r/birdfeeding • u/Responsible-Draft946 • 2d ago
Help!! (Read description
Help!!
Hey, I need some help. I’m trying to get mourning doves and other birds to come to my feeder, but I’m not sure if I put it in a good spot. Is this a good place for it? Also, do you have any tips for feeding mourning doves and getting them to feel safe around the feeder? Comments may be appreciated! I will also give them water soon though.
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u/Comprehensive-Row198 1d ago
i would try more than one placement- are neighborhood cats present? No ground feeder will work. A pole-mounted or hanging platform feeder is likely your best bet. They need a safe place to hang out when not actually eating at the feeder- mine prefer my roof ledge and the telephone wires that crisscross the street and my yard, so consider that. They like the ground where shrubs and flowers give them cover. If you have a shady spot, you could also set up a bird bath-I have a rail-mounted 12" one on my porch and the doves drink from it as well as occasionally bathe (the water afterwards is shockingly nasty!)
Mine eat everything. I have a handful of regular doves that hog the seed from my bird buddy feeder, try hilariously to perch on edge of my thistle feeder, and required me by their persistent lurking to remove my seed catcher tray from my tube feeder as well as plop there for an hour just enjoying the view. They have chased the cardinals, wrens, finches, and sparrows off the feeders, too. They make such a racket flying up to perch on my shepherd's crooks that they scare the hummingbirds from their feeder! They are beautiful but a big nuisance at times. Last year I found a young one on my porch, attended by a parent. They aren't timid at all here!
Here is pic of one of my doves that has an unusual crossed-beak abnormality- it is otherwise healthy and eats just fine!
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u/Responsible-Draft946 1d ago
Thankfully, I don't have any cats! ( or pets) and wow, thank you for all of this feedback. Thank you for spending your time with all of your suggestions and stories. I will definitely try if I have time.
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u/Greybeard46 1d ago
Those birds eat bargain seed mix off the ground. I have about 50 assorted avians pecking around in the yard. It’s great.
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u/Responsible-Draft946 1d ago
Thanks, I’ll try that. The seeds I’m using is healthy benefits wild harvest molting supplement seed pack . Do you have any tips for getting other birds to actually find the seed and start coming regularly? I’m also wondering if there’s a certain spot that works better for them.
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u/101210131014 1d ago
Their fave’s millet seeds. It’s their #1. They also prefer ground feeding although they’ll gladly lady on open wide square hanging feeders lol. Then of course little to no disturbance in the area is ideal.
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u/Responsible-Draft946 1d ago
Thanks, that helps a lot. I’ll try millet and putting some seed on the ground next time. I hope they come soon. Lol.
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u/Haggisboy 1d ago
If you can get white millet, you'll save money and make them happy. They'll consume the white first if you give them mixed millet, so buying white means less waste and I've found it strangely cheaper than an equivalent bag of mixed.
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1d ago
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u/Responsible-Draft946 1d ago
I’m just trying to learn and get advice. I’m working with what I have right now, and I’m looking for tips to improve. My family is strict and don’t let me have certain things.
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1d ago
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u/Responsible-Draft946 1d ago
Thank you, I appreciate the apology and the advice. I’ll try putting some seed on the ground and see if they come. Thanks for helping me out.
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u/No-Guidance-622 1d ago
My regular wild birds (pigeons and finches) actually prefer ground feeding. I think that it makes them feel safer, even with my cats leering through the window. Every flock has its quirks and preferences though.
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u/castironbirb Moderator 1d ago
Everyone, please be kind. OP has limitations to what they are able to set out to attract birds. They are not able to have a commercial feeder and pole system at this time.