Where do you buy bird food....

[debbiem]

Last year I made some fat cakes, I saw the recipe in a gardening magazine. Can't remember it exactly but it was to feed a bit of garden wire through a plastic cup then fill the cup with a mixture of melted lard, breadcrumbs, bird food of whichever type, raisins, crushed cereal, in fact whatever's to hand, let it harden and cool off, take off the cup and hey voila you have a delicious nutritious cake for the birds to hang from the trees, and they went mad for it. I made several.
I've only ever seen fairly small bags of bird food in the GC's, supermarkets, farm shops and pet shops.

[madonplants]

The said:

That's the beauty of buying online - you can buy much larger bags, storing them might be a problem for some people. I've got some very large lidded containers for storing the food once open.

I think suet is better for the birds rather than lard BTW.

I don't feed during late spring to early autumn, would rather the birds find their natural food lke the pests in the garden.

I buy mine from lots of places. Sometimes it's DIY centres, other times Supermarkets, but normally garden centres. If I had the space (please can I have space!) I would buy online.

I feed all the usuals, like seeds, peanuts in various feeders, but if I put suet ones out the starlings finish them in minutes and I mean minutes, not hours!

Keith

[madonplants]

The said:

madonplants said:

I don't feed during late spring to early autumn, would rather the birds find their natural food lke the pests in the garden.

I buy mine from lots of places. Sometimes it's DIY centres, other times Supermarkets, but normally garden centres. If I had the space (please can I have space!) I would buy online.

I feed all the usuals, like seeds, peanuts in various feeders, but if I put suet ones out the starlings finish them in minutes and I mean minutes, not hours!

Keith

Birds finding natural food in the spring and summer can sometimes be difficult, and I have noticed that they will only take my offerings if they are having a lean time. Some summer months can be quite cold, as happened this year, that's when I notice the food hopper empty slightly quicker.

I put fat balls and bird cake in caged feeders Keith - keeps the big birds and squirrels off too. I also have caged seed feeders for the same reason.

Caged feeders are quite expensive, but they soon pay for themselves by stopping the greedy birds feasting all day, which also allows the smaller birds to feed.

I appreciate what you are saying, The witch, but I have never fed in summer. Regular hoeing to bring pests up, growing the right plants to attract flies and the like is enough to help the birds during the summer. When you watch Springwatch, what do the adults bring in for the babies, flies caterpillars etc. I know this year has been harder for them, but I would rather them find their natural food than what I could put out.
Take the Great Tit, it changes it's beak shape to deal with it's change of diet from insects during the summer to peanuts and seeds in autumn and winter. Why confuse them?

Taken from the RSPCA site, which is being very slow today!!!

Meal times
Natural food starts becoming hard to find in early winter, so October is a good time to start putting food out for birds. Feed them until the end of April, when they should be able to find plenty of food for themselves.

I understand why people do feed them all year round, but I stick to this advise and have done all my life.

Keith

[4pygmies]

I feed my chook a mixed corn wild bird mix as she prefers that so I inadvertently feed the birds all year..I always have two peanut hangers and two mixed corn hangers on the beach hut all year plus I make suet balls and fat squares to put up in the winter. I buy sunflower hearts as an added extra as the chooky loves it and it's good for the old gal in winter. Plus I spread bread, rice and suet out on the grass in the really cold part of winter.
My garden is always full of birds

Ooh, and the fieldfares are here already.......

[plocket]

We don't actually get many birds because I think they are so happy with the weeds, shrubs and trees that are just beyond our garden wall. But I always put out mixtures that I get from our local Wildlife Trust - I'm not sure what but they make it up themselves and it comes in clear plastic bags.

[4pygmies]

I've never read that it is - why would that be so, The witch? I always cook it up for them.....oops.....

[madonplants]

The said:

Fair enough Keith, but can I just add - a couple of summers ago, the summer which was very hot early on then got very cold, - I witnessed a blue tit giving what caterpillars and flies it could find to it's young, but fed itself on sunflower hearts.

It would seem that the RSPB don't share the views of the RSPCA Keith -

www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/whentofeed.asp

I appreciate that too, but don't the RSPB sell seed and the like, so it pays for them to get us to feed all the year round. I'm not saying that's the reason, but someone mentioned it to me and it made me think. I know it's been 28 years since I went on both RSPCA and RSPB courses, but they both had the same views then, so what's changed? I have still got a video of an old Geoff Hamilton GW wildlife special and the RSPB expert on that says only feed in Autumn-Spring. What's changed since? ;D

The only reason I can see why we could be asked to feed all year round, is the impact of low maintenance gardens this country has started to adopt. How can the birds get to the worms when the soil is covered with weed suppressing membrane?

This argument (for want of a wrong word!) could go on indefinately. Bill Oddie says he keeps getting asked this question.

Anyway I would rather the birds eat the mozzies, than any seeds I could buy. I think we could just agree to disagree.

Keith

P.s. Note to Keith, stop watching programmes while posting, other forum members will wonder what I am doing!

[bogmyrtle]

We buy ours from garden centres or local pet shop, but we do have CJ's (Shrewsbury way) catalogue through the post. It would be easier as I have to look for a nice young man to help with the lifting when I buy the large bags and I am on my own!

As we will need some next week, I will have a browse through the links The witch, thanks

We feed ours all year but in summer the food lasts longer! We also have a robin with insommnia - he was singing at 2.00 this morning! It's the security lighting and street lighting we have around I think.

[Sleepy]

bogmyrtle said:

We buy ours from garden centres or local pet shop, but we do have CJ's (Shrewsbury way) catalogue through the post. It would be easier as I have to look for a nice young man to help with the lifting when I buy the large bags and I am on my own!

As we will need some next week, I will have a browse through the links The witch, thanks

We feed ours all year but in summer the food lasts longer! We also have a robin with insommnia - he was singing at 2.00 this morning! It's the security lighting and street lighting we have around I think.

Ahhhh.... but I bet your robin nods off during the day. I do find that these birds that try to burn the candle at both ends end up losing out in the end. Were there just too many ends in that sentence?

I don't feed the birds in my garden any more - they just end up becomeing impromptu food for Merlin!

[madonplants]

admin said:

bogmyrtle said:

We buy ours from garden centres or local pet shop, but we do have CJ's (Shrewsbury way) catalogue through the post. It would be easier as I have to look for a nice young man to help with the lifting when I buy the large bags and I am on my own!

As we will need some next week, I will have a browse through the links The witch, thanks

We feed ours all year but in summer the food lasts longer! We also have a robin with insommnia - he was singing at 2.00 this morning! It's the security lighting and street lighting we have around I think.

Ahhhh.... but I bet your robin nods off during the day. I do find that these birds that try to burn the candle at both ends end up losing out in the end. Were there just too many ends in that sentence?


I don't feed the birds in my garden any more - they just end up becomeing impromptu food for Merlin!

Poor excuse, Sleepy, very poor!

The underlined bit helped cause my problem all those years ago! Working all hours G*d gave me, including weekends and fishing late sunday, after work!

Keith

[Sleepy]

madonplants said:

admin said:

Ahhhh.... but I bet your robin nods off during the day. I do find that these birds that try to burn the candle at both ends end up losing out in the end. Were there just too many ends in that sentence?


I don't feed the birds in my garden any more - they just end up becomeing impromptu food for Merlin!

Poor excuse, Sleepy, very poor!

The underlined bit helped cause my problem all those years ago! Working all hours G*d gave me, including weekends and fishing late sunday, after work!

Keith

What? Not at all! I have always been an avid bird feeder, but since getting Merlin I have stopped because of the death toll.

I'll give you 'poor excuse' you cheeky tike!

[madonplants]

admin said:

madonplants said:

Poor excuse, Sleepy, very poor!

The underlined bit helped cause my problem all those years ago! Working all hours G*d gave me, including weekends and fishing late sunday, after work!

Keith

What? Not at all! I have always been an avid bird feeder, but since getting Merlin I have stopped because of the death toll.

I'll give you 'poor excuse' you cheeky tike!

Ever heard of bells on collars, bringing your cat in at night. I KNOW, I HAD A CAT AS A KID! Sorry for shouting, but how many cat owners put bells on their cat's collars? Bringing your cat in at night, means early morning the birds can eat without fear of getting eaten.

Keith

[debbiem]

When I make these fat balls I mentioned earlier I put them well out of the way of the cats and where the birds have a view all around them. I'm with Sleepy here, as if I thought I'd be setting up a meal for the cats by putting the food up for th birds I wouldn't do it.

[Sleepy]

madonplants said:

admin said:

What? Not at all! I have always been an avid bird feeder, but since getting Merlin I have stopped because of the death toll.

I'll give you 'poor excuse' you cheeky tike!

Ever heard of bells on collars, bringing your cat in at night. I KNOW, I HAD A CAT AS A KID! Sorry for shouting, but how many cat owners put bells on their cat's collars? Bringing your cat in at night, means early morning the birds can eat without fear of getting eaten.

Keith

Merlin has a bell collar. And he will not tolerate being confined at night. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved out should I impose such a regime.

As it is the bird death toll has reduced enormously by me not feeding the birds. They do still have quite a larder what with elderberries and pyrocantha berries etc. And my neighbours each side do feed the birds. They both have dogs so Merlin stays clear by and large.

And the birds also take advantage of my pond - at their own risk of course.

[madonplants]

debbiem said:

When I make these fat balls I mentioned earlier I put them well out of the way of the cats and where the birds have a view all around them. I'm with Sleepy here, as if I thought I'd be setting up a meal for the cats by putting the food up for th birds I wouldn't do it.

I understand that, but just found this, and it says most of what I said. Must admit to forgetting the, keeping the cat well fed bit. My cat, I had was a semi wild one from our local farm, so it was a good hunter. You wouldn't believe what she brought back sometimes! But within weeks, with good feeding, she virtually stopped doing it and we had probably at least 20 if not 30 species of birds in our garden at any one time, on various feeders.

Keith

[madonplants]

admin said:

madonplants said:

Ever heard of bells on collars, bringing your cat in at night. I KNOW, I HAD A CAT AS A KID! Sorry for shouting, but how many cat owners put bells on their cat's collars? Bringing your cat in at night, means early morning the birds can eat without fear of getting eaten.

Keith

Merlin has a bell collar. And he will not tolerate being confined at night. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved out should I impose such a regime.

As it is the bird death toll has reduced enormously by me not feeding the birds. They do still have quite a larder what with elderberries and pyrocantha berries etc. And my neighbours each side do feed the birds. They both have dogs so Merlin stays clear by and large.

And the birds also take advantage of my pond - at their own risk of course.

We manage. It might not be totally to your liking, but I am happy.

So the cat rules your life. ;D :

Oh good to hear about the bell! I know cats kill for fun, to an extent, but it WILL be reduced if the cat is well fed. My cat used to bring home squirrels, rabbits as well as pidgeons, sparrows etc. but within weeks she stopped. Is Merlin neutered, forgot that one as well. Fluffy was, after we realised she was pregnant when we got her. After she had the kittens, mind!

Keith

[Sleepy]

madonplants said:

admin said:

Merlin has a bell collar. And he will not tolerate being confined at night. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved out should I impose such a regime.

As it is the bird death toll has reduced enormously by me not feeding the birds. They do still have quite a larder what with elderberries and pyrocantha berries etc. And my neighbours each side do feed the birds. They both have dogs so Merlin stays clear by and large.

And the birds also take advantage of my pond - at their own risk of course.

We manage. It might not be totally to your liking, but I am happy.

So the cat rules your life. ;D :

Oh good to hear about the bell! I know cats kill for fun, to an extent, but it WILL be reduced if the cat is well fed. My cat used to bring home squirrels, rabbits as well as pidgeons, sparrows etc. but within weeks she stopped. Is Merlin neutered, forgot that one as well. Fluffy was, after we realised she was pregnant when we got her. After she had the kittens, mind!

Keith

How is your pet millipede doing? Settling down OK? Are you remembering to feed him?

[madonplants]

admin said:

madonplants said:

So the cat rules your life. ;D :

Oh good to hear about the bell! I know cats kill for fun, to an extent, but it WILL be reduced if the cat is well fed. My cat used to bring home squirrels, rabbits as well as pidgeons, sparrows etc. but within weeks she stopped. Is Merlin neutered, forgot that one as well. Fluffy was, after we realised she was pregnant when we got her. After she had the kittens, mind!

Keith

How is your pet millipede doing? Settling down OK? Are you remembering to feed him?

Not doing well atm, probably lack of food, but then again I am keeping it caged regulary! :

Keith

[karenwl]

I get my bird seed from our local pet shop i usually buy a large bag for about £12, they also get home made fat cakes filled with seed and sultanas, they also get nuts and left over apples from the guineapigs.
I also give them cheese that i grate and they love it.

[debbiem]

karenwl said:

I get my bird seed from our local pet shop i usually buy a large bag for about £12, they also get home made fat cakes filled with seed and sultanas, they also get nuts and left over apples from the guineapigs.
I also give them cheese that i grate and they love it.

Isn't it funny how almost EVERYTHING seems to love cheese? The chickens go mad for it, the cats go mad for it, people love it. I bet nearly every species on the planet likes it in some shape or form -I'm not surprised at all that the birds love it too.

[debbiem]

madonplants said:

debbiem said:

When I make these fat balls I mentioned earlier I put them well out of the way of the cats and where the birds have a view all around them. I'm with Sleepy here, as if I thought I'd be setting up a meal for the cats by putting the food up for th birds I wouldn't do it.

I understand that, but just found this, and it says most of what I said. Must admit to forgetting the, keeping the cat well fed bit. My cat, I had was a semi wild one from our local farm, so it was a good hunter. You wouldn't believe what she brought back sometimes! But within weeks, with good feeding, she virtually stopped doing it and we had probably at least 20 if not 30 species of birds in our garden at any one time, on various feeders.

Keith

I read the article, Keith. I think I will try out some collars with bells on for the cats. They wouldn't be happy being kept in at night plus they wouldn't let us sleep in revenge! Our cats are extremely well fed and get loads of choice titbits as well as their normal cat food and biscuits but although Snowy looks so round when he gets his Winter layers on and you would think to look at him that the only danger he would pose to something would be to fall out of a tree onto them as they were passing and flatten them, he is stealth beyond belief. Both the cats are, actually, despite being neutered and living the life of Reilly.
I think I'll give the collars a go, though.