† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: Jul/07/2009 10:44 AM PST
I just added a couple finch feeders to my yard. They are so pretty & fun to watch, but I've noticed a lot of seed on the ground. I can't tell if they are knocking out extra seed or if its the shells only. Has any one found a way to catch or stop the waste? Or is it shells only?? Hubby's disabled and doesn't do much in the yard, but this is something he is really enjoying. The seed is expensive, so I like to see if there's a "better" way. |
 |
Posted: Jul/07/2009 11:05 AM PST
I use a platform dish under my hanging feeders.I have seen them made from a cheap plastic shallow dish from the dollar store by drilling 4 holes spaced around the dish and stringing wires or twine to the hanging feeder.Hope this helps. |
|
|
Posted: Jul/09/2009 2:27 PM PST
I'll look for some cheap trays next time I get to town. Thanks for the idea. |
|
|
Posted: Jul/09/2009 5:31 PM PST
Your welcome |
 |
Posted: Aug/06/2009 5:46 AM PST
I got me a finch feeder..finally. My question is how long do they stay around in the season? Haven't seen any so far. Have had it up a couple of weeks now. No activity. |
 |
Posted: Aug/06/2009 8:00 AM PST
Here is SC I only see them in the early spring just before the males get their color. I know some stay around in the area but I never have them in my yard beyond springtime. |
 |
Posted: Aug/06/2009 8:56 AM PST
Here is my experience with gold finches (my favorites next to the hummers and Carolina wrens): We have finches all year. In winter they are a bland greeny-brown-gray color. In spring, they turn bright yellow. Here's what I have learned. It takes some time to attract them to your yard. My Grandmother always swore by Niger thistle seed but that was before it cost more than meat  . So, I do put thistle seed out at first and once you have finches, they will take the BO sunflower seed just fine. However ...... if you let your feeders "lapse" (stay empty a few days) they will go elsewhere. If I keep my feeders filled, they will stay all year. If I get lazy, I lose 'em. We also live in the middle of woods so I am wondering if that's why I have them all the time ~ don't know bout that 
|
|
|
Posted: Aug/06/2009 3:34 PM PST
This is the 1st year I've had the feeders, (I'm using Niger seed)I had to move the feeders around a couple of different spots before the birds discovered them. Now we have a flock of over 30 birds. They are supposed to stay year round. If the feeders are empty for a day, the bird disappear but as soon as I refill, they are right back. They sing & chatter & flit around, it's been worth the expense. |
 |
Posted: Aug/07/2009 2:03 AM PST
We have them year-round, too, but you don't notice them when they lose their yellow color in the fall unless you know what to look for. We use both the black oil sunflower and the thistle socks. They love both of them. It is also helpful to have flowers that they they like, too. Grow some coneflowers and sunflowers. Our goldfinches are also enjoying the sweet annie, which must be forming their tiny seeds now since they are now landing on them now and picking at them. |
|
|
Posted: Aug/07/2009 6:56 PM PST
The feeder is still full of thistle. Nothing yet. Probaly a silly question, does this type seed get old or stale? Im just checking. 
|
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
