Reg, I haven't tried your feeder, but if rats are being attracted to the old one, birds don't like the new one, I'd go for Plan C. We had a bit of a temporary rat problem here too from birdfeeders and agreed as a neighborhood to stop feeding birds for a year (while trapping). Yuch. Oddly, we seemed to have just as many birds in our Spring and Summer nest boxes as years when we were feeding - go figure. Gardengal, finches and siskins loved those thistle socks in my yard - then I realized I was creating a different type feeding station for hawks when that wasn't my intent. I can't seem to win when it comes to trying to supplemental feed birds :( But with no feeders, nesting boxes + bird baths and water available, a mix of shrubs and perennials, we have swallows, chickadees, hummingbirds, robins, finches all nesting where we can enjoy them...not that I don't still chase the occasional wandering cat.

Hi! Your feeder is neat, especially the way you've hung the tray on the bottom. The only thing I can think of, relative to your question about why birds aren't using that feeder, is that at this time of year it's not the feeder - there are so many insects, seeds, buds, etc. out there that haven't been available to the birds before spring, and I know that's where most of our birds are getting their nourishment. Even the gray catbirds that have been in the garden and birdbath haven't been visiting our fruit/jelly feeder. I've actually taken everything down except the nyjer feeder, and I keep the birdbaths filled and clean because all the birds come to those no matter what. On the other hand, we have a pair of goldfinches that visits our nyjer feeder every day at about 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., like clockwork. And more goldfinches than just those two take advantage of the feeder as well. So that feeder will stay up. This will work out - you could leave your feeder up and wait and see, birds may suddenly see it and use it. Good luck - Donna

Well I never had a platform feeder-but I have a mesh seed catcher under my safflower feeder that the doves sit in and eat what has fallen. I have a grackle and squirrel proof suet feeder as they can't fit between the metal squares. Just an FYI-I have to chase the grackles and starlings from Safflower seed feeders as well as squirrels-so the seed is a good choice but will not deter all the pests. I keep them away by throwing mixed seed on the ground, it keeps them away from the feeders and the doves love it. That Fly thru is very nice and being on a pole will keep the squirrels away, can't guarantee the starlings & grackles will stay away.

Hey guys! Thanks for the responses (and sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you). Interesting observation about birds not adjusting their feeding habits. I would think it just the opposite, Catherine. In order to survive, especially in winter, I would assume birds would have to move around to new feeding grounds as old ones became depleted. I'm not doubting you, just that it is interesting that you are noticing the opposite. I'm afraid a shimmering bowl of water would very quickly just become a hard block of ice! Much to my dismay, Colorado's idea of spring is usually more like winter than actual winter. I wonder if the more typical grassland species that should start showing up in a few weeks would be more comfortable with less cover. After all, lark buntings and many other prairie species live, breed, raise their young, and of course forage and feed in areas that are up to 20% bare ground with only short grasses for cover. Perhaps is the just the winter species, many of which spend their summers in boreal forests to the north, that are less apt to venture into the "great wide open." We do actually have a barn cat that I hired to catch mice. I think she has helped, or maybe that's how I try to justify feeding a cat that I never actually see. I'm sure there are mice around as well, but I'm not going to roll out the red carpet for them by giving them an abundant and steady supply of food.