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Taking Care of Your Little Neighbors By Melissa J Wantuck  |
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 Weekly chores associated with our yards and the gardens in them provide the benefit of a great-looking landscape around our homes. Taking care of the plants and trees is one aspect. What about the critters that live in and among them? Don’t worry, not the ones that wreak havoc on your lawn and among the flowers.
Many people like to put out bird feeders and some feed squirrels and chipmunks separately. There are both good and bad effects of this so it’s up to you, but it can be fun watching from your windows the wildlife interact and play, as well as the different species that visit the picnic spread you offer.
Here are some tips to make the best of your critter feeding stations:
Location
If you want to be able to observe the animals and birds that come to your feeders, place the feeders in an area that can be viewed from your windows. Outside of your kitchen window so you can watch what’s going on as you wash dishes, or near the family room so your family and guests can see the feeders as you watch from the couch.
Feeders could be placed near your outdoor porch and patio but your movement might startle the wildlife and even make them too cautious to visit the feeder. Setting feeders at a distance that’s still viewable but safe for the critters is an option.
Keep feeders away from flower beds and vegetable gardens. The seeds that spill out of feeders will provide unwanted weeds. The more distance you can provide, the better. Hummingbird and Oriole feeders are nice for gardens as they bird food in them is liquid and won’t contribute to your weed population that you battle already.
Take into consideration the height and type of stand you use to hang the feeder. Too low and you may attract unwanted critters and some types of stands allow unwanted critters to climb them.
Choosing Feed
If you’re setting up a feeder for the first time in your yard, you’ll want to get an idea of what types of birds or critters live in your area so you know what feed to buy. Talk to someone at your local garden center. They can recommend feed as well as types of feeders that work the best.
Choosing Feeders
You’ll want to get a type of feeder that suits your yard and the critters you want to feed. If you only want to feed birds, look for a feeder that will keep out other critters that might eat your feed and keep birds away.
Along with feeders, you can buy, or make your own nesting houses for birds and other critters. This is another way to aid the wildlife around you. Visit your area nature center to find out if there’s a need for nesters or a certain species that is having a hard time finding food and offer to help the best way you can. You should also ask what types of critters you’re not allowed to feed by law. Pay attention to this so you don’t get into trouble.
Cleanliness Matters
After you’ve established the feeders in your yard, be sure to maintain them, other then simply refilling the seed supply when it runs low. Periodically check your feeders in case insects have made a home of them. Be careful when you do this in case bees or wasps are the new inhabitants so you don’t get stung.
When the feeder is empty, clean it with the hose so the high pressured water will rinse off any debris that could spread sickness among birds.
Periodically rake away seeds and shells that have fallen on the ground beneath the feeders. These will build up and may smell and spread unwanted weeds.
If you’re establishing feeders for the first time in your yard, don’t be surprised if birds and critters don’t immediately start eating at them. It may take some time for them to realize it’s there and then establish it as safe.
Once your feeder is established, keep tabs on it so the food doesn’t run out. When the food source runs out and isn’t re-supplied, animals will stop visiting it and you’ll be back to the beginning trying to establish your feeding station. Stay consistent so the animals trust the feeder as a reliable source of food.
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