on the agenda, tube feeders. Most tube feeders are made of a clear plastic and have holes drilled in the side with a small perch beside each hole to make the seed accessible to the bird. Tube feeders attract a large variety of smaller birds like finches, titmice and grosbeaks. When buying a tube feeder, look for ones with a large storage capacity. Also look for feeders with metal reinforcing to help keep out squirrels and larger birds. A tube feeder with a tray at the bottom will help catch the seeds that fall when the messy birds come to dinner.
Tray feeders are the simplest and least expensive types of feeders. They can be as simple as a plate from your kitchen cupboard. Because they hold less seed than other types of feeders, the ones made close to the ground are usually best. Tray feeders attract sparrows, doves, cardinals and other birds that prefer eating close to mother earth. When purchasing a tray feeder, look for ones that allow for drainage in case it rains.
But the number one thing you should look for when purchasing a feeder of any kind is convenience. Make sure they are easy to clean, easy to refill and durable. From personal experience, I have learned that once the birds get used to being fed in the same place at the same time every day, you can't get rid of the little buggers.
http://www.ArticleCity.com/
by: Allen Shaw
Birds, birds, birds. They come in all shapes and sizes. They range in type from carnivores to herbivores. Birds have been the stars of their own movies. Birds have taught children the importance of personality over looks. Some are even the leaders of nations. Is it any wonder that bird watching is one of the world's most practiced hobbies.
People from all walks of life enjoy bird watching. Anyone can do it. All it requires is patience, a pair of binoculars and most importantly, a bird feeder. And there are many types. Depending what birds you want to attract will determine what kind of feeder to get.
Hummingbird feeders are the most popular and come in two styles; inverted and basin style. The feeder usually has a small receptacle in which a sugar solution is placed. It has an opening just big enough for the hummingbird to put its long beak. But the solution is really just an energy boost for the hummingbird. A hummingbird's main diet is gnats and other small bugs. Here's a hint when choosing a hummingbird feeder. Choose one that can be taken apart easily. Your feeder needs to be cleaned every three-to-four days due to the unfortunate clotting habit of the sugar and water solution.
If you are a Woody fan, you might consider a peanut feeder. Woodpeckers, starlings and titmice are big fans of peanuts. But be sure you purchase the peanuts from a dealer that supplies aflatoxin-free peanuts. Aflatoxin fungus can cause disease and death for some birds. Also, make sure the peanut feeder is built to keep out squirrels. Squirrels are the biggest enemy to the peanut feeder.
Hopper feeders are the type of feeder most people picture in their mind when they think of a bird feeder. Most look like a small house and have a tray at the bottom. Tray feeders attract chickadees, sparrows and blue jays. Sunflower seeds are the most popular feed for tray feeders. The bigger the feeder, the easier they are to clean.
Next on the agenda, tube feeders. Most tube feeders are made of a clear plastic and have holes drilled in the side with a small perch beside each hole to make the seed accessible to the bird. Tube feeders attract a large variety of smaller birds like finches, titmice and grosbeaks. When buying a tube feeder, look for ones with a large storage capacity. Also look for feeders with metal reinforcing to help keep out squirrels and larger birds. A tube feeder with a tray at the bottom will help catch the seeds that fall when the messy birds come to dinner.
Tray feeders are the simplest and least expensive types of feeders. They can be as simple as a plate from your kitchen cupboard. Because they hold less seed than other types of feeders, the ones made close to the ground are usually best. Tray feeders attract sparrows, doves, cardinals and other birds that prefer eating close to mother earth. When purchasing a tray feeder, look for ones that allow for drainage in case it rains.
But the number one thing you should look for when purchasing a feeder of any kind is convenience. Make sure they are easy to clean, easy to refill and durable. From personal experience, I have learned that once the birds get used to being fed in the same place at the same time every day, you can't get rid of the little buggers.
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