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Writer's pictureGarden Joy

Keeping Bird Feeders During the Winter: A Guide


Winter can be a challenging time for wild birds. With natural food sources like insects, seeds, and berries becoming scarce, a well-maintained bird feeder can be a lifeline for our feathered friends. However, ensuring that your bird feeder stays in good condition and provides safe, nutritious food during the colder months requires a bit of care and attention. Here's how you can maintain bird feeders and keep your backyard a bird-friendly haven throughout winter.

1. Choose the Right Feeder for Winter

Winter feeders need to withstand harsh conditions like snow, ice, and wind. Look for sturdy feeders made from materials like metal or thick plastic. Covered feeders or those with built-in shelters help protect the seeds from snow and rain. Additionally, consider feeders designed specifically for winter favorites, such as suet cages for high-energy suet cakes or tube feeders with small ports to keep seeds dry.

2. Offer Nutritious Winter Food

Birds need calorie-dense food in winter to maintain their energy levels in cold temperatures. Stock your feeders with:

  • Black-oil sunflower seeds: High in fat and easy for birds to crack open.

  • Suet: A favorite for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees, providing a much-needed energy boost.

  • Peanuts: Shelled, unsalted peanuts are a rich source of fat and protein.

  • Nyjer seed: Great for finches, it’s small and packed with energy.

  • Fruit and berries: Dried fruits like raisins or chopped apples mimic natural food sources.

3. Keep Feeders Clean

Dirty feeders can harbor mold, bacteria, and diseases that harm birds. Regular cleaning is especially important during winter when wet conditions can cause seeds to spoil quickly. Follow these steps:

  1. Empty and discard spoiled food: If seeds appear clumped, damp, or moldy, discard them immediately.

  2. Wash the feeder: Use warm, soapy water to scrub feeders at least once every two weeks. For thorough cleaning, soak feeders in a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), then rinse and dry completely.

  3. Inspect for damage: Check for cracks or loose parts that could expose birds to sharp edges or make the feeder less effective.

4. Prevent Food From Freezing

Moisture and freezing temperatures can turn seeds into inedible clumps. To avoid this:

  • Use covered feeders to shield seeds from snow and rain.

  • Refill feeders regularly to ensure a steady flow of fresh food.

  • Mix small amounts of uncooked rice into seed blends to absorb moisture.

  • For suet, choose no-melt or weather-resistant options designed for cold climates.

5. Create a Safe Feeding Area

Position feeders in a sheltered location, such as near trees or shrubs, to give birds a safe retreat from predators and strong winds. Avoid placing feeders too close to windows to prevent bird collisions. If windows are nearby, use decals or netting to make glass surfaces more visible to birds.

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