▷ The bird feeder, a fundamental help for birds in winter

What does a manger mean? A cold and difficult season, winter represents months of hardship for many sedentary birds. Therefore, install a bird feeder in your garden it is a precious help for our feathered friends.

The feeder can take on different shapes, from the house to the tray feeder, through to the cup feeder, their purpose is to provide a space to provide food and water to the birds. Made of wood, metal or plastic, the bird feeder adds an extra touch of decoration to the garden.

When and where to install a bird feeder?

In concrete terms, there is no particular period for installing the bird feeder in the garden. However, it is customary to install it during the winter because that is when the birds need help. Because even if sedentary birds have the ability to adapt their diet according to the seasons, feeding them in summer should still be avoided so as not to create addiction.

The useful period for feeding them is From October to the end of March. As soon as the sunny days arrive, life will awaken in the soil and in the trees, which will then be able to feed themselves.

The bird feeder will find its place in a clear place and with a 360° view of the surrounding environment. Birds must be able to escape from predators very quickly. We will therefore avoid places near bushes or trees where cats can hide.

For hanging or wall-mounted feeders, install them at a sufficient height, out of reach of predators.

Which feeder for which bird?

The choice of bird feeder in your garden will mainly depend on the different birds in your garden. You will first have to observe the birds that come to wander into your garden and/or perch on the branches of your trees.

Once identified, you can choose the appropriate power supply.

There are different types of feeders: wall feeder, floor feeder, suspended feeder or dispenser feeder. Regardless of their size, the bird feeder mainly attracts small to medium-sized birds. In fact, the largest of them, such as magpies or pigeons, wrens and blackbirds, prefer to feed directly on the ground.

Tits, goldfinches, robins and other birds of the same size will land without problems in search of seeds and other delicacies.

How to attract birds to the feder?

While tray feeders will attract less acrobatic birds, net feeders and feeders will be reserved for agile birds such as nuthatches.

The location of the bird feeder and the clearly visible food will naturally attract them. To put all the possibilities on your side and bring them to your garden, do not hesitate to do so provide them with a water point. In addition to allowing them to quench their thirst, they will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to take a bath and clean their plumage.

What to put in the bird feeder?

Sedentary birds have developed the ability to feed seasonally. If during the spring and summer season they feed on insects and fruits. The winter season for them will be focused on a diet rich in fats, seeds or fruits.

Here is a list of foods for birds in winter:

Ball of fat, preferably of vegetable origin
Sunflower seeds (simple)
Peanuts, hazelnuts, corn (plain)
Chopped fruit such as pear and apple

On the contrary, some foods should be avoided for their well-being. Salty and spicy foods, milk, uncooked rice or bread.

Also keep in mind that it is important to feed birds in small quantities, either at the beginning or at the end of the day. This prevents food from accumulating and becoming contaminated.

How to maintain your bird feeder?

The bird feeder in the garden is a place that can attract many birds. To contain a possible epidemic and not encourage the transmission of diseases, it is necessary to clean and disinfect the feeder.

For cleaning it is recommended to use non-toxic products for them. We will therefore favor soapy water. A bleach solution can be used at the end of the season if you are storing your bird feeder.