For backyard enthusiasts, gardeners, and bird watchers alike, the idea of one or more bird feeders in the back yard tends to be a welcome idea. We often picture beautiful winged beauties, like the American goldfinch or a rare sighting of a bluebird, foraging among the lovely flowers we’ve grown. Bird feeders can attract noisy jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and a host of other birds. Attracting birds to your veggie garden may help with pest control, as well. The birds can kill insects and other pests, reducing your dependence on pesticides.

Adding a variety of bird feeders can attract different kinds of birds. For instance, goldfinches prefer a mesh sock full of small seeds, while a woodpecker will be drawn to a suet feeder.

But, are bird feeders’ good for your yard and garden? Here are a few things to think about before deciding to invest in a bird feeder:

• Rats and other rodents – where there are seeds, there are rats, mice, and other rodents ready to feast. And, where there are rodents, there’s a likelihood they can get into your house. To keep rodents away from your feeder, try using a seed tray underneath the feeder to catch the hulls and scattered seed. Sweep uneaten food from underneath the feeder. Attach a baffle to the feeder pole to prevent rodents from climbing the pole. And, make sure your house is sealed tight to prevent rodents from entering.
• Weeds underneath the feeder – those same seeds you use to feed the birds are also seeds use to grow plants. If you don’t want unwanted plants growing in your garden, place your feeder over the patio or walkway.
• Make sure to keep spare seed in a tightly closed container. Once a mouse finds the food, the whole rodent neighborhood will hear about it (we know this from experience – it took us months to rid the garage of mice and rats).
• Birdseed can spoil and mold in your feeder. Mold and mildew can be fatal to birds. Keep a close eye on your feeder for signs of moldy food. If you see some, clean the feeder thoroughly with hot, soapy water before adding more food.
• Invest in a good quality food. Processed bread, chips, donuts and cookies are not good for birds. Cheap seed like cracked corn and wheat will simply be discarded by the birds.

Have fun with your feathered friends!