Training BlueBirds to Use A Feeder
First I should mention that I made the now obvious mistake of purchasing a feeder, adding meal worms, then putting it where I wanted and waited for the Blue Birds to find it. No-way. After a couple of other experiments, then reading people suggestions from forums, I did what I have posted here. This worked. There are many experts in forums and on the web who have provided excellent advice on how to get your BB’s eating meal worms from a Blue Bird feeder (such as at Sialis). There are many who are far more expert than I. However, the information I am providing is based or my readings and what I have tried that works for me. It may not work for everybody, but it is certainly a good start.
Second, I use a “Jailbird” feeder that is designed specifically for BlueBirds. I purchased mine through NovaBird. The photographs below show my actual steps that enabled my nesting Blue Birds to feed meal worms from the location I wanted. Each step is explained.
I believe it is important to ensure that your nesting Blue Birds are trained to eat your supplementary food from your feeder at the location you want before the first hatchling. Of course, therefore, the best time to train is during nest building and incubation. The time required can vary from relatively quick to days. In my case it took about one week, but of course the time is related to how often and how many times you relocate the feeder. I had three relocations, or, four spots in which feeding was located... varying from a few hours to a few days. Also, in my case, it was always the female who was quicker to adapt, regardless where the meal worms were located. (sorry guys)
I located the meal worms in this step to the top of the BB house in a glass dish that comes with the feeder. I used a rubber band to hold it to the BB house. The BB’s would eat the mealies from this location, but I did not want to leave it there long because the meal worms could attract predators to the BB house itself.
My second step was to relocate the BB feeder to the bottom of the bird house on the ground so the BB’s would become accustomed to it. After the BB’s became acclimated to the dish on the ground I placed it inside the feeder.
The next step was to relocate the feeder to an intermediate location, halfway between the bird house and its final destination. Depending on distance, additional relocations could be necessary.
Finally, on the left, I relocated the feeder to the Japanese Maple Tree as the last destination. Within hours, the BB’s were eating from the feeder in the tree.
Unfortunately, this feeder does not keep out the Catbirds and other meal worm lovers, but provides some protection against larger birds.
Step 4
