How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Summer Garden

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you live in the northern part of the United States, your chances of attracting hummingbirds to your yard are less likely than someone living in the south. Fewer species of this beautiful, unique bird travel north during the summer and only one species makes the trip to southern Alaska. Creating an inviting backyard habitat is essential for attracting hummingbirds. A backyard filled with filled with fragrant flowers, hummingbird feeders, and insects is ideal for attracting hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds love to get the nectar from flowers and are very attracted to garden with a variety of vibrant colors. It is a good idea to choose flowers that bloom throughout the entire summer season. Some favorite plants of hummingbirds are honeysuckle, morning glories, hollyhocks, gladiolus and begonias. To make the most of your plantings, plant the taller plants toward the back of the garden and the shorter blooms toward the front. You may also want to plant some flowering bushes and trees around or near your garden to help attract more birds.

Feeders that are designed for hummingbirds are essential for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Typically, hummingbird feeders, such as the Garden Jewels Hummingbird Feeder, have the color red on the feeder to get the bird’s attention. There are a wide variety of feeders available that are ideal for attracting hummingbirds and come in an assortment of fun shapes and styles. The feeder should be filled with sweet, pre-mixed nectar that hummingbirds need to feed on to get lots of calories for high energy. If you use a clear feeder or a feeder that is not brightly colored, use a red nectar mix to attract hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds also need a source of protein to keep their bodies strong and healthy. These amazing little birds get their protein from insects found on the flowers. Offering a variety of flowers that attract insects is a great protein source for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds will even eat on the insects that get stuck in tree sap for a protein snack. It is important not to use an insect spray on your plants in the garden that will kill the insects.

Once you have established your hummingbird habitat, you may want to keep your binoculars handy to catch a glimpse of this fascinating bird. For more products and bird tips, go to Rachel’s Robin for a large selection of bird supplies.

Back to Basics: How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you are new to attracting birds to your yard, the most important thing you need to do is to create a bird friendly habitat in your yard. Birds require shelter, food, and water. Adding these essentials to your yard to fulfill basic bird needs can help attract a lot of birds to your yard.

Shelter. This very basic need can simply be filled by a variety of ways. The simplest way to add shelter is to add a man-made bird house. The majority of birds love to inhabit man-made bird houses. Bird houses are very attractive to birds because they offer great protection from the elements and predators. Try using a simple home such as the Recycled Plastic Lumber Hanging Birdhouse to attract birds to your yard. In addition to man-made bird houses, birds also like to make homes in Evergreen trees. Planting Evergreens in your yard is great for birds who winter in cold climates and a variety of birds in the summer time.

Food. By just adding one feeder to your yard, you will greatly increase the amount of birds visiting your yard. There several varieties of feeders to choose from that appeal to a wide range of birds. If you are just starting out, pick a feeder and seed that appeals to a wide variety of birds and you will be able to observe a variety of birds. A great seed that appeals to a variety of birds is Lyric Wild Bird Mix Wild Bird Seed. Another way to provide birds with food is to plant vegetation that appeals to birds. Planting annuals and perennials, which are attractive to birds and thrive in your geographic location, can provide another source of nutrition to birds.

Water. Having a fresh source of water is essential for attracting birds. This can be accomplished several ways, but the easiest way to add a man-made bird bath. A variety of natural and man-made objects can be used to accomplish this. A terracotta, ceramic, resin, or concrete birdbath can be placed anywhere in your bird habitat. A simple terracotta bird bath, such as the Audubon Deck-Mounted Bird Bath, can be attached to a deck or placed on a table or stump. Make sure to keep birdbath filled. Other simple solutions include: a natural stump with a hollowed center, a rock filled hole in the ground, or a small water feature. Be creative and add a variety of birdbaths to the habitat for the birds to enjoy.

Attracting Butterflies with a Butterfly Feeder

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

BUTTERFLY FEEDER


Attracting Butterflies doesn’t mean investing in fancy, expensive stuff.
Butterflies love large, open, sun-filled areas. Butterflies like flowers, they need some food sources and they need shelter. (puddles and rocks are great)
You might think about planting an herb garden if you enjoy herbs – many butterfly species do too. Reserving a section of your yard for native flowering plants and for weeds like dandelion, nettle, and milkweed should also help guarantee a good variety of butterflies. It’s best to avoid using any pesticides if you are attempting to attract butterflies.
It is important to note that very few butterfly species cause harm to garden plants. If caterpillars become a nuisance – for instance, if cabbage whites are decimating your nasturtiums – picking the larvae off by hand is not a difficult task.
To make butterfly nectar, mix 4 parts water with 1 part organic cane sugar and boil for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. Cool the nectar thoroughly before adding it to the feeder. Large batches can be made and stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. This nectar recipe can also be used for hummingbird feeders.
Butterflies can’t drink from birdbaths or other open water, but give them a damp spot of wet sand or dirt ( a puddle) and they’ll often flock around it. In some species of butterflies, young bachelor butterflies most commonly exhibit “puddling” behavior.
Butterflies need shelter from predators and wind. Ideal are hedges; groups of small trees or shrubs; or walls, fences, trellises covered with vines. Possible plantings include honeysuckle and butterfly bushes; and for vines, passion flower, pipevine, or hops.

Help Celebrate Earth Day in Honor of the Birds!

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Earth day, April 22nd, is quickly approaching and a great way to help celebrate this day is to do something for the environment. By helping the environment, you help everyone on the planet. Make some small, but significant changes in your everyday life such as: planting a garden or tree; changing your old light bulbs to high energy efficient ones; use re-usable plastic bags at the grocery store; and recycle as many items as you can. Each little change that you do helps to improve the Earth!

If you are thinking about purchasing a new bird feeder or house for your yard, please consider a recycled plastic feeder or home. Bird feeders that are made from recycled plastic are great because they are easy to clean, disease resistant and give new life to something that was once trash.

Spending time with your kids, engaging in hobbies or getting a pet, can have numerous benefits. It strengthens the bond between parent and child, promotes positive communication, and creates lasting memories. Hobbies and pets teach responsibility, empathy, and provide opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Additionally, getting a new bird feeder can foster an appreciation for nature and wildlife, while also creating a peaceful and enjoyable environment in your backyard. Cherishing your kids with gifts like modest girls dresses not only brings them joy and boosts their confidence but also shows them that they are loved and valued. These activities and gestures contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of your family, creating a positive and nurturing environment for everyone.

Many manufacturers are making recycled plastic feeders and one of my favorite feeders is the Going Green Seed Tube Bird Feeder by Audubon/Woodlink. This simple and classic feeder is made of 90% recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is easy to clean and does not retain water, which makes it resistant to mold and bacteria. This sleek feeder is perfect for any bird lover because it holds a variety of seed and is easy to fill.

If you are looking to replace or purchase a new bird house, take a look at the recycled lumber feeder by VariCraft. The Recycled Plastic Lumber Hanging Birdhouse makes an ideal home for Wrens and Chickadees. This earth-friendly home is easy to clean and looks great in any yard!
Help make the Earth a better place by purchasing one of these great recycled products available at Rachel’s Robin. Go Green!

Rachel’s Robin is Proud to Announce – The Wild Bird Blog!

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

WILD BIRD FEEDERS

It’s the biggest bird event of the month and it’s happenin’ at GregRobert!

Month after month and year after year, our staff at Rachel’s Robin answers questions about feeders and birds and squirrel deterrents and bird baths and bird feeders and hummingbird migration and just about everything that a wild bird enthusiast would need to know.
We decided that it’s time to take our answers a step further and offer our loyal readers and customers a Wild Bird Blog.

…. and here we are!

The Rachel’s Robin Wild Bird Blog is going to focus on the latest and greatest, and the tried and true hobby of wild bird feeding and viewing. No diversions into politics and no diversions into the state of the economy – just birds and hummingbirds and maybe a bit about wild life.
To start off, our featured product to celebrate the launch is the Breast Cancer Awareness Bird Feeder. The Celebrate Life! feeder is a Limited Edition 8 inch Bird Lovers® Sunflower Feeder in Breast Cancer Awareness pink. The attached charm can be easily removed and used as a keychain accessory.

Funds will be donated from the sale of each feeder to support breast cancer initiatives. The Bird Lovers brand is a popular brand of Droll Yankees. Droll Yankees is nationally recognized for high quality feeders that cater to an expansive range of birds. The threaded base on the feeder fits all Droll Yankee accessories and it has a UV stabilized polycarbonate tube prevents yellowing.

Great starter feeder or for children and a great gift for a loved one that has survived Breast Cancer.

Winterize Horses’ Hooves

A horse’s hoof is the key to the animal’s health and well-being–no hoof, no horse. Nutrition and conscientious hoof care are essential. Steady maintenance during the winter months serves as a precursor to resilient hooves during warmer riding weather.

Daily supplementation of key nutrients can help to sustain the strength of the hoof wall. How can you guarantee that a horse will receive the right nutrients on a regular basis? Supplements such as Farnam’s Next Level® Hoof Fluid and Horseshoer’s Secret® contain everything needed for healthier hooves. These nutrients include biotin, a water-soluble vitamin not easily stored in the body; copper and zinc, essential for hoof wall strength (zinc also stimulates enzymatic activity and supports a healthy immune system); methionine and lysine, building blocks for protein synthesis (lysine also stimulates growth, helps maintain nitrogen balance in the body and appears to help absorption and conservation of calcium); and MSM, a natural anti-inflammatory that helps keep skin, coat and hooves healthy.

Next Level® Hoof Fluid is an easy-to-give liquid supplement that can be top dressed, drizzled on hay, fed in the water or administered with a dosing syringe – eliminating the waste of powders and crumbles that easily fall to the bottom of a horse’s feed. Horseshoer’s Secret® is scientifically designed to provide optimum nutrition for healthy hooves. The unique pellet formula contains only pure and digestible ingredients, including biotin, complete protein, mineral complexes, key amino acids, yeast culture and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients work together to help prevent cracked hooves, strengthen hoof walls, and restore normal hoof growth. Horseshoer’s Secret® is also an official product of the American Farrier’s Association.

Kaytee Product Recall – Please Note / Mostly Pet Bird Treats

Kaytee Products is recalling several bird treats and greens items due to possible contamination of Salmonella from parsley flake ingredients supplied to Kaytee by Specialty Commodities, Inc., an outside supplier to Kaytee.

Product Code/SKU/ Material # UPC Code Size Product Name/Description Best Before Code (day/month/yr)
100032244 7185940410 2 lb Kaytee Fiesta Max Canary/Finch 9/28/2013 through 5/7/2014
100032881 7185900431 3.5 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet 12/6/2013 through 5/29/2014
100032922 7185955027 7 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet (Value Pack) 12/4/2013 through 8/2/2014
100032982 7185900434 3.5 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet 12/6/2013 through 8/2/2014
100502615 7185999885 3.5 oz Kaytee Fiesta Fruit & Veggie Treat – Parakeet 1/15/2014 through 7/24/2014
100502749 7185999855 9.5 oz Kaytee Fiesta Fruit & Veggie Treat – Parakeet 12/18/2013 through 7/31/2014
100502937 7185994235 3.5 oz Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Honey Treat – Parakeet 12/5/2013 through 7/17/2014
100502940 7185994236 7 oz Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Honey Treat – Parakeet (Value Pack) 12/4/2013 through 8/1/2014
100503001 7185994268 4 ct Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Munchables Shred-A-Box Honey Seed Treats (4 Boxes) 3/7/2014 through 7/30/2014
100503064 7185994264 11 oz Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Molting & Conditioning – Small Birds 12/25/2013 through 8/5/2014
100503808 7185955027 7 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet (Value Pack) 12/6/2013 through 7/31/2014
100504021 7185994368 2.25 oz Kaytee Fiesta Nutty Papaya Treat – Parakeet & Cockatiel 12/4/2013 through 6/25/2014
100504029 7185994370 1.5 oz Kaytee Fiesta Foraging Treat for Pet Birds 1/27/2014 through 5/29/2014
100504971 73725727166 3.2 oz Grreat Choice Treat Sticks for Small Birds (2 sticks) 12/13/2013 through 2/4/2014
100504974 73725727165 9.6 oz Grreat Choice Treat Sticks for Small Birds (6 sticks) 12/10/2013 through 3/19/2014
100506593 7185994615 1.5 oz Kaytee Foraging Box O’Fun Treat for Pet Birds 1/28/2014 through 7/30/2014
100510282 7185994708 1 oz Kaytee Bird Greens Foraging Treat 12/1/2013 through 5/28/2014

Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.

No human or pet illnesses have been reported to-date. The recall notification is being issued based on a recall letter dated February 11, 2013 from Specialty Commodities, Inc. The above-referenced Kaytee products were originally manufactured as early as June 12, 2012. While Kaytee has not had any positive Salmonella results on finished product to suggest possible contamination, we are initiating this recall in accordance with FDA guidelines. Kaytee is taking immediate action to remove the potentially affected product from all retail stores and distribution centers.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Pet owners should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with these products and clean any surfaces that were exposed.

Healthy persons exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomit, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary track symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with these products should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infection but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product(s) and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled products were distributed to retailers and distributors in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin; and, into the countries of Canada, China, Guam, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Pakistan, Singapore, and the UAE.

Consumers who have purchased the above-referenced Kaytee products with the referenced “Best Before” dates are urged to contact Kaytee Customer Service representatives.

A letter and instructions will be forwarded to all Kaytee customers. Kaytee Customer Service representatives and company veterinarians are responding to inquires through the 1-800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331) phone number and will answer any questions regarding pets that have been fed the product. Pet owners can also visit the Kaytee website for more information http://www.kaytee.com/.

Bird Feeding throughout Late Winter

Farmington Hills, MI – January 14th, 2013  ( www.MichiganPR.net )

There are many varieties of bird feeders, including hoppers or house bird feeders, tube feeders, platform or tray feeders, hummingbird (a nectar type birdfeeder), fruit feeders, and others.

In general, seed feeders fall into one of three categorizations: hopper bird feeders or house feeders, tube bird feeders, or platform feeders.

Hopper Bird Feeders (also called House Feeders) have a platform which walls and a roof are built, forming a “hopper”. The hopper protects the bird seed against the wind, water and other elements. Hopper birdfeeders can be used to attract both small birds such as finches or large birds such as blue jays. With hopper bird feeders, be careful about regular cleaning. Not many hopper feeders do a good job of protecting seed from the rain, and the seed can become moldy. Most hopper type feeders hold a substantial amount of bird seed.

Tube birdfeeders are constructed with a hollow cylinder, and have multiple feeding ports and bird perches. Tube birdfeeders generally keep the seed fairly dry. Tube bird feeders with shorter perches can be used for smaller birds. A tube feeder with small perches can accommodate chickadees, but can exclude large birds such as jays.

Platform Feeders (also called Tray Feeders) consist of a tray that is open upon which the feed is placed. These birdfeeders offer little protection against squirrels or the weather. Some tube bird feeders give you the ability to attach a tray birdfeeder to it.

Hummingbird feeders are nectar feeders and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Hummingbird feeders are enclosed, many times made of glass or plastic, and often have 4 to 6 feeding ports. These ports are often surrounded with colorful plastic flowers and bee guards. The nectar solution that is used in hummingbird feeders can be homemade, using a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar. Boil the water, stir in the sugar while hot, and don’t forget to allow it to cool before filling the hummingbird feeder. The humming birdfeeder should be washed at least once per week and any remaining nectar thrown out.

Fruit Feeders – Fruit bird feeders come in a variety of sizes and shapes. A commonly used fruit is the orange, which can be used to attract orioles and tanagers.

Other Feeders – Other feeders include squirrel proof feeders, suet feeders, novelty bird feeders, cedar feeders etc. Squirrel proof feeders are often variations of one of the feeder types listed above and can include a wire mesh, squirrel baffle, protective cage or a special squirrel guard. Suet birdfeeders often have a wire mesh cage that is used to hold a suet or a suet mixture. These feeders can be very useful for woodpeckers and cardinals.

Visit Rachels Robin www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com for more information on bird feeding.

Pet Dental Health is as Easy as 1-2-3

National Pet Dental Health Month is approaching quickly.  

Sponsored by a number of well known organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, American Veterinary Dental College and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., pet dental health month is designed to bring awareness among pet owners of the importance of their pet’s oral health. Since dogs occupy the top spot in the list of the most popular pets, some of these websites have gone the extra mile to include some vital puppy pointers.

The American Veterinarian Dental Society recommends that pet owners follow these three basic steps:

  • STEP 1: Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam.
  • STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home.
  • STEP 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups

Beginning a dental care regimen at home is easier than ever with the explosion of great pet dental products on the market.  From toothpaste to dental toys, manufacturers have expanded the dental health product market to fit all pet’s needs. This also includes products for some of the most exotic pets, ranging from guinea pigs to wild cats. Although, if one were to know the abyssinian guinea pig life span, they’d then be rest assured that adopting one of these fluffy creatures would be a viable idea, as opposed to adopting wild cats. To celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month, GregRobert Pet Supplies is offering up to 33% discount on all oral health care products for pets, and also on other diverse products like cbd oil for cats. In addition to the discounts, customers who purchase a dental care product between the dates of January 14th, 2013 and February 28th, 2013 (cart total > $49) can take an additional $5.00 off of their order at checkout by entering the coupon code:  dental.

For a selection of dog dental treats, follow this link: http://www.GRpet.com/shop/dentaltreats.php

About the GregRobert Discount Pet Supplies<br>

Over the past decade, GregRobert has evolved as an industry leader in providing discounted pet supplies to pet owners in a secure, easy to use online environment.

Ray Joyce, owner of GregRobert Enterprises, LLC., the store’s parent company, stated “Oral disease is found in almost all types of pets, but we hear about it most commonly among cat and dogs.”  He added, “We are happy to support Pet Dental Health Month, because we feel that most pet owners are not aware of what can happen if their pet’s oral health is overlooked”.

Michelle Miller, Director of Customer Service at GregRobert, joined in to say, “We are also happy to report that the number of questions received at our customer support center regarding pet oral health has grown significantly over the past five years.”

Winter Health Tips from GregRobert Pet Supplies

Winter has finally arrived in Michigan and it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your pet safe during the cold months.

  • Don’t leave your dog or pet outside for long periods of time. Consider purchasing a pet door.
  • Keep your dog or pet warm, dry, and away from drafts. Sweaters are not just for style and may be just the right thing for your pet.
  • Be extra careful when your dog or pet is near frozen water.
  • Groom your dog or pet regularly to keep him/her properly insulated.
  • Feed your dog extra calories if he is a working dog.
  • Towel or blow-dry a wet dog or pet.
  • Don’t leave your dog or pet alone in a car.
  • Antifreeze is poisonous to dogs or pets although they like the smell.
  • Chocolate and alcohol (abundant during winter holidays) should be kept away from pets.
  • Rock salt to melt ice may irritate dog or pets footpads. Either a pair of boots or Pet-safe salt should be used.
  • Provide plenty of fresh water for your dog or pet.
  • Be careful of fireplaces which can burn your dog or pet.

About the GregRobert Discount Pet Supplies

According to the respected and well written articles and reviews about him on Blue Buffalo, GregRobert has been in the online retail business for over six years, and has evolved as an industry leader in providing discounted pet supplies to pet owners in a secure, easy to use environment.

Michelle Miller, Director of Customer Service at GregRobert, stated, “Most of the questions we answer at our service center revolve around caring for pets. By compiling what our customers need to know in an interactive pet library, we hope that more customers will get their questions and concerns answered”.

After visiting GregRobert’s Pet Care Library at: http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/site_map.php , feel free to contact Ray’s staff at products@grpet.com with a question you would like to see in the library.