Peanuts for the birds

[mazza]

Hello anyone :)

I have two squirrel proof birdfeeders which I fill with peanuts and hang out for the birds.

The nuts are stored in good, dry conditions, no signs of mould/dirt etc. and then the feeders are filled with them and hung up outside.

Previously, the birds have been very happy with them - the nuts were munched up pretty quickly.

But lately, perhaps since last quarter of last year, they have not touched them.

I see them landing, perching, taking a look and then fly away.

I have cleaned the feeders and replaced the nuts several times, made sure that the feeders were disinfected, thoroughly rinsed of any residue etc.

They are in the same positions as they always had been and there is privacy for them. No cats come in the garden either.

Anyone got any clue at all why they won't eat the nuts anymore? They are from a reputable source - B&Q and endorsed by the RSPB :unsure:.

Thanks :D.

[Domestic Goddess]

How very fussy!! I wonder if the disinfectant you are using is leaving a smell that the birds object to? Perhaps you could try serving up a variety of food like seeds, bits of cheese, fat balls etc to encourage more patrons to your al fresco restaurant. I have a bird table and have found that my birds will only eat what is on the table - they refuse from anything that I hang whatsoever.
Perhaps you should note what types of bird frequent your garden and ask the RSPB's advice on what their favourite nibbles are.
Another consideration is, could there be something reflective in your garden that is frightening the birds? Or something noisy or that waves in the wind thus having a scarecrow effect?
Maybe the squirrels are miffed about not being able to access the peanuts and are threatening the birds if they dare scoff them under their noses? The Squirrel Rights movement perhaps?!
Hope this helps. Watching my birdtable is a fav pastime of mine and it is very relaxing and rewarding.

Your fellow "Twitcher"

DG

[goosegirl]

Hi Mazza,

They are like that in our garden too, I think its because they have a constant supply of nuts in the area. They do in our area with people buying from the same shops such as the supermarket. And if they are put in a feeder, and they have to put more effect into getting them out they will just go for the easy option. Such as bird tables, and feed thrown on the ground.

GG.

[Annabel]

I was wondering if they were just getting bored as well! :) I noticed the birds that come in my garden much prefer the seed that i scatter on the patio rather than the peanuts...which i also scatter about. the smaller birds seem to like the fat balls better...

mind you the birdies that come in my garden are big fat collared doves...and i swear they would come in and sit at the dining table if they had the chance (very bold!) :D

[Eeyore]

I think it's fussy birds! :D

Ours love the fat balls, hate the seed ;) The robin and pigeobs love the nuts (and Star the greyhound does too! :hihi: ) We find it goes in stages, sometimes we top the nuts up all the time, sometimes it's the fat balls, when we first put fat with seeds out it went down well, now it's barely touched. The birds sometimes eat bread, sometimes it's untouched (except by greedy greyhounds :rolleyes: )

I wouldn't worry Mazza. Have you maybe contacted the RSPB via their website? i've asked them things before and they've been very helpful :thumbs:

[Eeyore]

Blimey, I'd never have thought birds like cheese and potatoes :blink: Isn't wildlife amazing? :D

[mazza]

Ah well, I think it might be right that they are probably well fed and stuffed with food...lots of people feed the birds round here :) .

I also think there's some truth in the idea that they are too lazy to peck for crumbs of the nuts if they can just hop off to the next garden with a bird table and grab a fat seed or nut with little effort :lol: .

It seems so weird though. We had all manner of birds before...coal tits, great tits, chaffinches, siskin, greenfinches and there's hardly anything now - mainly robins & blue tits. (Blackbirds and starlings too.)
Oh well :( .

I'll take a look at the links and see if I can tempt them with something different. Perhpas some posh, upmarket seeds will reel 'em back in! :rolleyes: .

I tried fat balls and they were ignored too :sad: In the end I think the wind blew them down and the collared doves had a feast on them! :hihi: .