skip to main content

Winter Feeding advice

17 years ago

For the first year I have several Blues hanging around. They are so pretty! I am in North Georgia.

Anyhow, has anyone had any luck finding mealworms yet? If not, any suggestions as to what I might use to give them a treat to keep them hanging around through this winter?

Thanks, Rebecca

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

griffin_MD
17 years ago
Rebecca, I just received an order of 5,000 medium-sized mealworms from New York Worms this past week. I usually order large but no one seems to have that size. The medium work fine and actually grow if you don't refrigerate. I've been ordering that amount about once a month and feeding blues both here at the house and the ones at school.
Also, you might want to try a miracle meal or bluebird banquet recipe, both found on the sialis.org website.
Kathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Feeding
Ann
17 years ago
Rebecca,
I feed mealworms, but I also put out a lot of suet and the blues definitely go for it when the worms are gone. I'm making home-made suet with peanut butter & crisco.
Good luck!
Ann
Related Discussions
need advice on heavy feeding plants (corn, melons, winter squash)
Q
Comments (1)
Keep in mind that compost is basically a slow release fertilizer. It is possible to over fertilize, and likely to happen if you combine different methods. I would recommend looking at each type of crop you are going to be growing and come up with a specific plan -what type of fertilizer is recommended, when to apply, amount of water and such. This should help when if comes to the layout of the garden as well. Good luck
...See More
Can't feed in ground citrus in fall/winter?
Q
Comments (25)
I live about 30 minutes north of San Francisco where the winters are short. Our first frost is typically in December and our last frost is on average sometime in February, I fertilize my in-ground citrus about 4 times per year with Rhododendron fertilizer. The first is at the end of the February in preparation for the first growth flush in March. Then I fertilize them twice in the summer (usually May and August). In the fall, I hold off fertilizing in preparation for the cold weather to return. I don't want to induce a growth flush in November. I perform one winter fertilization, typically in December, when it is consistently cold. In my experience, the leaves suffer some yellowing during the winter in the absence of this single winter fertilization. This does not induce growth, but keeps the leaves a nice dark, green color. In the past, I didn't perform this winter fertilization. Since adopting winter fertilization I have noticed no other difference in the behavior of the citrus. It doesn't affect the timing of any growth flush. The 3-6 year old trees get about a cup of fertilizer each time (including the winter) spread evenly in about a 5 foot radius. The older trees get 1.5-2 cups in a larger radius. -Brett
...See More
When to start "winter" feeding.
Q
Comments (2)
tsugajunkie, I appreciate that tip and I'm more than ready. In addition, may the best team win on Saturday. Dare I say "Go Blue?" Wisconsin has always always always been the best football game town to visit. Had such good times in Madison in years gone by. Thank you.
...See More
Winter/Spring Feeding - Kentucky Bluegrass - Central Indiana
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks Joe. That is in line with my thinking as well, but I wasn't sure how the two (Dimension and Milorganite) would go and the timing of each. I typically monitor my lawn at mid-yard and a few feet from the sidewalk with a meat thermometer looking for about 50 degrees. When the sidewalk area hits close to 50, I figure I'm good to go. I would have liked to add fertilizer in the late fall, but couldn't pull it off. Hopefully, things will rebound this spring. Thanks again for your input.
...See More
renee1958
17 years ago
Rebecca, I'm from South Carolina. I've had nestings for the past three years. This is the first winter I have ever seen Blues at my feeder. I made suet in mini muffin pans and put them in my fly thru feeder along with the usual premium bird seed. Ive had Bluebirds and a variety of other birds feeding together. This is a first for me as the blues have never eaten anything but mealworms for me. Can't wait for the first nest. Good luck, Renee
gmaur
17 years ago
I am new to birding. This summer I put up a feeder on my patio, not expecting much, and not knowing much. I suppose you might call it beginners luck but I have seen quite a few amazing birds at this feeder. Lately, I have a group of bluebirds (5 at one time) visiting the feeder. I fill the feeder with, from Walmart, nut n'berry mix, and hulled sunflower seeds. I don't know what exactly the bluebirds are attracted to but they have been coming to the feeder 3/4 times a day for the past 2 weeks.

Yesterday, I managed to capture a picture of two of them at the feeder. When I figure out how to post pictures I'll do it. If anyone wants to give me tips on how to get the pictures here, please feel free to offer advice.
gmaur
17 years ago
Here's my latest pic, taken today. I think I've figured out the picture posting bit:

They don't touch the suet.
nhblues
17 years ago
My blues eat hulled sunflower seed chips when the mealworms are gone. I just made some suet for them, but so far, the worms go first.
Ann
17 years ago
My birds love homemade suet! But only when the worms are gone.

Ann

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

FARM YOUR YARD Advice on Canyon Farming From L.A.'s Vegetable Whisperer

By Annie Thornton

See how a screened garden house and raised beds help an edible garden in a Los Angeles canyon thrive

WINTER GARDENING 10 Native Wildflowers to Beautify Your Winter Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

They stand strong in wind, feed wildlife and are easy to grow. But you may want to add these plants for their looks alone

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Feed Wildlife With Flowering Currant

Blossoms and berries make this plant irresistible to birds, bees and other critters — and a treat for the eyes too

HOME TECH To Feed and Protect: Care for Your Pet From Afar With New Devices

You might miss the nuzzles, but your dog or cat won't miss food, water or monitoring with these high-tech feeders and cameras

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Fireplaces to Feed Your Kitchen's Style

By The Inman Company

It's easy to find good kitchen help these days — these fireplaces help you cook, provide focal points and create delicious warmth

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Native Flowers That Feed Native Bees

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

These perennials offer superfood to hundreds of bees and are gorgeous in their own right

LIFE Share Your Winter Storm Jonas Photos and Survival Tips!

By Becky Harris

Let’s see your pictures and hear your ideas on how you’re keeping your house warm and staving off cabin fever

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting