What brand of seed (and mix type) do you use for this feeder? Do you successfully use a type sold on Amazon? If so which one. Thanks!
1867590
The only thing that really works is a mix dominated by sunflower. They keep smaller seeds from flowing out as link openings are too big for songbird mix or thistle.
1867591
Black sunflower seeds are what this is made for. Most mixes have a lot of smaller seeds that will fall out. I have found the birds have difficulty getting sunflower out though and would not recommend this feeder. It takes at least a week for them to empty this one and my other feeders need to be filled every day or two.
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.
1867593
I use it strictly for small sunflower seeds. I do not purchase my food online...shipping costs would kill me!!! I feed 50# every three weeks. Enjoy your birds!
1867594
black oil sunflower seeds. no specific brand, the last bag was from tractor supply
1867595
I get the giant bag of sunflower seeds at Fred Meyer here in Alaska. I think it's a 20 or 25 pound bag. The sunflower seeds work great in it. Anything smaller and it would fall out. Hope that helps!
1867596
I use black sunflower seeds which most birds eat. Some fall out when you load it up with food but the other birds that eat off the ground feed on those. I buy the food wherever I see a good deal.
1897349
You will be better off if you use the sunflower chips or the "no waste" shelled seed instead of the whole sunflower seed with the shell. On of the benefits of this feeder is that that there is minimal to no waste of the seed. I have been using this feeder since 2001 and find that I spend less on seed for this feeder than the other ones with the big holes where the seed all lands on the ground and rots. You might try mixing the sunflower chips with safflower seeds, this works well also.
388994
Pennington Ultra Fruit and Nut Blend - this is all I use. I have all bird varieties and, by far, it's their favorite. Squirrels love it; fortunately, they can't get to it in the feeder. I also have the large Brome with the cardinal ring. Squirrels can't get in it either, but love to curl theirselves around it and nap. Hate them!!!
460866
I have not had the feeder long enough to give you an honest answer. My best suggestion would be to call the manufacturer.
388993
Many thanks to all who replied! I've been feeding safflower seeds in other feeders for over a year. I'm thinking of purchasing this type feeder for safflower also - that was the reason for my post.
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!
1527047
The #1015 is the classic feeder with squirrel cage. I have the larger one with the cardinal perch which is very $$ but worth it as it attracts all birds and the warranty with Brome is Lifetime. Great customer support from Brome. I bought the finch feeder and had to throw out all the $ seed which got moldy waiting for finches and sparrows t this summer. Will try this fall with finch feeder but the HOLES are tiny tiny (finch seed is tiny) and cut into a clear plastic tube..even the sparrows couldn't figure it out or can't see the holes and flew to the other feeders.
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.
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
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.
2191197
I just use a mix of seeds in my feeder. We only get small birds in our feeder ( larger birds cause it to close). Maybe the smaller birds don't like the bigger seeds.
328057
i dunno go to drollyankees.com and ask or 800.352.9164 customer service, good luck droll .... is the best feeder - we have 8
298754
Hi Leanne, Thanks for your question. In response, we've made it extremely easy to add bird seed to the "Skinny Squirrel" proof bird feeder. Basically, you just unscrew the top cap, remove, and pour in your seeds. Then just place the top back on the unit, screw it tight, and thats it! Hope this helps.. If you have any other questions, just let me know.. Have a blessed day, Mark
388992
I only use black oil sunflower seeds in my feeders. They work fine. Even the goldfinches like them!
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)
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.
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?