Re: Wild Bird food

Now we've moved we're no longer plagued by them although I did see a tern flying above the field at the bottom of our garden.

I haven't had a chance to buy any feeders, etc yet but I do intend to sometime in the near future. I did notice we have inherited 3 or 4 bird boxes that are attached to the fence at the bottom of the garden though. I suppose they'll need "mucking" out before next Spring's bonking season starts.

Re: Wild Bird food

I have two hanging feeders for the birds, haven't seen any rats just a small squirrel who comes every day and sniffs the trees at the bottom of the garden.

Re: Wild Bird food

I do have rats at times .
But I haven’t seen them lately so I expect the neighbours have killed them or they have enough food with my other neighbours sheep and hens .
I do have two humane traps which if they get too obvious I catch them and let them loose elsewhere not near my house . Usually near a farm yard where they can at least find some shelter .
They have to take their chances .

Re: Wild Bird food

I haven't seen any rats (touch wood), since my neighbour got rid of his hens.
I have 2 bird tables, plus a hanging feeder.
I use a decent seed mix - like Muddy said, without too much wheat, then i usually add a
few extras treats like suet, currants or some unsalted chopped nuts.

I never use fat balls because I don't want the dogs picking up the fat particles that drop off. I remember the vet warning me about that when my oldest one was ill recently.

Re: Wild Bird food

I am at present watching the antics of a ( large ) rat on a little bird table set in a hedge.
Every time a bird alights on it the rat quickly climbs the hedges and see it off ..
Will move it elsewhere today but they are marvellous climbers so will hand it from somewhere .
Time to get the ( humane ) rat trap out .

Re: Wild Bird food

I would move it well away from the hedge Muddy.
As you say, Ratty will be jumping on to the table from the hedge.
Also, cats and other predators can hide in the hedge so I would put the table out in the open where the birds can see all around them.

Re: Wild Bird food

I put out seeds occasionally but I mostly only get Rainbow Lorikeets, they make a mess then eat the seeds off the patio concrete.

Re: Wild Bird food

My Son has a rifle & it's legal, but even he would never shoot rats, he had tame ratties as a teenager & they were really cute & very tame. I don't hate rats, I'd just rather not have them in my garden.