Birdfeeding problem…how do you keep sparrows from eating all your birdseed???
Posted by admin on August 8th, 2010 filed in Garden Bird ControlI have 4 hanging birdfeeders that I keep black sunflowers seeds in 2 birdfeeders with thistle feed for goldfinches. I also have suet feeders out for woodpeckers. My problem is the sparrows swarm in and eat everything…suet,thistle and sunflowers. I had read if you don’t use the cheap seed mix the sparrows will leave your birdfeeders alone.THat is not true.
They make a huge mess and are such hogs.
How do you get rid of them or keep them off feeders?
Good Bird Deterrents Blogs
- Outside My Window » It’s Goldfinch Time
- Dear Kitty. Some blog :: Little grebes and goldfinches :: August :: 2010
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August 8th, 2010 at 4:52 am
Good Luck!! I’ve been actively at war with sparrows for last 5 months. I can’t beleive how much the lil buggers eat and how messy they are. Hate them. I know they are one of God’s creatures but all the feed they eat is ridiculous!
I have found a couple things that have worked. Buy the cheap seed or cheap cracked corn…buy 50 lbs at local elevator for about $5. I set up a open platform feeder away from my other feeders and put cheap bird food on it for sparrows…as long as it stays full they usually stay away from hanging feeders.
It does work.
Also for your goldfinches ….invest into upside down hanging birdfeeders or the little hanging net feeders. Sparrows are too fat to cling to both these feeders. Funny to watch them try.
August 8th, 2010 at 4:52 am
You can’t. Birds don’t KNOW the difference and don’t care.
August 8th, 2010 at 4:52 am
You can get a feeder with chicken wire around it that will let the small birds in like the chickadees. I think the wire holes are one inch wide.
I do think that the sparrows like the millet better than sunflowers.
Are you sure your not talking about big starlings and black birds wiping your feeder out?
August 8th, 2010 at 4:52 am
You can stand in the yard and wait for them to come to the feeder and then chase them away. Otherwise, put enough food into the feeder to accommodate all of the birds.
August 8th, 2010 at 4:52 am
I use a pellet gun. Getting rid of the sparrows also helps keep the Bluebirds nesting in your yard. As for all the "anti-gun" folks. Boo Hoo.
August 8th, 2010 at 4:52 am
its first come , first served at my feeders…if the other birds want to eat , they better pick up the pace…