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question about finches and feeders

14 years ago

I was browsing in Lowe's and picked up one of those net sock feeders for finches. I enjoyed it so much, I bought one of the tube feeders with a tray a week later. My question is, is it normal to have seed spilled like crazy? Or are my feeders just "cheap". Just wondering as it seems that they spill half the seed over a week period and it makes a big mess on our deck. If it the feeders, any recommendations?

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Comments (6)

cjc45
14 years ago
Are you sure it's seed and not empty hulls?
frangione1
Original Author
14 years ago
I thought I read that nyjer thistle seed didn't have hulls. I guess I am wrong?
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donnalovesblue
14 years ago
What you see are the hulls. I have several sock feeders hanging from tree branches in early spring and the goldfinches will empty them in a single day!

Donna
frangione1
Original Author
14 years ago
Okay. Thanks for educating a newbie!!
bedelia
14 years ago
I also have a tube feeder. I notice other birds and critters (chipmunks, etc.) eat the leftovers that fall to the ground. I would think it's a combo of hulls and seeds, unless the hulls are yummy for the other birds.

I did put a tray on the feeder, and that was a disaster. I had a chipmunk who made himself at home in the tray, and once I saw the HOSPs in the tray, I took it down. Squirrels also tried to get in, but it wasn't big enough for them.

So, I'm thinking it's more than just hulls dropping into the tray, but I could be wrong.
frangione1
Original Author
14 years ago
I guess I'll have to keep an eye out. I really don't see many squirrels at all in our yard and have never seen any other critters. I guess I need to take a closer look at what is actually on the ground to see if it is seeds or just hulls.

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