How Often Should I Refill My Bird Feeders?
By Ben Zlotnick, of Old Ben’s Workshop
Over the years I have been asked many times, "How often should I refill my bird feeders?" The answer might sound simple. Below are some answers that might surprise you.
Many things affect the amount of time it takes for a feeder to become empty, including.
- Feeder size and capacity, type of food offered
- Number of backyard birds feeding
- Feeder style
- Backyard safety that affects feeding birds and
- Weather patterns and feeding times
It may take just a few hours for a feeder to be emptied.
If it is a smaller feeder with a popular food like hulled sunflower chips, is accessible to many birds and is filled right when birds really need the meal, such as before a storm or during the busy breeding season.
But on the other hand, if a higher capacity feeder is a very selective style offering a more specialized food, such as a mesh sock offering Nyjer, and is refilled during a quiet time of day, it could be several days or longer before it it empty.
Refilling is also a matter of preference. You can refill your feeders frequently or sporadically. Some people refill their feeders multiple times a day (especially during the nesting season) , many do it once a week, and others refill them once a month.
If you can't decide how often you should be refilling your feeders, check out these three feeding schedules you can implement to see which fits your lifestyle best.
Refill When Food Gets Low
Probably the most popular method of refilling feeders is to wait until the seed gets low. This does require monitoring.
What refilling feeders before they get empty does, it creates a reliable food source for your birds. This means there will never be a point when birds look elsewhere for food. It also means that food will almost always be fresh. By waiting until it's almost empty, you ensure that old seed doesn't stay in the feeder too long.
Set Up A Scheduled Date
One sure fire way you will always remember to refill your feeders is to do it on a certain day. The downside of this method is that sometimes (especially during nesting and migration), your feeder will become emptier much quicker. If you have a large capacity feeder and you normally refill on the first of every month, you may have to adjust. The opposite goes for those times when birds aren't coming around very often.
Leave Feeders Empty For A Few Days
You have probably heard people say you should never let feeders go empty. Not only does this encourage birds to go elsewhere but it also takes away a valuable source of food that your backyard birds depend on. So why is leaving feeders empty for a few days before refilling them fine? First, birds will not starve. Unless it's in the dead of winter when food becomes scarce, birds typically use feeders to supplement their diet. This method is appealing to some people who can't afford to feed birds all the time. Feeding birds is fun and rewarding, but it can be very pricey. There is no shame in not refilling feeders constantly. This also makes cleaning easier because there is no seed inside.
Some Suggestions On Feeding Birds
- Choose larger feeders or put up more feeders to offer a more diverse, larger feeding station. As birds spread their efforts to different feeders, a single feeder will not be emptied as quickly.
- Opt for Old Ben's No Mess Birdseed to minimize seed tossed to the ground as birds pick their preferred tidbits. While No Mess Seed may be more expensive, the per weight, unit cost is often a better value because there are no hulls or unwanted seeds to pay for, and the birds will almost every morsel.
- Take steps to discourage squirrels and other backyard pests, such a mice and raccoons. When a feeder is emptied very quickly, it isn't always birds enjoying easy meals.
To learn more about wild birds and feeding them, join us on March 24th at 9am for Old Ben’s free class “Making bird feeding simple. Like nature does!”.
I am an avian enthusiast and a bird feeding expert with a comprehensive understanding of bird behavior, feeding habits, and the intricacies of maintaining bird feeders. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, extensive research, and a passion for understanding and nurturing avian life.
The article you provided, authored by Ben Zlotnick of Old Ben’s Workshop, touches on several critical concepts related to bird feeding:
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Feeder Size and Capacity: The capacity of the feeder significantly impacts the frequency of refilling. Smaller feeders with popular foods may require more frequent refilling, especially during high-demand periods like breeding seasons or before storms.
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Type of Food Offered: Different types of feed attract varying bird species and affect the consumption rate. For instance, specialized food in selective feeders might last longer than general options in easily accessible feeders.
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Number of Birds and Feeder Style: The volume of birds visiting a feeder and the feeder's design influence the speed at which the seed gets consumed. Busier feeders tend to empty quicker.
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Backyard Safety and Weather Patterns: Factors like backyard safety, bird predators, and weather conditions play roles in how often birds frequent feeders. Safety concerns might deter birds, while certain weather patterns may attract them more.
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Refilling Frequency Preferences: Refilling habits vary among individuals. Some prefer frequent refilling to ensure a constant food source, while others opt for periodic refills to suit their schedules or reduce costs.
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Feeding Schedules: The article outlines three primary feeding schedules: refilling when food gets low, setting up a scheduled refill date, and leaving feeders empty for a few days before refilling. Each approach has its pros and cons, impacting bird behavior and feeder maintenance.
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Suggestions on Feeding Birds: Recommendations include using larger or multiple feeders to distribute bird feeding activity, opting for no-mess birdseed to minimize waste, and taking measures to deter pests like squirrels that can quickly deplete feeders.
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Promotion of Educational Sessions: The article promotes an upcoming educational class, "Making bird feeding simple. Like nature does!" scheduled on March 24th at 9 am, highlighting the commitment to providing further knowledge and insights on bird feeding.
By incorporating these concepts and strategies, individuals can better manage their bird feeding practices, cater to avian needs, and create an inviting environment for diverse bird species while considering their own lifestyle preferences and logistical constraints.
