If we get a bird feeder…

[Anonymous]

… will there be noticeably more bird poop?

Sounds like a stupid question but hear me out! Lately we’ve had so many beautiful visitors and I’d like them to stay! They’re already here feeding from our yard. If we add a bird feeder, will our yard turn into a disaster area?

[Anonymous]

No but you might attract rodents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No but you might attract rodents.

Ugh, good point. What if I clean up around it often? Or are they attracted to the feeder itself and not just the mess left behind?

[Anonymous]

We have one on a deck rail so we get poop on the deck rail. There's not otherwise more poop on the lawn or around.

I got a squirrel proof feeder and I buy hulled sunflower seeds which are virtually no waste, so no rodents. I do place the feeder well away from the house though.

[Anonymous]

Oh, meant to add: the best bird watching for your buck is a bird bath. But you must change the water daily.

[Anonymous]

Mine attracted raccoons.

[Anonymous]

RE the rodents. What type depends on where you live I am in the burbs in Rockville and get squirrels, however the neighborhood fox culls the sloe ones. Since I only get squirrels I have a variety of feeders and don't care about rodents. I would get rats at my former house so learned from that.

Birds are messy eaters which is why squirrels eat under the feeder, they can't get to the feeder because I have a baffle, The feeder types that are the least messy are suet feeders and should not attract rodents Get both types, the smaller ones for the standard waxy suet and the larger one for the pressed bird seed to get more bird variety

[Anonymous]

Don't feed suet over a deck or patio, it can create oil stains.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No but you might attract rodents.

If you live in DC you will absolutely get rodents. Also, your neighbors will secretly hate you.

[Anonymous]

I use the "no waste" bird seed. It is more expensive, but has sunflower seeds already shelled. I have heard the black shells that get tossed on the ground are what the rodents like. You will get raccoons, squirrels and rabbits. I used my suet feeder when it snowed and had so many beautiful birds! Also, when it snows, you can see who else visited the feeder by the tracks, pretty cool!

[Anonymous]

If it attracts more birds, yes. Whether or not you notice is the issue. Do not put the feeder near your or your neighbors cars.

[Anonymous]

Try safflower seeds!

[Anonymous]

yes!

[Anonymous]

Yes. It attracts birds, and birds will poop. I notice it on my deck which is about 10' from the bird feeder.

And depending on where you live, it can attract bears. We're in Frederick County, MD and once a year a bear visits all the feeders in our area.

[Anonymous]

I don't notice it on the grass below the feeder. There is definitely more poop on the fence nearby. Don't care, I love the birds.

If you do want them to stay, the best thing is to provide by way of natives that can be used for nest building, and provide food. There are lots of berry bearing natives out there. There is a free e-book out there for Loudoun county (which is close enough for most of us) that provides information on which trees and shrubs are most useful for wildlife.