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Helping real birds.
Board:Ye Olde Fairyland Tavern
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 and Pyewacket FFU, NDMP5 years, 1 month ago

I would like to find different materials to put in my bushes and trees to help birds with nest building.  We lost our cat to cancer last month.  Hubby has bought me feeders and plenty of soot and Seed. I enjoy the birds and want to get ready for spring.  Thank you in advance.

Tracey and Cobweb5 years, 1 month ago

I have some sheep's wool (cleaned, bought from a garden centre) which I've stuffed into a suet block feeder but you can use any natural fibre - I cut short lengths of  wool and cotton yarn (the stuff you'd knit or crochet with, not sewing cotton which would be too fine).  Put them in an old feeder, or just drape them over the bushes.  I also put out the hair from my hair brush when I clean it off!

Thrushes and blackbirds like fruit - apples or pears chopped into halves or quarters, or chopped grapes.  I use up any that are starting to go a bit soft in the fruit bowl.

Suet, seeds, ground peanuts are all good.  And don't forget to put fresh water out every day, and break the ice if you need to.

I'm really sorry to hear about your cat, the hole they leave in your heart is huge.

Kareen and Cedric5 years, 1 month ago

I have a comb (furminator) which removes the undercoat from my dogs.  I put this in an empty coconut shell and the blue tits use it for their nests.  I also use the string that I tie my climbing plants to the netting.   I leave the cone of string on a hook and the blue tits then has a variety to choose from.   You can buy special wool from bird food companies, but I don’t see the point in that when there is so much free material available.

As Tracey said, do not forget the water.  That is most important.  During last summer, I needed to fill the water tables, 3 times a day and it is such a delight watching the birds cavort about in the real birdbath.

Do not be disheartened if there is no activity for a few weeks.  Birds will need to to feel safe, so will check out your garden for predators before coming to the feeders.  But once established in your garden, they are a joy to behold and will take up your time watching their antics.

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your furry friend, there is such a black hole left behind and although your bird interest can not compare to your cat, you will enjoy their antics.

 and Pyewacket FFU, NDMP5 years, 1 month ago

Thank both. I have four suet feeders .   I have to put peanuts out so Mr. Squirrel will leat the hanging feeders alone.  I had never considered a fruit bowl! Since I live in  Oklahoma I keep water out.  Thank You.
After losing Zeus I told hubby I am just not ready yet.   I live close to the Witchita Wild Life Refuge. Look at it on line sometimes.

Tracey and Cobweb5 years, 1 month ago

The squirrels can be a right nuisance - not as bad as the pigeons but not far off!

I lost my cat two years ago, and it was like losing a piece of my heart.  She was 21, all but a couple of weeks, and I am still lost without her.  She was never a problem to my birds, she just didn't hunt.  They'd quite happily feed two feet away from her, completely confident that she was useless!

Apple and Tarnished Halo5 years, 1 month ago

..as well as dog hair, my son's fiancee leaves the hair from her comb on the windowsill, she has a bright burgundy colour atm, so the birds have a funky colourful nest lol!

Kareen and Cedric5 years, 1 month ago

To get round the problem of squirrels feeding from the bird feeders, I (or rather hubby) put up a squirrel feeding box.  This is only for squirrels, it has a ledge where they sit and they lift the top lid for the peanuts.  They stay away from the bird feeders now as they can access their own peanuts whenever they visit the garden.   

Pigeons, on the other hand are a right pain. 

 and Pyewacket FFU, NDMP5 years, 1 month ago

We started putting the nuts by his tree.  He stays away from the feeders for the most part. Our pecan tree where he lives did not produce any nuts this year.
I love the hair idea. What about dryer lint?

Tracey and Cobweb5 years, 1 month ago

Yes, they'll have that as well.

 and Pyewacket FFU, NDMP5 years, 1 month ago

Thank you. I love watching the birds.
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