What type of seed do you recommend for this feeder? Is there a way to keep crows away from it? Thanks.
1511111
Hulled sunflower is best, mixed with a few shelled peanuts. If you don't want a mess that is the way to go.
1511112
I use sunflower 'hearts', but if you don't mind the hulls, you can also use black oil sunflower seed. Most birds like it because the hulls are soft and fairly easy to get into. Avoid the commercial mixes--they're no bargain, as much of the seed is usually millet, which will bring you a lot of doves, but not much else. Shelled peanuts can also be added, as can dried mealworms for the small birds that eat 'meat' (wrens, etc.)
1511113
We use sunflower seeds. Any hardware has them. No crows have come at all, squirrels try, but generally they get what falls below. It is a wonderful feeder, we love seeing all the birds close up. We have a cat that looks at them. At first they would fly off when they saw the cat's face in the window. Now, they don't even care if the cat paws at the glass in the window!
1511114
i have tried a lot of different seed. 1. sunflower words well but makes makes mess as does golden safflower seed or niger seed. 2. with inexpensive seed mix there is a lot of millet which many birds ignore so the feed tray will fill up with seed and shell no one eats. 3. I use something called meaties. it costs s little more ususally but birds like it and less mess.
1511115
I have been using dried mealworms with a little Cole's (anti) Squirrel Hot Pepper Oil doused on it to keep the squirrels away. The mealworms are our bluebirds' favorite -- and we have the bluebirds, chickadees, and other small birds at the feeder frequently. It's been a great feeder: sturdy, easy to access, solid on the window, easily cleaned, and great to watch the birds.
1511116
I have all sorts of birds...can't remember the name of the food except it's higher-end wild bird food (black oil seed...something). I throw out cheaper seed and bread stuffs and veggies for the ground feeders. I don't need to compost. the crows eat it all (away from the feeders, of course. The crows are smart. They'll learn where their feeding spot is.)
1511117
i use oily sunflower seeds. i'm sure you could use any kind. because the feeder is not huge, i doubt the crows would fit. our biggest problem is the squirrels and chipmunks - but they are so funny to watch. hope this helps.
1511118
I use a songbird variety. No problems with crows, but we live in the woods-which may be part of the reason.
1511119
I have mixed seed in both of mine. I don't have a problem with crows so not sure. Only cardinals have been attracted so far
1280661
We have mostly sparrows that get in to the feeder at the moment, but not having had it that long, I'm not sure. We will get Cardinals later on, so will have to see if they can get in through the holes. The feeder is wonderful, and may have to get another one, as we have a smaller one, but the birds ignore it. It might be worth trying it, as other small birds would love it anyway.
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!
1110863
I do not know...I use black sun flower seeds, and there is waste from the birds picking at it..But I love this feeder because it is almost squirrel proof....It is such a bargain in cost...try it...
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.
1111322
We had the same problem at first but finally the birds are using it. However it is NOT squirrel proof. We spent a lot for this and one from Lowes would be just as good. Went out one morning and the squirrel was inside it having a feast! Had to tape the top closed. They hang from the pole and push the feeder back and forth til the seed falls out. Good luck.
1225784
I think you should add some compost to cover the seed to generate heat to get the seed to germinate and grow a lot quicker. Birds will eat the seed if it is not covered, and you need to water.
597624
Oh sure. Birds always do that regardless of the feeder. I've even seen them go out of their way to pick out items from a suet cake and drop them. All you can do is try to stock as much of the "favorite food" of the majority of the birds that visit your feeder. That might limit the variety of birds though. My chickadees only seem to want peanuts or corn while the finches eat only millet. Most of the niger seeds and sunflower seeds go over the side but the towhees and squirrels police those up off the ground. All just "part of the show."
1619428
Are you still using the same birdseed? Is it too sensitive and closes when birds land on it?? I never had any problems with attracting birds and my squirrel problem is gone.
1048944
I used wild bird seed in this feeder but you could certainly use black oil sunflower seed. It is absolutely one of the best bird feeders I have ever purchased. There is no way a squirrel can get to this feeder. It is easy to fill, easy to clean. Would definitely recommend. One bad thing would be if you purchase a larger version of this -- be aware that it will be heavy, especially when filled.
314205
We used it to feed Sandhill cranes in the years they produce two colts (young) as normally only of survives. We used black sun flower seeds. You cannot keep the birds from using it to some degree but it is designed to keep small birds out.
1111327
I am using a premium bird seed I bought at Tractor Supply. I add about 20% sunflower seed to the mix. We are covered up with Chickadees, Wrens, Eastern Towhee's, Cardinals, Finch, Downy Woodpecker, Indigo Bunting and many others I cannot identify. None of them seem to have any problem feeding at the small trough. Have you added the 1/4 inch plastic tubing to the perch as I outlined in my review? That gives the small birds a much better grip on the otherwise slick metal perch. Sometimes I add some Niger seed to the mix but it really does not seem to make much difference. I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina where we have many varieties of small birds. My land is covered with Pine trees so there is lots of spaces for birds to rest. Hope this helps.
1708483
I've had squirrels get in mine, but nothing has ever happened except for eating all the food. Never chewed on the feeder. I've also been putting peanuts out to keep them away from the bird seed.
1767068
I have mainly starlings (one type of blackbird) in my area. I used only black sunflower seeds, and they have not taken over the feeder. It may be that the perching area is smaller (which is one of the recommendations for keeping away blackbirds. They also do not like to feed under anything, so when mine was hanging under a poch ceiling, they never came to the area. As for seeds, the sites I read suggest safflower seeds (very hard) as the one type of seed blackbirds will not eat. Not sure what other birds like it. here's one good link for more info: http://springfieldil.wbu.com/content/show/76860 Good luck! I have mainly starlings (one type of blackbird) in my area. I used only black sunflower seeds, and they have not taken over the feeder. It may be that the perching area is smaller (which is one of the recommendations for keeping away blackbirds. They also do not like to feed under anything, so when mine was hanging under a poch ceiling, they never came to the area. As for seeds, the sites I read suggest safflower seeds (very hard) as the one type of seed blackbirds will not eat. Not sure what other birds like it. here's one good link for more info:... » Read More I have mainly starlings (one type of blackbird) in my area. I used only black sunflower seeds, and they have not taken over the feeder. It may be that the perching area is smaller (which is one of the recommendations for keeping away blackbirds. They also do not like to feed under anything, so when mine was hanging under a poch ceiling, they never came to the area. As for seeds, the sites I read suggest safflower seeds (very hard) as the one type of seed blackbirds will not eat. Not sure what other birds like it. here's one good link for more info: http://springfieldil.wbu.com/content/show/76860 Good luck! « Show Less
992080
I tried a plain plastic wild birdseed feeder, but it was too light and birds spilled more than they ate. I have had great success with a shallow dish with a long hook that is attached to center of dish and threads through a dome over it that helps with weather and also acts as a squirrel baffle. It is also made of plastic, but the long combination screw/hook component adds enough weight that birds don't spill worms as they land. I bought the feeder from Lowes, but there are probably many out there. Having a dish to put worms in decreases breakage of worms too unless you rehydrate them which I never have to do as the birds empty feeder daily.
32850
Here's some info on keeping pigeons away: http://www.backyardchirper.com/bird-info-237.htmlWe have two of the Brome feeders and some mourning doves; I've never seen a dove perch on our feeders. I think you'll be happy with the Brome. David, Great Falls, VA
4103
I have a mix of seeds and the same thing happens when the bigger birds knock out the seeds they don't want to get to what they do want. The answer is to have several feeders with a different kind of seed in each one. Someday I might do that, but for now, I just watch the squirrels, chipmunks, , doves, and other ground feeders enjoy the spoils!