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Post by Hezz on Feb 15, 2021 18:59:08 GMT
While trying to find some possible answers to your lack of interested birds, jellybean, I found this little nugget of wisdom: How long does it take for birds to come to a new window feeder? There is a general Rule of 2s that birdwatchers apply while they wait. This means, it may take 2 seconds, 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months for birds to come and use the feeder.Wild birds are just as fickle as their pet counterparts. Something that you will find regularly mentioned, though, and this may well be your problem, Is cover. The little birds are vulnerable feeding out in the open without cover nearby to dart into. Would it be possible to add some suction perches to the window close to the feeder, or even not so close to the feeder so that they can (possibly) hop in gradually? Another is colour - an attractive colour to get the birds’ attention. There might be some useful info in this link: birdslife.co.uk/how-to-feed-birds-from-apartment-balcony/
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Post by Morgan on Feb 15, 2021 19:00:06 GMT
Maybe some window decals that look like leaves and such might make them feel more comfortable? Then you could remove than after a while. Or even putting some tree branches nearby? Just some ideas - thinking about what would make the budgies feel more comfortable with a new scary object. Edit: oh just saw Hezz’s post. What she said!
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Apr 19, 2024 19:17:21 GMT
Deleted
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2021 21:53:54 GMT
Ooh, or some sort of plant pots with a few small shrubs or something, to help shelter them from the view of predators?
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Post by jellybean on Feb 15, 2021 22:28:34 GMT
This is a "Google street view" of the building I live in. The upstairs windows on the left are mine, the double window is my bedroom, the smaller window is the bedroom the boys sleep in at night, it is on this window that I have the bird feeders. So, no balcony, or anywhere to put plant pots or shrubs @sillycat84. I thought about colour too Hezz, as the feeder is just perspex, so when I bought the hook, I also purchased a Nyger feeder with a bright yellow base thinking that might attract them, that hasn't worked either. Hey ho, I'll leave it for a while yet and see if they get interested.
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Post by samwiseg on Feb 18, 2021 13:19:36 GMT
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Post by samwiseg on Feb 18, 2021 13:28:55 GMT
Would also add to waht Hezz has said, they DO TAKE a while to come. For us it took ages but it would seem they need to find out that you are "there" as it were. Plus, if the have a route the normally follow they may not always spot your new feeding station straight away. They do say about putting food out all year round and I would second that. Reason? I know there is fresh food for them in Spring, but should there be a complete deluge of rain, it washes everything away and off the branches so they need a back up of food to come to. They do know fresh is best afterall, so do treat them with some intelligence! We have food out and sometimes in spring dont see them hardly but when they need to they know we are there and fill their boots lol! Another thing is giving them "high octane" foods such as suet bits and sunflower hearts. My birds go MAD FOR IT! Any further updates jellybean?
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Post by jellybean on Feb 18, 2021 14:01:51 GMT
That's what I have in the feeder Sam, plus mealworms, and a hanging basket with fatballs.
Still no takers.
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Post by Hezz on Feb 18, 2021 21:20:56 GMT
Is there a way you can rig up a water dish for them as well, JB? Contrary to popular belief, birds do have a great sense of smell, and while yours might not be in need of a constant and reliable water source as mine are, an easy source of water might just be helpful.
I too have found that certain birds will come at differing seasons or even times of the day. Yesterday it bucketed down, this morning while still overcast, it isn’t raining and already I’ve seen the turkeys, cockatoos and little peaceful doves come in for a feed.
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Post by jellybean on Feb 18, 2021 21:51:46 GMT
I don't know where I'd put it Hezz, its not really a big window, plus I don't want to waste any more money on something that might never he used. What I have, has already cost me around £40, if I tell OH I now want to buy a water dish.......Well 😡🤐😂
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Post by skysmum on Feb 18, 2021 22:11:11 GMT
My advice, lot's and lot's of patience jellybean . My friend has the stick on one and it took about 4 months for birds to come. Also she said they come if her vertical blinds are half closed, they wont come if they are fully open and the birds can see any movement in the room.
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Post by jellybean on Feb 18, 2021 22:29:03 GMT
That was the whole purpose of the exercise skysmum, to be able to see the wild birds, maybe not up close, but at least see them feeding. I'll try closing the curtains over a bit and see if that helps. I hope your friend is having some success with her feeder now.
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Post by skysmum on Feb 18, 2021 22:57:27 GMT
They do come to hers but she has to sit very still with the blinds just enough open to see. As you say just close them a little so that the room can't be fully seen, if you know what i mean I think samwiseg having net curtains helps a little
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Post by blue48 on Feb 19, 2021 10:23:01 GMT
I had one of those a couple of years ago, and I live in a similar sort of building to you jellybean. I am on the ground floor and there is a hedge outside my window where sparrows and bluetits like to forage. I think it was the proximity to the hedge that attracted them. They could quickly fly back to safety. My feeder wasn't used much but a couple of brave little sparrows started to visit after a few weeks. I like to think it was the same two, but probably not.
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Post by jellybean on Feb 19, 2021 13:30:41 GMT
I think not having some greenery is part of the problem, although there are trees nearby, but maybe not close enough for them to feel they want to take the plunge. I'd be jumping over the moon if I could even get a couple of sparrows. Don't you have yours anymore blue48?
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Post by blue48 on Feb 19, 2021 14:15:14 GMT
Sadly no. There is a footpath directly outside my window, between my home and the hedge. It was stuck to the window by suction cups and someone stole it. I thought of getting another, but because anyone can just take it, I decided not to. At least yours is safe from everyone but the windows cleaner
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