What kind of seed do you recommend for this feeder?
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.
1048945
Any seed that is not too large. I use "3D Nut 'n Berry" (available at Wal-Mart). It works great in my hopper feeder, but the peanuts and berry bits can get stuck in the squirrel buster, so I separate out the peanuts and chop them in half. I like this seed mix because it's inexpensive (about $2/lb) and it attracts all of the birds local to my area here in PA. (I esp. love the purple finch, which did not visit my feeders until I started using this mix)
1048946
Just about any seed that's not to large, the fruit seed and nut seed that come in some of the mixed seeds do have a tendency to get stuck in the feeder and have to be taken out, but still no real problem. I laugh at the squirrels as they try to get at the feed. If it is hung as suggested they are unable to get the feed.
1048947
I'm using a cracked sunflower/nyger thistle finch mix. Brings tons of gold finches, chickadees, house finches and others.
478470
I put seed in a can - pour some on and stir it in. It costs it but it isn't wet. Then, I fill the feeders.
1877262
I don't really know, but for this feeder I don't believe you need a seed tray. Seeds do not come flying out of this type of feeder like they do others. We have had a few seeds sprout but it's almost nothing.
2179534
From the Droll Yankees website page for the CJTHM15G feeder: "Note: Attach a Droll Yankees A-6T Seed Tray or Omni Seed Tray to the feeder base to attract an even wider variety of birds. Use a Squirrel Guard over the feeder to baffle the squirrels."
1317396
They prefer sunflower seeds. We use the "no waste" type in this feeder so there are not so many shells left on the ground.
1055600
How long has it been? It can take a week or two for the birds to notice it and trust it. Do you have other feeders the birds go to? Is this one out in the open? What kind of seeds are you using?
1767066
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!
309925
It took 2-3 weeks before the birds really started coming to mine. I was second guessing my expensive purchase every day! I set up a birdbath nearby....put seed on the grass underneath...bought nice fresh black sunflower seeds ( they're not so wild about the millet/seed mixes I've found..) The finches also LOVE safflower seed! NOW I have so many birds I wish I didn't have to fill it so often. Try the birdbath nearby and the seed underneath.
388997
Yes. I use a mixture of safflower seeds and black oil sunflower seeds. The supplier was out of safflower seeds this last time, so I purchased a general mixed feed which I haven't put in the feeder, yet. The birds love the safflower seeds and the squirrels don't---good! Cardinals love the black oil sunflower seeds.
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.
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!
261531
Can't think of a seed small enough, but it would have to be at most the same size as any thistle type of seed... GREAT feeder, though....... We feed year around and are in Vermont so our criteria are a real challenge for any feeder and we're in our second year.
418955
I just buy regular bird seed and fill it in the top...I also put electrical tape around the bottom as the first time I filled it came loose and I lost all the feed on the ground and that really helped it and the squirrels haven't bother it since.. I really like the feeder
2164875
Iwould suggest buying feeders that protect seed from rain while still allowing the birds to feed. Hang these feeders from your squirrel stopper.
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!
940235
Actually, what we use are black oil sunflower seeds. Definitely for Chickadees, one of my wife's favorite birds!
1078094
This feeder is designed to use black oil sunflower seed only. Larger seed, such as striped sunflower will not properly fit through the mess screen. Other smaller seed or seed mixtures with smaller seeds mixed in { such as "no waste" } will sift through the screen and fall to the ground. I have found here in central Michigan {While more expensive} black oil sun flower seed attracts all the types of birds I prefer to to see and feed. At the same time birds that I am not fond of seeing { english sparrows, grackles, black birds, and even blue jays} do not seem to like the black oil seed and thus do no monopolize my feeders. This feeder is designed to use black oil sunflower seed only. Larger seed, such as striped sunflower will not properly fit through the mess screen. Other smaller seed or seed mixtures with smaller seeds mixed in { such as "no waste" } will sift through the screen and fall to the ground. I have found here in central Michigan {While more expensive} black oil sun flower seed attracts all the types of birds I prefer to to see and feed. At the same time birds that I am not fond of seeing { english sparrows, grackles, black birds, and even blue jays} do not seem to like the black oil... » Read More This feeder is designed to use black oil sunflower seed only. Larger seed, such as striped sunflower will not properly fit through the mess screen. Other smaller seed or seed mixtures with smaller seeds mixed in { such as "no waste" } will sift through the screen and fall to the ground. I have found here in central Michigan {While more expensive} black oil sun flower seed attracts all the types of birds I prefer to to see and feed. At the same time birds that I am not fond of seeing { english sparrows, grackles, black birds, and even blue jays} do not seem to like the black oil seed and thus do no monopolize my feeders. « Show Less