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Bluebird feeding - feeders (Part 1)In addition to Messages that have appeared in the Bluebird Mailing Lists on this topic, the following are on the Audubon Society of Omaha website:
Subj: Feeding Bluebirds Subj: FW: feeding bluebirds and other fruit eaters...
Subj: Need BB Help Subj: Bluebird Feeders Subj: Re: bb feeder
Subj: bluebird feeder defeat Subj: Increase in Bluebirds Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2000 20:32:21 EDT Hi all, I get my mealworms and information how to raise them from www.wormman.com and his E-mail is chiraella"at"peoplepc.com I have my bluebird box mounted on a 3" PVC pipe and I put a cap (with small holes drilled in it) down inside of the pipe. My birds love it and this has been real successful. I just walk out the door, with worms in hand, give a special whistle they recognize and here they come. However when it's time for the young to fledge I start putting the worms in a square wooden feeder so I don't take a chance of the babies being frightened off the nest too soon. Good luck, Linda, IND.
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 14:34:03 -0500 Thanks Randy for sharing about your bluebirds. We have bluebird treat too but never thought to put it in the nest box; must try it. We've purchased a number of differently constructed and differently priced nest boxes. We've had the most success with a house that we purchased at Walmart for $10. It has a slopped roof and is made out of cedar. We have 2 of those and purchased one for my mother-in-law's house. That's the style that the pair keeps visiting. The really inexpensive pine ones that we purchased at first were made by Rubbermaid (I think) and cost something like $7 at the time. Terry has had to do repairs several times but we had bluebirds in all three of them last year. We purchased a couple of boxes from Duncraft and paid quite a bit more. We had chickadees in both of them last year. We've only been monitoring nest boxes for 4 years but the birds seem to utilize whatever is available. Patty Haught, Fairview, WV (90 miles directly south of Pittsburgh) ----- Original Message ----- From: Randy W Moore This morning the sunlight on the snow looked like diamonds as a pair of cardinals nibbled on their corn feeder out front. Indiana field corn seems to be their favorite; especially if removed from the cob by elementary school children. Start 'em early ! Nestbox / roost box? I don't think the two pair of eastern bluebirds mind. I've placed bluebird treat in the nest box all winter long with evidence of some takers. I looked to the nest box and noticed a female eastern bluebird coming out of the box at 8:15AM. The male followed her. A second male followed him. A second female followed him. The four sat in the maple tree 25' away as the children and I took turns with the binoculars. They seem quite healthy. I took some fresh bluebird treat to the box. Bluebird treat was pushed to the four corners of the nest box indicating a winter roost. The 4 bluebirds didn't move as they continued their morning chatter. Their tolerance to humans is incredible. Patty and Terry's post has given me hope. Our $35.00 bluebird feeder has been up over 6 months and has never been visited. I'll give it more time. Randy
Date: Sat, 05 Feb 2000 12:07:20 -0800 Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif. I would think that putting food in boxes would create problems for roosting/nesting birds. Won't it attract other mice and insects into the box? Patricia Haught wrote: Thanks Randy for sharing about your bluebirds. We have bluebird treat ... Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 15:36:57 -0500 To: the Constituency, This subject came up before, awhile back, and I have the distinct recollection that most of us agreed it was a dubious idea to put food on or in our bird boxes, the chief reason being that we shouldn't attract unwanted creatures, furred or feathered, to our nesting places. I assume that the same would apply to roosting-boxes. We have enough difficulty as it is keeping certain interlopers away. Why ask for more trouble than we've already got? Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, now a proud though minuscule affiliate of NABS, thanks largely to the good offices of some of my friends on BLUEBIRD-L. Next step: transform the Conspiracy, somehow, into a 'bona fide' organization.
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 15:53:12 -0500 Linda, You raised some good questions for which I don't have an answer. Our boxes are mounted on 1 1/2 galvanized poles. The present cold temps should help control the insects for now. Summer would be a different story. Look forward to hearing what everyone else thinks before we actually place some food in the boxes. Thanks, Patty Haught, Fairview, WV ----- Original Message ----- From: Linda Violett ... Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 19:39:05 -0500 (EST) Hello Bruce and all, Like Bruce said it seems like a bad idea to place food on or in a nest box for Bluebirds because it may attract unwanted predators to that area. Since I haven't had any experience at this and don't believe Bruce has either can any one whose done this more than a couple of years tell us your results?? I've fed Bluebirds near other bird feeders but not at boxes. I believe people are doing this to keep food away from other birds. If anyone has extended experience at this kind of feeding let us know. Joe Huber Venice Fl. Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000 02:37:41 -0500 Dear Patty, Because you are mounting on galvanized 1.5 inch metal poles, I wouldn't be too concerned about attracting mice and other unwanted pests if the nest boxes are more than five feet or so from brush and not under trees, and, if you've applied a thin coat of grease to the pole. I would appreciate it very much if you continued attempting to feed inside nest boxes and report what you learn. I've put Holley berries in a few nest boxes but they just dried up and got hard after about three weeks. I have a nest box that is used every night by a tufted titmouse for roosting. About two weeks ago I decided to help the bird by putting just two black oil sunflower seeds inside the nest box. It avoided the box that night. I removed the seeds the next day and roosting continued. It still may have been a coincidence that the bird didn't roost on the night the seeds were in the nest box. Tomorrow I will place two more seeds in the same nest box to see what happens. Gary Springer
----- Original Message ----- ... Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000 09:04:12 -0500 Thanks Gary, My husband placed some bluebird treat in a small plastic cup under the nestbox this morning. In the spring/summer we place meal worms in the cup. He takes a small plastic butter container, punches some holes in it so it will drain, and attaches it with a C-clamp about a foot below the box onto the galvanized pipe. As the nesting season progresses and the parents tire (Don't you just hate it when they look so frazzled at the end of the nesting season?), they readily take all the meal worms directly into the box to feed their nestlings and occasionally eat some themselves. We've observed both parents feed from the cup. Maybe we'll put some treat in one of the other boxes just to see what does happen. Will keep everyone posted. Patty Haught, Fairview, WV ----- Original Message ----- From: Gary Springer ... Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 01:01:45 -0800 Marla: (and anyone else new to the List) We have had much discussion regarding the feeding of mealworms to Bluebirds. Although there are exceptions such as natural disasters (hurricanes, serious droughts, etc), we've pretty much all agreed that Bluebirds do not NEED mealworms. For the most part, we feed any type of bird because we wish to see them up closely, not because they actually need our handouts. And no, Marla, mealworms are not the natural food of Bluebirds - they are as close as we as humans can come to their true natural food - insects. So it doesn't really matter much what you feed, Bluebirds will be attracted to your yard if you have the right type of house in the right type of habitat. Sounds like you're on the right track, and welcome to the List! Wendy Guglieri -----Original Message----- From: Firecoach"at"aol.com Firecoach"at"aol.com So as soon as I bought mealworms they
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 18:21:29 -0800 (PST) Hi Marla.. I want to add a little something else to what some other people have told you. I'm currently training my BB to eat from a new type feeder. It's a dome Droll Yankees see-thru plastic tray type feeder. And they're starting to go & eat from this feeder. I'm wondering what kind of BB feeder are you using for them? I'll tell you what I've experienced & what all the literature written on feeding BB will tell you. Any kind of feeder that's different from a regular plain-old flat platform type feeder will require you to train them to eat from this feeder & much, much patience. I initially (about 3 or so weeks ago) put about everything that BB love to eat (mealworms, peanut butter suet, fruit,cut-up raisins, some chopped peanuts, some dark looking purple wild berries & red ones too) out for them, & they didn't eat anything initially. I tried some different combinations, & also a few of them one at a time. These BB have a mind of their own. If they're not hungry, have ample food elsewhere, or aren't used to a new feeder, they probably won't eat. For me, what I found out was to walk down the block where a dark purple looking berry bush is growing, & load up the BB feeder with these berries which are free. And the last several days, the BB are coming to eat these all throughout the morning & into the afternoon. Of course I'm also putting a little homemade peanut butter suet in there, & I think they're starting to eat a little of that also. I decided not to put any more mealworms in there, since other small birds usually got them 1st. Wendy is right. We only need to feed them if we want to see them up close, & if the weather suddenly turns very bad, hindering them to find their own food... say during the nesting process. (By the way I will be finding out what that small berry bush is shortly.) Hope this helps you & any other new people like myself. Horace in NC.
Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 17:43:20 EST A friend in Atlanta now has four eggs in her nestbox (first egg spotted on March 18). She's been feeding the pair mealworms. The female had no trouble figuring out the bluebird feeder. She goes in, eats, flies out. The male bluebird went in ONCE, seemed agitated by it, and has not gone back in since. He stands on the roof and peers over looking at the mealworms crawling around. He'll grab the ones that eventually make their way out of the entrance hole. My friend now even throws some on the ground for him. Will this guy ever figure out how to go in there? I know he's going to need to feed her once she starts brooding, but if he can't figure out how to go in there and get the mealworms, that's going to be tough. Anyone else ever experience this? No bluebirds for me... but I do have SIX Brownheaded Nuthatch eggs (discovered on March 20). You may recall my post about something stuffing the vent holes and pecking at the bottom of the floor. Well, it was the Nuthatches. The nest is so shallow that it's barely a nest. The eggs are sitting in the little well they pecked. Mrs. Nuthatch appears to be incubating, as I disturbed her today, and she really scolded me. I won't look back in for awhile. Anyway, how do we teach the Atlanta male bluebird how to get inside the bluebird feeder? Any advice?
Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 18:57:45 -0500 male bluebird went in ONCE, seemed agitated by it, and has not gone back in since. I had the same problem but it was the female who was confused and agitated. My feeder has plexiglass sides and I had to remove one side as the BB thought the sides were a way out of the feeder. I also drew lines on the other side with a marker so they did not appear transparent to the bird. (birds fly into windows for the same reason) Dixie --
Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 20:20:05 EST Kevin Bloom Hello everyone, In my years of feeding mealworms to my bluebirds (and to those darling mockingbirds!) I have not yet used a feeder. Just a plastic foam bowl set out on a cinder block. They know I am strict about timing. I don't leave it out there all day and they know either get it now or wait till lunch,dinner,or breakfast. Three times a day I set out that plastic foam bowl for them. The reason for timing them is because I have to leave and do not want it to blow away. With a whistle they know that FOOD is here!! When it rains or snows I set it on my porch. When I have the time and patience I will sometimes get them to hand feed. The female rarely but the male will come. She has only fed from my hand once or twice and thats about it. So what is the final word on Gil. boxes? I have not had any problems really with my other ones. Two or three broods lost in each over a period of about 2yrs. Also, on the topic on the alpha codes, just keep them. The newbies have the ref-guide and other sources. This subject keeps on coming up and it gets a bit annoying. I had no trouble at all with them and according to others it looks like they did not either. I know I am a little late but HAPPY SPRING 2000!!!
Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 21:35:27 -0800 A bluebirder who makes these feeders in this area says you have to train the bluebirds to use them. He says to leave the sides open until they start using them and then gradually add tape to the sides until the sides are closed. Marion Liles - did you have the specific info?
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2000 21:08:58 -0800 Sorry I didn't make clear what I was saying. The bluebird feeders that I have seen have a partial opening in the clear plastic sides in addition to the 1 and 1/2 " hole in the ends. Larger birds can get through these larger side openings, but at first if you leave them open it helps to get bluebirds to use them.
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2000 07:07:24 -0500 We've been feeding the bluebirds mealworms since we moved to this house - 5 years now. We've used a small platform and the bluebirds were quite happy with it. Last year and this year, the mockingbirds have decided to take over the mealworms so the platform was hardly ideal. My husband built a feeder with a roof, front and back in plastic so we could see in and the ends with holes of the appropriate size. Now the mockingbirds can't get the worms but the bluebirds refuse to go in. Anybody have any suggestions? --
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2000 21:33:53 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA I just spent all morning dealing with the same problem. My solution has worked in the past......... I built a cage and 2 ends are regular plywood riddled with 1 1/2" holes (which the bbs have NEVER used) and the other 2 sides I made my own "lattice" out of lathe. My bbs use that and not starlings or mockers can get in. The dimensions of the rectangular "lattice" is 1 3/8" wide and 2" tall. Do not make it a centimeter larger otherwise starlings will get in. Mockers can't as they have too long a tail or something. I worked on this design all winter and am quite pleased with it. This morning was building another cage from front yard near bb boxes - of which mocker has clear view of. From my work on perfecting this cage all winter I got the size of the lattice small enough to keep starlings out, but big enough that the bbs would still go in. Many people have good luck training their blues to go into the holes to get the mealies, but mine never would. Good luck! Mary Jane Thomas wrote: We've been feeding the bluebirds mealworms since we moved to this house - ... Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2000 20:42:54 -0800 See earlier notes. Often you have to train them. The commercial feeders have big slots in the plastic sides - when the bluebirds start using them you gradually tape off these openings.
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 18:24:30 -0500 There seemed to be some discussion of mealworm feeders earlier. We have a bluebird feeder that is wood with entrance holes on each end. Our bluebirds, titmice, nuthatches, and chickadees use it on a regular basis. I've been looking for another one and came across a couple. In case anyone else is looking for a bluebird feeder, here are a couple of websites with different styled feeders. The Bird Cottage has one for $21 and can be seen at www.birdcottage.com/feeders.htm Also Bluebirds Forever has a completely different style for $30 and can be seen at www.bluebirdsforever.com/feeders.html If anyone has used either of these feeders, I appreciate very much if you'd reply directly to me and let me know what you think. Patty in WV ----- Original Message ----- From: R_C Walshaw See earlier notes. Often you have to train them. The commercial feeders have big slots in the plastic sides - when the bluebirds start using them you gradually tape off these openings.
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 17:15:59 -0800 (PST) Hi! I found a bluebird mealworm feeder at Wild Birds Unlimited, Burnsville, MN; and I would guess any of the WBU stores would have (or could order); and I'm thinking price was about $26.50. It is SIMILAR to the one shown on website: http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/catalog/feeding.html with slightly different styling of the ends. I've just started using it, so don't know anything yet. My sister, in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, has the X-1, pictured on website: http://www.bluebirdsforever.com/feeders.html She seems to like it pretty well. They also have a small (approx. 4" square and about 1 to 2 inches in depth) plastic feeder, attached to a hanging rod (about $10). Check out your local wild bird stores and/or other places stocking bird feeders and nest boxes. Happy birding! Stan Merrill, St. Paul, MN
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 17:45:43 -0800 I mentioned this to Patty earlier, but some others might be interested. I've seen bird feeders at K Mart that would be easy to adapt into a mealworm feeder. They have a wooden roof, base, and two ends. The sides are removable plexiglass. It would be very easy to drill 1 1/2" holes in the ends of the feeder, invert the plexiglass so the worms couldn't escape, and you'd have a mealworm feeder for $9.99. =20 I've seen this type of feeder at Wal-Mart, but the plexiglass sides are angled in at the bottom. I don't think this feeder would have enough room inside to be a mealworm feeder. The K Mart feeder, though, has straight sides, and I believe it would be large enough. Julie Clark
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 12:05:15 -0500 Hi All, I was wondering if having bird feeders in your yard about 50 feet away from the BB box is a good idea. The nestbox is faced away from the feeders, and is not in sight of them (my feeders are in the front of the house, and the box is on the side of the house-- they're 50 feet apart as the crow flies). I asked the lady at the wild bird supply store and she said it wouldn't be a problem-- but of course she'll say that! I'm just concerned because of the all the bird traffic. Other birds are usually flying over the box often on the way to the feeders. What do y'all think? Thanks! Marisa
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 20:17:32 -0400 To: The Barriers, et al, 50 feet between your Bluebird box and your bird feeders sounds safe enough to me, but I hope that others will chip in on this one. I've never had anything like the configuration you describe. By "bird feeders" I assume you mean "feeders-for-birds-of-all-kinds". The only kind of feeders I've ever had anywhere near my Bluebird houses are mealworm feeders for the Bluebirds, and nothing but Bluebirds ever went near them while I was looking. (We live in a wooded area, and I never have Bluebirds in my yard, at least I've never SEEN one there, and I'd be ASTONISHED if I ever did.) Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 19:34:45 -0500 Hi Fawzi, I have a hanging hopper feeder with hulled sunflower and a peanut feeder filled with peanut hearts. These feeders attract a wide variety of birds, but I'm concerned because I get constant visits from grackles and starlings. I've even seen some house sparrows hanging around in the past two days, but not feeding. I also have two thistle feeders and a hummingbird feeder (in anticipation). I'm not worried about these. The grackles don't bother the bluebirds, and neither do the house sparrows... for the most part. I saw the male bluebird chasing the male house sparrow off once. Mr. BB has also had to chase away a chipping sparrow a couple of times. I wonder if the bluebirds feel like we do when we're in a park or some public area, and we see a bunch of people who look like gang members walking around. We go on with whatever we're doing, but it does raise our anxiety level a little. Marisa Hi Marisa, this is Fawzi. I think it depends on what you have in ... Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 19:40:23 -0500 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com By "bird feeders" I No, I was talking about a sharp-shinned hawk. ;-) LOL, just joking. I have a hanging hopper feeder filled with sunflower hearts and a peanut feeder with peanut hearts. I'm concerned because these two feeders attract a lot of grackles and starlings (they attract a lot of other nicer birds too, but I get more frequent visits from the blackbirds). Marisa Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2000 21:23:29 -0500 To: Horace Sher hjsher1"at"yahoo.com ... Mary Roen, River Falls,
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 12:55:48 -0500 Hi, I've yet to purchase a mealworm feeder and was wondering: 1) Do quirrels chew up the feeders or eat the mealies? 2) I've seen both hanging mealworm feeders and post-mounted. Which do the BBs prefer? I would think post-mounted, but then would I have to worry about squirrels? 3) Also, have y'all heard of some stuff called "Bluebird Treat?" It's these mealworm-shaped pellet-like things that you feed to the BBs, made of beef suet, peanuts, and raisins. (My son says it looks like dog food.) My BBs won't eat it. Has anyone had any success with this stuff or did I waste my money (probably wasted my money). Thanks a bunch, Marisa
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 14:19:10 -0400 Marisa, On mealworm feeders, get one that is post mounted and place 50 feet or so facing the front of your nest box. If squirrels become a problem (they may investigate) put a baffle on the pole (4 feet from the ground and 10-12 feet from any launching pad; fence posts, tree limbs, roof tops, etc.). There is no really good way to baffle a hanging type feeder. There will always be a way that a squirrel can get to the feeder. Make sure that the feeder has slots in the sides large enough for a bluebird to enter, but small enought to keep out starlings, mockingbirds, etc. And, make sure that the cup for the mealworms is round, not square. As to the "Bluebird Treat", feed it the squirrels. Pete
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 14:23:00 -0400 Hi Marisa, We have a wooden bluebird feeder with side entrance holes. We place the bluebird treat that you described inside. We have seen the bluebirds eat this treat on many occasions. If natural food is in abundance, they don't seem to eat it. When it's cold, rainy, damp, etc. and there aren't lots of insects, we see them eat the bluebird treat. However, it is a big favorite with the white-breasted nuthatches. They go in and out and in and out, etc. of the feeder nonstop. So if your bluebirds won't eat it, nuthatches, titmice, and chickadees seem to eat it. At least you didn't waste your money. There are several different feeders available. I saw one on Bluebirds Forever website which looked good. You can check it out at www.bluebirdsforever.com and go to feeders. Let us know if any of your birds eat the treat. As an afterthought, we have actually placed it in little plastic butter cups (the short ones) and set it out and birds eat it. I've seen downies eat it too. Patty in WV ----- Original Message ----- From: Bret/Marisa Barrier thebarriers"at"worldnet.att.net ... Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 14:54:23 -0700 On Thu, 13 Apr 2000 12:55:48 -0500 "Bret/Marisa Barrier" thebarriers"at"worldnet.att.net writes: Hi, ... Marisa, The only time I have Squirrels chew on my Bluebird feeder is if I put peanuts into it. Maynard R Sumner Flint, Michigan Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatian 6:7
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 16:00:33 -0500 Hi, I just checked the nestbox and there were 2 beautiful eggs!! Yea!!! I also bought a feeder this afternoon, and right now I have it on the deck with one of the plexiglass sides off. They seem very smart and already know how to use it. They weren't terribly afraid of it at all. Which leads to my next question: where should I put the feeder? I've been told on this listserv that it should be at least 50 feet away. The best place I can think of in my yard is about directly 100 feet away from the front of the nestbox. But the problem with this site is that I can't see it from my house except from my daughter's room. I'd really like to put the feeder in a place where I can see it easily and often from the house. The other place I can put it is in the front, but that's where my other feeders are. I'm waiting for the seed to run out of those (in about 2 more days), after which I'll leave the thistle feeders up (this is my last summer in MO and I want to enjoy those bright yellow goldfinches before I go to TX where I'll never see bright yellow AMGOs again!). Or I could put it outside my son's room. The only prob with that is again, I won't be able to keep as good of an eye on it as I would if I put it in the front. So where should I put it? 1) In the backyard-- this would probably be the BBs' top choice-- that's where they always are anyway, very little other bird traffic, about 100 or so feet away from the nestbox and within sight of the nest box. But I can't see the feeder from here. 2) In the front-- easier for me because I can see the feeder, but lots of bird and people traffic. Even after I take my sunflower and peanut feeders down, there will still be lots of birds coming. 3) Outside my son's room-- less bird traffic than front. But I'd be able to keep an eye on it here somewhat. Please help! Thanks,
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 23:00:12 -0400 (EDT) Subject: BB feeder Marisa...check out the dome shaped Droll Yankees X1 hanging see-thru feeder. Got mine at Wild Birds Unlim. (Think it's better than the traditional BB feeder. Birds can see food from any direction.) I have one & I'm very happy with it. Adjust it so a BB or smaller bird can only get in. I put in mealies & peanut butter suet. The BB eats the mealies & sometimes a little suet. Other small birds only eat the suet which I enjoy watching. To prevent any other bird from eating the mealies before the BB gets to them...what I do is don't put in the mealies until you see the BB around or in her nestbox...then call her or whistle to her while you're at the feeder. When you walk away, then he/she will come get the mealies..I've got my female BB trained so well, that when I call or whistle for her(anytime I want), she immediately comes out of her nestbox..to the above wire or tree branch, then to the feeder for her mealies. Works everytime...so enjoyable to watch... Horace in NC.
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 22:11:45 -0500 Y'know, I saw that Droll Yankees feeder you're talking about, and I thought about it, but I didn't want to chance it. The grackles in my yard can hang off of my small cling-a-wing, with a domed baffle on top (I put it there with hopes of discouraging them). I'm serious! I figured if the grackles can do that, they would get to the mealies. Yeah, I've got my BBs "trained" too, when I whistle! They are so cute. Now I know where that term comes from, "bluebirds of happiness." They light up even the grayest days. Marisa ----- Original Message ----- From: Horace Sher ... Date: Sat, 20 May 2000 18:14:21 EDT Lisa Miller, Murfreesboro, TN I am thinking of moving a feeder (seed) to the other side of my garden. It is currently about 70 ft or so from the nestbox, and I am thinking of moving it to around 35 ft or so. I wanted to know if this would cause any problems for the EABLs or if it would discourage them from nesting there again. It is just a standard cedar gazebo feeder and I usually get cardinals, doves, etc around it. Thanks for the advice. Lisa Miller Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 07:36:55 -0500
Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 11:28:50 -0400 Joe/Mary, et al, The best container I've found for offering mealworms is a
Corningware "Corelle" 5 1/4" dessert dish (white). The sides are steep enough
and shiny enough and slippery enough so that the worms cannot climb out and
escape. I mount mine on wooden poles about 4 or 5 feet from the ground. Only
problem is, you have to keep the rainwater emptied out after it rains. I just
put in the worms, - no food, - and I don't offer them many at a time, no more
than 20 or so. Some people just put them on the railings of their deck or porch.
But all my houses are out in open country, miles from my house. I also like to
move the poles around a lot if I feel like it. (I carry a crow-bar in the car
for making quick new post-holes {30-second Question: Does anyone out there know of a drilling tool that would enable me
to drill some tiny weep-holes in the "Corelle" ? There MUST be such a Bruce Burdett, NH blueburd"at"srnet.com ... Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 12:45:52 -0500 Hi Mary. In answer to your question about presenting mealworms to the bluebirds, I put up a droll-yankee plastic feeder when I discovered the female had been hit by a car in hopes to help the male feed five hungry mouths. The local nature center advised me not to place it too close to the nestbox, as birds usually don't like to eat real close to their nesting place, for fear it will attract other birds. So I sat it out in a somewhat open area about 30 feet from the bluebird box. Since I already had a clutch, what I did was to watch the male, noticed where he flew to after leaving the box after each feeding , (he was pretty consistent about this) and I put the feeder in the area where he 'observed' his territory, thinking he'd notice the feeder quicker. He flew right over it for a full day, so the next day I placed a tin pie plate right down on the grass as the nature center also advised....they also advised putting in some type of red berry or blue berry as bluebirds are also berry eaters, to attract his attention. I didn't have to do that tho, as within five minutes of placing the pie tin on the ground, he swooped down and gathered up a large amount of mealworms. On his next round, he went from the pie tin right up to the feeder. The shiny surface of the pie tin did not spook him in any way, and the clear plastic of the droll-yankee didn't phase him either. (I'm not plugging a particular brand, but these are great feeders, very easy to set up and keep clean and they have good drainage holes, and you can also adjust the top to keep out larger birds if they become a nuisance). I picked the worms out of the sawdust and mixed them with some "bluebird treat", which was left untouched, but the male had NO problem picking the worms out of the mixture. The male became accustomed to the feeder *very* quickly, and would fly to the nearby clothesline and watch intently as I put in more worms, he knew a good thing when he found it :) Good luck! Cindy in Michigan 'WoodsWalk' - Enjoying Michigan's Wilderness Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 12:59:53 -0400 Wild Birds Unlimited sells a mealworm feeder which consists of a plastic cup with drainage holes, mounted to a piece of hardware for attaching it to a pole. I'm not sure how much these cost, but it might be worth checking out. If there is no WBU in your neighborhood you could visit their website at www.wbu.com. Bruce Burdett wrote: Joe/Mary, et al, The best container I've found for offering mealworms is a ...
Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 15:28:42 -0500 Hello All: I notice that we have several posts about bluebird feeders. A properly designed feeder will allow bluebirds to feed in safety, and exclude almost all other birds. It will also keep the food dry regardless of the weather. There are several good feeders available commercially. I know from experience that when you place mealworms in an open container you will have problems with most all the other birds going for this food also. The bluebirds being the good guys, lose every time, especially to the mockingbirds and robins. I spent a lot of time and money, researching and developing a mealworm feeder
that has worked well for me and for thousands of others that purchased or built
one that works on the principles incorporated into this feeder. The only birds I
have ever seen use this feeder other than bluebirds, I had the feeder patented, but there is nothing to keep you from building one using the same principles for yourself, just don't start building and selling them. I sold my company last year, so I'm not trying to commercialize off our list. The North American Bluebird Society sells this feeder to help raise funds for their organization. If you need a bluebird feeder and don't want to spend the time and effort to build one yourself, the money you spend on the feeder will be used for a good cause. If you want to take a look at this feeder it at: You may order one from NABS at: If I can answer any questions you might have about bluebird feeders, you are welcome to email or call me. Best regards, Bruce Johnson ~ Life Mbr. NABS Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 18:31:52 EDT Bruce, if you're going to be feeding and watching at the same time try this, a clear plastic top from a cooked chicken or even something smaller, make small holes with a hot thin brad or skewer, place mealies and some of their "bedding" and go ahead and watch. While I haven't had any luck with my EABLs or Carolina Wrens, the Chickadees do love them so. I also want to concur with KK about the debt we all owe to our veterens . At a Memorial Day service today in OldSaybrook, the speaker reminded us that these people didn't "pass away" or "walked the last mile", these men and women gave their lives to help us remain the greatest country in the world. God Bless Them All, an especial blessing to the survivors of "The Forgotten War, Korea", JoAnn, Guilford,CT Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 12:09:26 EDT Sherry Hunter, I have been putting out mealworms now for some time either in a dish on the ground or in my mealworm feeder but have had no takers. So about three days ago I put a wood stake in the ground about 7 ' from the feeder and screwed a plastic container to the top of the stake and put some mealworms in . I also took the plexiglass sides off the mealworm feeder leaving about a 2" plastic part that is also removable in place on the bottom sides. This allows me to put a small plastic dish in the feeder to keep the worms from getting away but allows the bluebirds to get into and out of the feeder through open sides. I noticed some bird was eating the mealworms in the stake feeder and also now in the mealworm feeder! Yesterday I saw Mr. Bluebird eating the worms in the mealworm feeder and then go to the stake feeder, YEAH, success. So today I only put mealworms in the mealworm feeder as this is what I want them to use as it has a roof for when it rains or snows. Later this morning I saw Mrs. BLuebird out there in the feeder eating the worms!!! I am so happy now, especially since this may mean that they will bring their babies that fledged last Sunday to the feeder so I can see them. Also I think this pair may overwinter here again this winter (I first saw them in early February) and I can feed them through the harsh weather times. Also saw Mr. Bluebird on top of the nestboxes this morning and he was hanging on the entrance hole of nestbox #2 (Springer's Chalet nestbox). Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 13:56:31 -0400 I finally got Bluebirds nesting in my back yard, so thought I would try feeding mealworms. I mounted a clear plastic container (approx. 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch high) on a pole, approximately 4 feet off the ground, and about 6 feet from the bluebird box. The chicks are 7 days old but neither mom or pop have taken any mealworms yet. The parents cannot help but see the worms wiggling around in the container. Any suggestions on getting them to eat the worms. Dan Thomas Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 14:33:52 -0700 No, but if you have cats in the area, I'd get that feeder higher than 4 feet. Nicholas -----Original Message----- From: Dan & Rachel Thomas [SMTP:racheldan1"at"compuserve.com] ... Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 18:22:44 EDT In a Message dated 7/29/00 1:57:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, racheldan1"at"compuserve.com writes: I finally got Bluebirds nesting in my back yard, so thought I would try feeding mealworms. I mounted a ... Dan Thomas Hi Dan One thing came to mind for me about this. What time of day are you putting out the worms? Try early a.m... the earlier the better. See if it helps.. Maybe you are already doing that. In afternoon feeding seems to slow somewhat and picks up again towards evening. Hope this helps. Kathy Clark
Fawzi and All: After reading Fawzi's comments about the house finch using the bluebird feeder, I thought I would inquire. I put up my first nest boxes in the backyard this year and decided to put up a feeder also. I put up the one that the bluebirds have to go inside. The birds are all over the feeder but can't seem to or won't go in. A young one from the pairs earlier brood keeps attempting but seems to not be able to go in and then loses interest. Was just wondering if these feeders really work or if it normally takes them awhile to master the entry. Hole size and all seems to be appropriate. Should I just switch to a "cuplike" feeder or should I continue to work with this one? Thanks to all for your advise and words of wisdom. You guys have taught me so much! Renee Sparks Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 08:26:56 -0500 Not familiar with bluebird feeders. Please advise where to obtain and what is
feed. My experience feeding bluebirds is confined to live insects. -----Original Message----- ... Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 09:50:17 -0400 I purchased the feeder at a Wild Birds Unlimited Chain Store in Columbus, OH but have seen them at Walmart and Lowe's. They look like a hopper but are closed on the sides with plexiglas (so the birds can see the food) and have 1 1/2 in. openings on the side to only allow birds of that size to get in. I put meal worms in it but it came with a container of "Suet dough for Bluebirds". The suet dough is ground to look like a worm or small insect. I haven't used the dough so I don't know if they eat it or not. I mainly got it to put the worms in. Thanks for your advice, Sherry. Sounds like a good idea. Renee Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 11:01:36 -0400 Hi Renee. The feeder I use has no holes, I designed it myself. It also has to be entered through a long slotted entrance all the way around the feeder top. Plans for the feeder will be published (hopefully soon) in the Bluebird Society of PA flier. If you want a copy, it is only two pages long, send me your address (if you have MS-Word97, I can e-mail it to you). Also, some training is essential for the bluebirds to use it, but it is much easier than the conventional ones with the holes at the ends... It is also easy to make if you have either a table saw or a radial arm saw. It takes me about 2 hours to make one! Fawzi ----- Original Message ----- ... Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 13:24:53 -0400 I expect you will get some interesting responses to your question. Last year, I used a flat and open feeder. After about two weeks, the bluebirds began to use it. After about a month, everyone began using it, robins, starlings, grackles, and especially catbirds. In self-defense, I got an enclosed one like you have, with two 1 1/2" holes, one in either end. The first in was the male, who scarfed up the mealworms, then had a panic
attack because he couldn't figure out how to get back out. I finally opened the
top and he flew out, never to return. I mean, he stayed and helped raise the
little ones, but never went back in the feeder. Mama was slow to use it, Today is their ninth day after fledging, so maybe I'll see them come down to
the feeder before long. It'll be interesting to see if she can teach them to Randy Jones Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000 19:41:23 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA I have bluebirds who refuse to go into the holes for mealworms. So, having the same problem that Randy did - everyone and his kid brother eating off the plate of bluebird banquet, I built a CAGE over the plate of suet mix. It is made of wood and looks like a crate (milk or the plastic file crates they make these days). I built a basic wooden frame and then covered it in lathe. I experimented for a LONG time to get the exact dimensions whereby it would keep the starlings and mockers out but let the EABL in. Anyway, the lathe is placed so the rectangle entrances measure 1 5/16" wide by no more than 2" long. 2 sides are lathed, so the birds have ample room to come and go and I can also watch them feed. The top is covered with plywood to keep the rain out. And I have a plywood bottom, so I can just pick the cage up to put the suet in. Also I built perches on the outside, which they like to sit on as they come and go. I've only had one starling get through since I figured out this optimum dimension. It was a scrawny little thing. Not since has a starling nor a mocker attempted to feed. I am lucky, because all my EABL including the babies eat out of it. And only 2 nuthatches (one a mutant - with a scissor beak) and one song sparrow also eat out of it. 2 of the sides I have the lathing and then 2 of the sides I have plain plywood with a zillion 1 1/2" holes drilled in. This was to see if the EABL would finally decide to use the holes. Well, only once did I see a EABL go in through the hole. They clearly like a larger hole, which is why the oval hole on the nestboxes are preferred. But that 1 5/16" wide keeps those starlings out, they just literally can't fit in. I watched over the course of a few weeks them beat themselves against the entrances and succeed UNTIL I used 1 5/16". They will do just about anything to get in. It is amazing to watch. They just throw themselves at the entrances even to the point of getting stuck in the hole. But the 1 5/16" they just CANNOT fit in at all. The EABL will squeeze in knowing that they have lots of longitude to work with. I stopped the experiment then, but I suppose you could tighten up that 2" length - although I've decided it isn't necessary as the starlings can't get in anyway. :-) H Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2000 13:01:27 -0700 (PDT) Hi Renee. Take your wooden Bluebird feeder back to Wild Birds Unlimited & exchange it for the Droll Yankees Dome plastic adjustable feeder. Believe it's also called the x1 seed saver. I've used mine for over 6 months & I think it's great. You can easily adjust it to allow any size birds in or out. Never any problems with birds getting caught inside & you can see the birds from any angle. I've adjusted mine for only Bluebirds or smaller. The Bluebirds love it. I enjoy watching not only the EABL feed, but also some of the smaller birds. The feeder won't rot & is guarenteed for life. The food is protected from the weather elements. Very easy feeder to use & keep clean...Well worth the money.... Best wishes...Horace in NC. Date: Wed, 02 Aug 2000 16:18:09 -0400 ---------- To read an article from the Environmental News Network about bluebirds see http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2000/08/08022000/bluebirds_30041.asp Bluebird feeding - feeders (Part 2) |
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