This is how we got mice

Anonymous wrote:Any advice for one that keeps the rodents away?

Get a squirrel proof one and feed shelled sunflower seeds so there's minimal waste.

I only feed in the winter but I put out fresh water in the birdbath all year long (change it daily). We get a huge variety of birds coming to drink and bathe.

Any advice for one that keeps the rodents away?

I love the Merlin app.

We had a little ground level bath for birds and squirrels to drink and cool off in. We also had feeder. Then we got rats.

Anonymous wrote:Add a bird bath! It is pure joy seeing them come visit and splash around every day.

Yes, this. I have two in my garden and I love to watch the birds splashing and playing in it.

Anonymous wrote:Mine too until the squirrels found it and ate everything. I’ve tried so many ways to keep the squirrels out and the birds around but no luck. Enjoy while it lasts!

I buy hot pepper suet cakes and hot pepper birdseed. Haven’t seen squirrels in several generations! Problem easily solved.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a long-term bird enthusiast, happy to welcome another into the fold! If you don't already have it, get the Merlin Bird ID app; it's awesome.

The Merlin bird app changed my life in a small, but very positive way. It has enlivened my interaction with nature any place I am. Library parking lot? Hello, robins! College admissions office porch? Hello, house wrens!

As a birder, I love hearing this!

If you like Merlin you might enjoy iNaturalist too! It’s like Merlin but for plants, animals, and insects. I used it on a walk recently to identify a wonderfully fragrant roadside flower (foxglove!) and a giant moth (luna!).

Anonymous wrote:As a long-term bird enthusiast, happy to welcome another into the fold! If you don't already have it, get the Merlin Bird ID app; it's awesome.

Same!

You might want to experiment with different feed. Dried worms, fruit, different seeds will all attract different species in different seasons. Wild Birds Unlimited is great for this, though they are a little a pricey (I think of it as paying for expertise and curation). Tractor Supply also has a wide range of feeds at good prices, without the advice about what they do and when to use.

Enjoy!

What do you do about the rats?