Bird feeders

[Greenleaves]

I have read two conflicting artkicals today on bird feeders over allotments, one says go for it as they will also help with pests and the other says dont because they encourage rats. I am sure rats already inhabit most sites so am inclined to set up a feeding station......any views?

[Bigmallly]

Sounds a load of ballcocks to me GL, how can a handful of grain attract vermin into an area already abundant with food..............Go for it.

[Greenleaves]

My thoughts exactly, plus we have a very healthy Red Kite population to deal with errant rodents and of course our resident moggies

[noviceveggrower]

Hi, I would of thought encouraging birds would help reduce the number of slugs, snails and other little grubs in the soil.
I have a bird feeder by one of my raised beds at home and I have found a lot of the seeds the birds didn't like they flicked out and it sprouted. So you might want to look into the place where you put it or where you don't mind this happening.
Thing was I tried to grow sun flowers last year but they died a death on me. The best success was from a few seeds the birds had dropped. Kids were well impressed but little girl did ask why the birds grew a better sun flower than me. Kids don't you just love them.

[dogsbody]

Go for it, encourage the wildlife. Have a mixture of seeds or use sunflower hearts (loved by many species). Don't forget, near cover and if possible fresh water too.

[Scarlet]

I'd go for it too! Under the bird feeders are the only places I can grow dahlias and delphiniums and it's a real treat to take five minutes out and watch your visitors

[Veggielot]

I have bird feeders on my plot so I would say go for it. You may increase the chance of rats but this will be very minimal. I wouldnt worry. I enjoy watchingthe birds and even have a robin that visits that has been known to feed from my hand.

[Greenleaves]

Thanks all

[arpoet]

The worst problem of feeders down the lottie are the flying pigs the fallen seeds will attract.
At home you can see them out the window and chase em off, but unless you are down the lottie most of every day the pigeons will make your plot their kitchen.

[Greenleaves]

Since the arrival of Red Kites, we hardley see any, but i take your point

[Bigmallly]

The worst problem of feeders down the lottie are the flying pigs the fallen seeds will attract.
At home you can see them out the window and chase em off, but unless you are down the lottie most of every day the pigeons will make your plot their kitchen.

It'll keep 'em off the crops................

[Greenleaves]

Sorted, purchased today and will go up tomorrow