Feeding wild birds
 

Does feeding wild birds bring in unwanted guests/critters.

Like Rats?

I thinking in Fla it maybe best to leave the bird feeders home in NY?

Neighbors tell me that feeding birds does attract other critters and that some of the big walking around birds can peck your lanai screen looking for another handout.

I would love to feed them, but I won't.

Personally, I don't feel it's a good idea to feed the birds...there is plenty of their natural food around.
The feeders do attract non-bird creatures....squirrels, rats, raccoons...and as Gracie said, some beautiful sandhill cranes. These birds can peck holes in your screening as they try to get what they feel are good eats from plants on your lanai. A friend had this happen to her two times.

What about hummingbird feeders? Do they attract unwanted critters?

Possibly ants.....? ;) At my prior home, my hummingbird feeder attracted many hummers....and along with the birds, ants. Ants were a huge problem in the part of Southern CA where I lived. Not sure if that would be a problem here, but our neighborhood had such a problem with ants, the feeders had to go.

We used to occasionally get ants at our hummer feeder in Ohio, but discovered an "ant guard" that hangs above the feeder and that ended the ants in the feeder ... but didn't stop the feeder from attracting ants, so perhaps it's not a good idea.

I have had a bird feeder hanging from our one oak tree for going on five years. I have never seen any critters (mice or rats) at the feeder or on the ground below. I check it almost daily and keep it very clean. Initially only doves came to feed however I am thrilled I am starting to get cardinals and other type birds.

the rats are nocturnal.

Rats!
 

LOL are sure about that! I used to work in public education!

I had a feeder until my backyard became a killing field. We had many mourning doves which I enjoy until a hawk appeared and swooped down and had them for lunch on a daily basis. I closed the smorgasbord and now I have cardinals nesting in my shrubs which is a treat. I'm thinking of putting out a hummingbird feeder; those little critters are too fast and too small for the hawk, at least I hope they are.

Good luck with the hummingbirds! I've had a feeder out 2 months and haven't seen a one!

Hey Wendy - a tip: Put the feeder outside the house. :shocked:

:icon_wink:

Bill :wave:

Landscape for the birds (and butterflies)
 

Plant shrubs with berries to make the birds happy --
and for hummingbirds, anything with red/orange tubular flowers.

Attack Birds
 

I need to attrack more Eagles or Falcons or Hawks to Eat the Gophers!

Thanks for the advise , I do enjoy birdies!

Nice one CarGuys.