Which seed do I use to keep blackbirds away? I haven't hung it yet because my other feeders are attracting bully birds.
322351
Blackbirds love all the seeds. They are definably a pest just like the squirrels and I have to run them off continually. On this feeder you will have squirrel problems. The birds love the feeder but the squirrels will wrap themselves around the feeder and eat all the seed. I bought a squirrel proof feeder and hang both of them together which helps keep the squirrels away because I keep this feeder with a small amount of feed on the bottom and the squirrels have stop bothering the feed.
322352
Blackbirds love all the seeds. They are definably a pest just like the squirrels and I have to run them off continually. On this feeder you will have squirrel problems. The birds love the feeder but the squirrels will wrap themselvesaround the feeder and eat all the seed. I bought a squirrel proof feeder and hang both of them together which helps keep the squirrels away because I keep this feeder with a small amount of feed on the bottom and the squirrels have stop bothering the feed.
1317400
Black Sunflower Seed...it's the birds favorite, and my feeder gets attention several times a day!
1617530
I have mine in a tree by my bluebird house but my birds have not used it. I have an open feeder they will use but a lot of other birds feed in the open ones as well. Maybe I'll try on a post in the open. It doesn't work in the tree.
2148623
Are you using the right kind of seed? ie Thistle seed isn't ideal for this type of feeder. Otherwise, just give it some time. Birds scout out good feeding places in the morning and then come back later in the day to feed, leaving the best places for last.
1061398
I agree with the first comment. Cardinals can use the feeder, but seem to prefer a platform style feeder. I have seen them sitting on the ground under the Squirrel Solutions Feeder waiting for another bird to spill seed onto the ground!
261537
I think only thistle seed(nyjer) or a seed that small would work in this squirrel buster finch feeder because the feed hole is so very small. Larger seeds like sunflower would not-the birds could not access larger seeds.The classic squirrel buster feeder works well for black sunflower seed(I have one of those also, rate it 5 stars).
2226886
I buy several types of seeds to attract various birds. I also use one that has a mixture of seeds, nuts and dried fruit. You can use mostly any type of bird seed that the stores sell. Love these bird feeders!
611171
I do not know because I did not want the birds around. Worked well so try different places and see what your radius is. Not sure where your bird feeders are. Good luck.
2168068
Hi Game Lover, Thanks for your question. In response, we always recommend using black oil sunflower seeds for this particular Skinny Squirrel model. Its considered the #1 choice to feed and attract the greatest variety of birds to your feeders. Rich in oil, black oil sunflower seeds give birds the energy they need to live. The thin shell makes it an easy bird seed to open, even for the smaller birds. You'll attract Cardinals, Nuthatches, finches, and a variety of others. If you are going to offer only one type, give black oil sunflower seed a try. Other than that, you can certainly try other types of bird feed however keep in mind that the smaller the pieces, the more thats going to come out of the interior cage, and the easier it will be for squirrels to get (and keep coming back for more).. Hope this helps.. If you have any other questions, just let me know.. Have a blessed day, Mark
1578116
I just put these (mine are owls) up and so far they haven't worked keeping the blackbirds out of my trees. don't phase them a bit. I know I got them up late so will try again next year.
589684
Try utilizing a large aluminum pie tin fastened to the lower perch. To be frank, nothing works 100% because the seed hulls will be blown out of the pie tin even under the slightest of wind. You can also try an artificial grass mat directly under the feeder to trap the hulls, shaking it out every few days. Good luck!
891596
Thistle seed is pretty light weight (and expensive) and may blow away in the wind if you put it in a mixed seed feeder. You would probably do better with a thistle tube feeder with the tiny holes. The smaller perches are great for finches but difficult for the larger birds to perch on. I've had great luck with both the thistle tubes and the socks. With socks, cheaper is better. They don't hold up as well, but it's easier for the birds to get the seed out of the cheap ones.
992082
If you're attracting doves and other ground feeders.... simply sprinkle your feed on the ground or get a bird block. Otherwise, personal taste. I like the tubes with perches for the other birds. Get a quality tube feed if you go that route. The cheap ones are quickly devoured by the sun. Tomas in Tucson
1767065
I only have cardinals, bluejays, nuthatches, chickadees, woodpeckers, indigo buntings, rose breasted grosbeaks, red and yellow finches, mourning doves, bluebirds, and hummingbirds coming here in Western PA. I use mixed, shelled cardinal food from the hardware store and they all love it. I also feed thistle and a seed that looks a lot like trail mix in my other feeders. We also have owls, whippoorwill, hawks, etc. We live in the PA WILDS region of the state.Penn State has a blackbird problem and they use what sounds like percussion bombs to scare them off. Good Luck.
884390
I've had a bit of a problem with them and have had a bit of success with plain scare tactics - like tapping the box when they're in there - and putting only hard seed in like safflower, large sunflower (not black oil) and thistle. I got this from http://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/managing-house-sparrows-and-european-starlings/ in the section on feeding.
2083172
Blackbirds are pretty big so they may be too heavy for it. However we do not have that bird so I coould not quarantee it.
1867592
We use the No/No Bronze Hourglass Bird Feeder and feed primarily black sunflowers, occasionally we feed millet and other seeds. We live on a farm and have witnessed raccoon, squirrel and chipmunks try to get into the feeders without success. We have all size birds year round feed. This will be our second or third season for this type of bird feeder and love it.