I love feeding the birds! But I don't like attracting some of the more aggressive birds or the bigger birds. I use specialized feeders to attract certain birds, that I DO want. I use a Upside Down Feeder (seen below)
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| Feeding hole is located on the bottom of the perch. |
If you have ever bought Thistle Seed you may have had a problem with it germinating! I have bought Wild Birds Unlimited Nyjer Seed and it is sterilized already, but its very expensive!
I have bought cheaper brands and had some germinate, but there is a difference between Nyjer Seed and Thistle... Nyjer seed is already sterilize before its brought into the USA.
Thistle is very HARD to get rid of once its growing in your yard. Recently I tried to purchase it at a local Co-op but the man said they don't sell it because once it takes hold in the farmers fields its really hard to get under control! :( I can vouch for this, as I was constantly fighting Thistle at my old home up north. It was a battle that I lost!! So I wanted to find out how to sterilize the thistle so it won't grow!
There are two methods to sterilize, Microwave or Oven
These methods work for other types of seed that may grow under your feeder also...
What you will need:
1.Small to Med. size Paper bag
2. Seed
Microwave Method
Fill the paper bag 1/3 to 1/2 way full cut or fold down the sides. Place in microwave (make sure bag is wide open) Cook on high for 3-5 minutes. Let it cool before you fill the feeder.
It took mine about a half hour to cool down.
Oven Method
Pre heat oven to 300 degrees. Spread seed out on a cookie sheet, and cook for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool for 30 minutes before filling feeder.
Oh and BTW, this doesn't smell the best :p so either open some windows when you do it, or burn some incense or something lol
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