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Birds not visiting my feeders

8 replies

bookstack · 13/02/2026 09:02

Two weeks ago I filled my bird feeders, I have two tall seed feeders and two peanut cages. I've also hung a suet/mealworm block up there. After a day or two flurry of activity and lots of visits, nothing. The seed/nuts aren't going down and no birds to be seen.

I don't understand it, I have a couple of cats but they can't get anywhere near the feeders and anyway, they've never stopped the birds coming before in the last 4 years.

Any ideas? I miss them!

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shellyleppard · 13/02/2026 09:04

My wild birds are ignoring the feeders and suet nuggets and just eating mealworms/ soldier fly larvae. Possibly cos its more high fat content?? Or it's just too cold for them to forage??

IamSmarticus · 13/02/2026 09:06

How strange - I've got a cat and it doesn't stop the birds visiting the feeder when he's not around.

I did buy a suet block thing but they don't seem to like that and haven't touched it, same with the cocunut halves filled with suet/seeds. They can't get eough of the fat balls or normal bird seed/mealworms/sunflower hearts though!

Flukingflukes · 13/02/2026 09:06

We planted bird friendly shrubs around our garden. They like spikes, apparently. Anyway, we’ve definitely had more birds since doing this.

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JoyOfSpecs · 13/02/2026 10:50

Birds like the feeders to be near shelter. Are yours by trees and shrubs that give them cover and a 'corridor' by which to approach the feeders safely?

If not, perhaps the initial flurry of activity drew the attention of predators like sparrow hawks and now the little birds are avoiding.

Maybe move your feeders to where there are trees and shrubs.

Other ideas
We've had a lot of rain here, the birds are definitely less active than when it's dry.

The seed feeders have got wet and clogged up so the birds can't get at the seeds.
Perhaps your neighbours are feeding mealworms or tastier food.

ChocolateHobbit · 13/02/2026 11:22

Yea I've had this. Mine is next to a tree with a small border around it, so the birds can quickly escape to the tree branches if they get startled. I've also let any fallen seeds germinate so I've sort of got a weird little grassy area underneath that ground feeders can easily hide in.

It could be the location. I can assure you it won't be the food you put out. Just keep checking it for mould and soggyness especially with this weather. That can also put them off.

OperationalSupport · 13/02/2026 11:34

I’ve noticed there’s more interest in the one that’s near a dene shrubby bush than the one that’s just hung on a sparse tree, so a close by hiding spot might be a good idea.
Mealworms and seeds in a flat tray are disappearing very quickly too, fat balls and seed mix in a hanging feeder go down slower.

JoyOfSpecs · 13/02/2026 14:29

For £15 I bought a feeder called I Love Robins. It's like a hanging dish under a done. I bought it as I have a problem with squirrels but it also keeps the bigger birds out as you can adjust the height of the dome only to let the little ones in.

It's the most popular feeder in my garden with all the tits, robins and sparrows. It's also a damn site easier to clean than the others - my least favourite job.

bookstack · 13/02/2026 15:17

Thanks all, yes I’ve just been out to have a good look. They’re all a bit waterlogged so I’ll give them a clean out.

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