Can Bird Feeders Be Too High?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

No matter the height of the bird feeder, you must be able to reach it to refill and clean it. A bird feeder that you cannot reach, or cannot easily reach, is worthless. Thus, a feeder much higher than

5 feet above the ground

would be hard to fill and clean regularly, unless you had some ladder or pulley system.

How high should a bird feeder be off the ground?

Pole-mounted feeders should be

about five feet

off the ground and protected by a cone-shaped baffle (at least 17 inches diameter) or similar obstacle below the feeder. Locate pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet from the nearest shrub, tree, or other tall structure.

Where is the best place to hang a bird feeder?

Bird feeders are best hung in

a place where your visiting birds feel safe from predators

. Most important: Avoid open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang feeders too close to any place where squirrels can jump on them, or too low they are within a cat’s reach.

How far should bird feeders be from bird houses?

In most cases, place the birdhouse 5 feet or more off the ground and

at least 20 feet

from feeders or birdbaths. Put it atop a pole or post, or attach it to a tree trunk. (PVC pipe can make a good pole; it discourages climbing cats and other critters.)

Can bird feeders be close to the house?

Birds also need space to fly in from above to land on feeders. Keeping feeders too close to windows and the sides of a house could cause harm if birds fly into windows. Birds might also

avoid feeders

if they are too close to people in fear of predators.

Why do birds ignore my feeder?

If the seed has not been eaten after several days,

it may have become moldy or attracted insects

and is thus less suitable for the birds. Keep the feeder filled with fresh seed for the best results in attracting birds.

Where should I hang my bird feeder without trees?

Placing

feeders well away from trees, sturdy shrubs, fences, roofs, and other structures where squirrels can leap from

will help keep the feeder free from damage. Taking other steps to squirrel-proof your feeders can help minimize this problem no matter where your feeders are located.

Do bird feeders attract rats?


Rats are attracted to bird seed

and will return often for this favorite food. of the ground and 8 feet out and away from any branches, fences, or other objects that rats may use to jump on to feeders.

How many bird feeders should I have?

And really, it is largely up to you. You could

choose a single feeder or a dozen

. My advice is to start with one feeder and see how it goes. Add more if you find you enjoy feeding birds and if you want to feed more birds or more types of birds.

Do birds poop in birdhouses?

Many parent

birds keep the nest clean by carrying out each poop

, which is neatly packaged in a mucous membrane called a fecal sac

Do birds remember where feeders are?

Birds do remember where feeders are so

will continue to come back to the location

to feed on the food you replenish daily. To stop feeding birds will only see them move to new grounds. As backyard birds memories have shown to last up to 6 months, you won’t have an issue providing you keep feeding them.

When should you put bird feeders out?

Bird feeding is most helpful at times of when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and in

late winter or early spring

, when natural seed sources are depleted. Most birds don’t need your help in the summer.

Do birds Know Who feeds them?

Birds primarily use vision, their sense of sight, to locate food. Birds

may see seeds that they recognize as food in your

feeder. But to do so, they have to be pretty close.

Which bird feeder attracts most birds?


Hopper feeders

are attractive to most feeder birds, including finches, jays, cardinals, buntings, grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice; they’re also squirrel magnets.

How do you attract birds quickly?

  1. Create a bird feeding station. …
  2. Tempt with the right treats. …
  3. The location of the feeder is the key. …
  4. Install a bird bath. …
  5. Seek attention with bright colors. …
  6. Install a bird house. …
  7. Encourage nesting in your yard. …
  8. Install a perching stick.
Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.