Author: pawprints

Why Use a Window Birdfeeder?

What is the purpose of a window birdfeeder?  Well, they are a perfect way to enjoy birds up close!  This is great for small children (of course, they need to learn not to bang on the window), the elderly who can’t get out to  watch the birds in the yard and of course, anyone in the household that  just wants to enjoy the beauty of the birds from inside the home.  Did you know that window feeders are a great way to keep birds from colliding into the windows. The birds will see the feeder and slow down to land on it.

 Window birdfeeders are  lightweight stick to windows with suction cups that are attached to the feeder. A favorite of  mine is the  Aspects Window Cafe. It is completely clear so you can see the seed level easily and has a  clear roof to that serves to  protect the birds and the seeds from the rain.  There is a clear removable seed reservoir tray for the birds to feast on the seeds.   All Aspects Window Feeders feature patented easily removable seed trays for easy filling and cleaning.  The 3/4 quart capacity means less time between filling the feeder.

The Aspects Window Cafe is made of quality construction. It is constructed entirely of virtually unbreakable UV stabilized polycarbonate. In addition, the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty.

In addition to the Aspects Window Cafe, there are many other window bird feeders to chose.  A window bird feeder is the perfect feeder for anyone who wants to get close to the birds in their yard, while in the comfort of your home.

 

Attracting the Busy Hummingbird to Your Yard

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

The hummingbird may be the busiest bird around.  Who doesn’t like to see the little hummingbirds flit between the  nectar of the flowers, eating  bugs and insects and  sipping from humming bird feeders the nectar syrup.

Hummingbirds can fly in every direction, left, right, up, down, backwards, and yes even upside down. The average hummingbird flaps it wings about 50 or so times a second.; and this why
all you can see a blur, not the flapping wings. Their feet are very tiny and can be used to perch with, but not hop around on.

Hummingbirds have a high body temperature, high heart rate and high breathing rate. Because of this they have a high metabolism- higher than any other animal. In order to maintain the high
metabolism and energy needed to fly about, they will consume anywhere 2 to 3 times their body weight in food each day.

There are so many hummingbird feeders available from the traditional saucer style to the bottle style like the
Glass HummingBird Feeder Pinch-Waist – 16 oz shown in the picture, to the unique style hummingbird feeders.

 

The Glass HummingBird Feeder Pinch-Waist – 16 oz by Perky-Pet features a base with 4 individual feeding ports surrounded by a yellow flower shape., a full-circle perch and holds 16 ounces of nectar.This  popular pinch waist model nectar feeder  has long
been a customer’s favorite.  The perches can be removed if desired, to exclude other birds from using
the feeder as the hummingbird will gladly feed without perching . The glass reservoir’s clear color allows you to monitor the nectar levels.
The feeders is easy to clean and refill.  Simply unscrew the bottle from the plastic base to clean and refill.  Included is a hanger to hand the feeder on a  branch or hook.  Made in the USA.

For best results use Perky Pet Clear Instant Hummingbird Nectar.  You can make your own, but a premade is so much easier to use and store.

For homemade hummingbird food use 1 part white granulated table sugar and 4 parts of regular tap water. Stir the sugar into tap water as you bring the mixture to boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Do not boil longer or the water will evaporate giving you a higher sugar concentration which will attract many insects. Totally cool the hummingbird food. Once cooled you can add what you need to your feeder. Youcan store any leftovers for up to 7 days in the refrigerator to use later. After 7 days discard.

NEVER use honey, fruit, brown sugar, Jell-O or red food coloring in your feeder.   Honey ferments rapidly and can kill hummingbirds. Red dye is not necessary to color the water to attract birds to the  feeder. There are reports of red dye being harmful to hummingbirds.

Spring Fever – Welcome Back the Birds

It is time to think about spring!   Warmer temperatures, snow melted, buds on tree, crocus blooming and your backyard birds returning.  Now is the time to purchase new feeders and plan out where you will hang or mount them.

The Homestead Triple Bin Party Birdfeeder is an all time favorite. It is considered a gazebo type feeder, but has the special feature of haveing 3 separate seed bins.

The 3 separate bins on one feeder   means you can feed a variety of birds with just this one feeder.   The  Homestead Triple Bin Party Birdfeeder is made of  heavy duty galvanized steel with an automotive quality powder coated finish.  The bins are clear acrylic and make it easy to see the level of seed available. The bins do not absorb bacteria or mold. There are 6 steel perches to allow for big bird parties.   The roof easily lifts off allowing easy filling and cleaning.      The feeder will hold up to 11 1/2 pounds of food so you won’t be refilling all the time.   3-in-1 Mounting: can be hung with included hanger, pole mounted up to 1 1/4 pole (mounting clip included) or wooden post mount (hardware included).  Feeder comes fully assemble and is MADE IN THE USA!

Homestead Triple Bin Party Birdfeeder is the perfect feeder to attract a variety of birds.  The  variety of seed will attract a variety of birds and the feeder is large enough that different birds can hang around and feed without be disturbed by the others. 

Place your feeder in a spot that birds feel safe, but also in a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the birds visiting it.  Remember to have a source of water for your birds. Water is just as important as the feeders are in attracting birds to your yard.

Happy Spring!

 

Easy Way to Feed Wild Birds

What is an easy way to feed wild birds?  There are so many types of bird feeders available from the basic to the ornate.

If you are just starting to feed wild birds, you may want to start with  seed wreaths.  The seed wreaths are instant bird feeders and very convenient. They take  the hassle out of buying seeds and refilling feeders. Simply hang in your yard and watch the birds feed.  There are many types of seed wreaths in different shapes and with different seeds to attract a certain type of bird.  The Bird Lovers Blend Garden Chic Instant Feeder are available for Songbirds, Finches and Squirrels. 

Seed wreaths are available in many different shapes like a Sun Face Wild Bird Wreath or the ever popular  Seed Bell for Wild Birds.

 Some easy tips for starting to feed wild birds.

1. Try a variety of seed wreaths to see what birds are attracted.

2.  Place your bird feeders in an area that you can enjoy seeing the birds you are feeding.

3.  Offer a source of water for drinking and bathing.  All birds need water and are attracted to water.

4.  Keep feeders at least 3 feet from windows to avoid window collisions.  Remove anything that cats can hide in to avoid cats hunting the birds.

Seed wreaths make great gifts for bird lovers, too.

How to Attract Finches

There are quite a variety of finch species. From the American Gold Finch, also known as the wild canary because of it bright canary yellow color and canary song to the Purple Finch that looks like it has been dipped in raspberry juice to the Lesser Finch that is only  3 ¾ to 4 ¼ in length.  These birds are distict from other because of their cone shaped beak and undulating flight.  Finches are cling and peck feeders.  This means the feeder should not have perch, but should have something like mesh for the Finch to “click” to.

Nyjer Mesh Finch Feeder
Many different styles of Finch Feeders are availble.  Finches are attracted to nyjer or thistle.  The Nyjer Mesh Finch Feederin the picture is a perfect Finch feeder.  The fine 1/10 inch wire mesh cylinder is perfect for small clinging finches. The feeer is available in 2 sizes – Small: 9 ¾ inches high x 3 inch diameter with a ¾ quart capacity or Medium:  13 ¼ inches high x 3 inch diameter with a 1 quart capacity. This feeder can be hung from a tree or hook using the included 5″ wire loop hanger or
can also be pole mounted on any pole with a standard ¾” threaded adaptor.  The Nyjer Mesh Finch Feeder has a lifetime guarantee and is made in the USA.
You can also expand your garden to attrach even more Finches.   Several varieties of coneflowers and black-eyed Susan plants will attract Finches.  Also, large sunflowers will do the trick.
And don’t forget to have plenty of water available.  Not just for the finches, but all wild birds you are trying to attract.  The water can be in the form of a bird bath.  Be sure to keep this water full and clean.
Follow the information above and finches should be flocking to your yard.

 

 

 

Squirrels – Friends or Foes?

There are many fun things about squirrels. Squirrels are entertaining while trying to get food or playing with each other, especially a good game of tag. Squirrels are very important ecologically. Since squirrels bury nuts and seeds in preparation for winter, and will not eat even close to the amount buried, you can thank squirrels for the many plants and trees that  sprout each spring.

It is important to know that squirrels have a great sense of smell, which is why they can easily find the food put out for birds.  Squirrels also like to hoard food which is why you often see them running away with food in their mouths as they run back to their nests.  Squirrels teeth are always growing and they must chew  to keep their teeth from growing too long.

The best way to keep your squirrels as friends and not be mad at them for stealing birds’ food is to set up a squirrel feeder. Squirrels are very territorial animals. Squirrels will mark their feeder area as their own and in doing so will leave the bird feeders alone.  It is important to set up the squirrel feeder(s)  at least 15 feet away from the birdfeeder(s) and away from your house.

There are many types of squirrel feeders availabe.  Some holders are for corn cobs, some for nuts and others for wild life seed.  The Audubon Squirrel Munch Box Feeder in the picture can be filled with sunflower seed, corn, peanuts in the shell  or squirrel or wildlife mix.  For the entertainment of both the squirrels and humans, the squirrels will lift the hinged  lid and grab the food inside. There is a plastic front so you can see how much seed is available.  The wood lid protects the seed from the weather and the little front porch area gives the squirrel a place to sit.  There are two pre-drilled holes for easy mounting on a post, tree or deck.

Keeping a filled squirrel feeder in your yard will entertain the squirrels and you, while keeping the squirrels out of the birdfeeders.  Now, that is what I call a happy yard.

 

Heated Pet Beds For The Winter Months!

Dogs require special care in the winter months.  Dogs should not be left outdoors for any length of time when temperatures fall below 40 degrees.  Dogs should not be left in a vehicle during the cold winter months.  A car in the winter is like a refrigerator, holding in the cold and possibly causing the dog to freeze to death.  Generally, you should keep pets indoors at all time, only letting them outside for bathroom breaks and short walks.

Why not treat your pet and get her a heated bed for these cold winter months?  With the increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite, it is more important than ever to provide your pet with a comfy warm bed during the winter months.

A great bed for dogs is the Thermo Snuggly Pet Sleeper,  pictured at the right.  This bed comes in two great colors, sage/cream or mocha/cream, and is available in medium or large size,  so you can chose the perfect bed for your special pet!  It is energy efficient as it only heats up when your dog is in the bed by sensing her body weight.  The bed is is also easily washable –  you can easily unzip the cover and throw it into the washing machine on the delicate cycle.

Not only are there heated beds for dogs, but there are many designed specifically for cats, such as the Thermo Kitty Cuddle Up.  Indoor/outdoor cats will especially love to come home to a comfy heated bed.  Even the indoor cats who do not dare set foot outside in the winter months will still benefit from a heated bed.

Be sure to pamper your pets this winter with a heated bed!

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Warm During Winter Walks!

It’s been a long winter!  Has the snowy weather preventing you from walking your dog as much as she would like?  Dogs that spend less time outide during the winter may become lethargic – or, in some cases, hyperactive.

No need to skimp on winter walks when you can get your dog pet boots!  The boots will prevent your dog’s paws from getting frostbit.  Dog’s paws are most susceptible to frostbite because of the constant contact with the snow.  You may notice if your dog’s paws become frostbitten if their pads change form its normal color to pale or gray.  Their paws will be cold and hard to the touch.  If you suspect frostbite, take your dog quickly to a warm location and soak the affected area in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes.  Always contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

Not only do pet boots keep your dog’s feet warm, but it also protects their paws from the harsh salts.  The salts used to melt ice and snow can get stuck in dog’s pads and cause irritation.

There are many varieties of pet boots available.  My dog’s favorite boots are Extreme All-Weather Dog Boots, pictured at right.  These boots are durable and waterproof, perfect for keeping my dog’s paws warm and dry.  There is also a suede-leather sole that helps with traction.  The Velcro strap ensures the boot will not fall off.  This boot comes in many sizes, from XXXS to XL – perfect for any size dog!

With these boots your pet can look forward to many walks this winter, giving you and your pet the exercise you need!

Great Gift Idea – Bejeweled Bird Feeder

 

Have you seen the colorful bejeweled feeders?  The are available in a fun fruit-shapes and all complete with decorative leaves and a stem on the top! The Bejeweled Bird Feeds are full function feeders.   Unique and useful!They are a perfect gift for the bird lover or  even for yourself. 

 The shiny jewels sparkles in the sun.  Inside each fruit shape is a plastic tube that hold any mix or seed.  Each feeder has four feeding ports with perches.  Your birds will have plenty of room to feed.  The Apple Bejeweled Bird Feeder, shown at the right, is 10 x 14 inches tall and holds 1 1/2 pounds of seed.

Also available is the Pear Bejeweled Bird Feeder.  Gorgeous green jewels and decorative leaves and a stem on the top.  The Pear Bejeweled Bird Feeder is 10 x 14 inches tall and holds 1 1/2 pounds of seed and has four feeding ports with perches.

My favorite is the Orange Bejeweled Bird Feeder.  Of course, the Orange Bejeweled Bird Feeder has orange jewels, with decorative leaves and a stem on the top.  This feeder is 10 x 14 inches tall and holds 1 1/2 pounds of seed and has four feeding ports with perches.

Now that I think about it…. all 3 Bejeweled Bird Feeders would look great in my yard.

First Time Bird Owner

Did you know that birds are very interactive pets.   You may even find yours to be affectionate, if you put in some effort.    A great bird to start with is a cockatiel.  A cockatiel is easy to care for, but will need socialization.  The means your bird will need your attention and would also benefit from a feathered friend to share his cage. 

Basic requirements 
1.  a clean cage
2.  a healthy diet 
3.  activity and attention
4.  exercise  

There are many starter bird cage sets available that will contain all the accessories necessary for a happy bird. 

The Advantage Starter Kit for Medium Birds shown above includes everything, except the bird and food. Included are seed & water cups, treat cup, calcium block, comfort perches, wood ladder, spinning play links, rings, swing, mirror with beads, rope toy.

Your bird should be feed a good-quality  cockatiel seed mix.  A seed diet should be supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis to prevent your bird from becoming overweight.

Cockatiels like to be played with, petted and talked to. It is important to keep toys in the cage because they can become bored and even depressed if they have nothing to do.

Your cockatiel should be let out of his cage everyday for at least an hour. You bird should be allowed to walk around, sit on your shoulder or even fly around.

The average life span of a cockatiel is over 10 years and up to 20 years.  Take good care of your pet and  he can live a long healthy life.