Tips for Introducing New Feeders to Your Yard

One of the most exciting things for any backyard birder is purchasing a new feeder for the birds in your backyard to enjoy. For me, the anticipation of waiting for that first bird to test out the new attraction makes me feel like a kid at Christmas! Sometimes new feeders are used by birds right away, but other times you may not see a bird at it for days or even weeks. It can feel like the chosen feeder that you were so excited about was actually a waste of money. If you have a new feeder that isn't being used by your backyard birds, try out these helpful tips to make them feel more comfortable with the new addition to the buffet. 

Hairy Woodpecker feeding from Squirrel Buster Suet

Placement is key

When introducing a new feeder to a yard with feeders already present, hang the new feeder close to the most popular feeder(s). The birds still may not use it immediately, but it will help them get used to seeing and being around the new feeder. Eventually, they should feel comfortable enough with the new object in their space that they will try it out. Also keep in mind that before heading to their feeding areas, birds like to perch nearby to scan the area for any possible threats that may be lurking. They also need these safe zones to retreat to when inclement weather hits, or when predators enter the area so they can make a quick getaway and hide out until the coast is clear. Be sure to take this into consideration when choosing the right spot for your feeders or feeding stations. A perching area can be in the form of trees or shrubs, fences, or brush piles, anything they can safely sit on when they need to. You should also consider keeping your feeders out of areas where foot traffic may be high, or where pets roam, to try to minimize disturbance in the feeding area. Click here to learn more about achieving the best feeder placement in your yard. 

Offer a familiar food

Offering a familiar or favourite food in a new feeder can entice the birds to use it more quickly. Whether it be a No-Mess Blend, SuperSuet, or simply black oil sunflower seed, use whichever food you find the birds in your yard are most attracted to. If you are offering seed in the new feeder, don't fill it right up. Instead, offer just a few cups at a time until the birds are using it consistently. This will help cut down on waste and save money. 

Hot tip: Keep the food you're offering fresh and the feeder clean even if you haven't noticed any activity at it. Stale food and dirty feeders are a major turn off for the birds and will drive them to visit elsewhere for their meals.

Baltimore Orioles feeding from Spiral Treat Tray with Feeder Cage

Remove other feeders

Sometimes the best way to encourage birds to use a new feeder is to remove any existing ones. There may be a period of time where you lose your bird activity entirely, but typically within a few days they will start visiting the new feeder. This is particularly effective during fall and winter when they are in need of a consistent food source for caching and to keep up their fat stores. 

Be patient

The most important thing we need to remember when it comes to wild bird feeding is just that... they are wild! Sometimes birds will come and go with no rhyme nor reason, despite our best efforts to attract them. Not knowing what to expect from one day to the next is what makes our hobby so exciting! Keep our tips in mind, patience in hand, and you will start to see birds at your new feeders in no time.

Happy trails!

- Shayna