Hey everyone, I'm trying to create a nice feeding space for smaller birds, but I keep having issues with crows and jackdaws showing up and stealing all the food! I've even set up two hanging baskets to act like a cage, but those crafty birds still manage to find a way to poke through and get to the food. Does anyone have tips or suggestions on how to successfully feed smaller birds without the big guys interfering? Or should I just give up on feeding altogether?
3 Answers
I found that separating feeding areas works best. I set up a specific spot just for the crows with a different type of food, so they leave the other feeders alone. It’s helped like magic!
I can understand wanting to watch the smaller birds. It can be frustrating when the bigger ones take over and make a mess. I’ve had good luck with squirrel-proof feeders that the crows can’t use. They have these weight-sensitive shutters that close off the food when a larger bird lands on them, and it really does help!
Do those squirrel proof feeders work well? I've had larger birds crack into mine before!
You might want to try some hanging feeders that are designed for smaller birds. They can be tricky for the bigger ones to figure out. I have these long cylindrical ones, and they seem to outsmart the corvids! Seriously, it’s like a game to them! But once they get frustrated, they tend to back off. A spherical cage feeder can work too, which keeps larger birds away, while letting the little ones access the food easily.
How do you set this up? Do you use a different type of food for them?