Great topic, Mark! My feeding station is setup on my deck, so i know the pain of squirrels and racoons having easy access (last year i caught a racoon on camera drinking my nectar feeder dry!) 😅 When it gets really bad, i just take the feeders in at night. I try to keep my feeders waste-free to avoid attracting anything with the scent of the shells and discarded seed, so I use Coles hot sunflower chips - theyre the best hot seeds ive found with no shells ❤
Awesome info! Just had 3 young raccoons start visiting my porch at night totally muddying up water dishes and squirrels also coming up to my porch door, I covered the water dishes a few nights but they keep coming back as they all do with bird feeders too! Had no idea about the HOT seed, genius!!
@@RichardFerstandig I’ve always recommended that let nature take its course. They will often snap out of it. But it depends if it is in danger from another animal or the elements. If it is cold, I recommend moving it to a sunny spot, etc. if there are pets, putting it up out of reach and keep an eye on them. If there is still concern, call your local wildlife rehab facility
I have tried a 1-to-1 mix of regular sunflower hearts to hot sunflower hearts and it worked for me. It was more effective in a tube feeder. In the tray, I ended up putting the regular seed down first, and top it with the spicy seeds so the squirrels won't go digging... Mileage will vary because if a squirrel is hungry enough, they will brave the spice to get the regular pieces 😂 and can depend on the brand too - if one doesn't work, change to a different brand and see if it's spicy enough to keep the squirrels at bay
@@syrpentina thank you for the reply. I'm going to try that in one of our feeders. This year has been really bad with squirrel. I'm not sure why this year though.
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Great topic, Mark! My feeding station is setup on my deck, so i know the pain of squirrels and racoons having easy access (last year i caught a racoon on camera drinking my nectar feeder dry!) 😅
When it gets really bad, i just take the feeders in at night. I try to keep my feeders waste-free to avoid attracting anything with the scent of the shells and discarded seed, so I use Coles hot sunflower chips - theyre the best hot seeds ive found with no shells ❤
@@syrpentina They are persistent we just have to live with them.
Idaho birds backyard now using the hot seed now to keep squirrels away with success. Watch IBB live video feed and you'll see. Thanks for the idea. 🎉
@@idahobirdsbackyard You are welcome and thanks for watching!
Awesome info! Just had 3 young raccoons start visiting my porch at night totally muddying up water dishes and squirrels also coming up to my porch door, I covered the water dishes a few nights but they keep coming back as they all do with bird feeders too! Had no idea about the HOT seed, genius!!
@@2Bcreative888 The hot seed is big difference maker for me.
How did the osprey get its name?
@@RichardFerstandig I honestly do not know 🤷♂️
If a dove did not have its tail feathers would it be able to fly?
Yes, tails feathers are more for steering.
If you saw a bird lying on the ground with its eyes and beak open, what would that indicate to you?
@@RichardFerstandig it could be stunned or worse. It could also be anting.
Will a stunned bird snap out of it by itself or does it need prompt attention?
@@RichardFerstandig I’ve always recommended that let nature take its course. They will often snap out of it. But it depends if it is in danger from another animal or the elements. If it is cold, I recommend moving it to a sunny spot, etc. if there are pets, putting it up out of reach and keep an eye on them. If there is still concern, call your local wildlife rehab facility
Mark, would hot seed mixed into a custom mix work as well?
@@airpocono people who have tried that have had mixed results. It works for some.
I have tried a 1-to-1 mix of regular sunflower hearts to hot sunflower hearts and it worked for me. It was more effective in a tube feeder. In the tray, I ended up putting the regular seed down first, and top it with the spicy seeds so the squirrels won't go digging... Mileage will vary because if a squirrel is hungry enough, they will brave the spice to get the regular pieces 😂 and can depend on the brand too - if one doesn't work, change to a different brand and see if it's spicy enough to keep the squirrels at bay
@@syrpentina thank you for the reply. I'm going to try that in one of our feeders. This year has been really bad with squirrel. I'm not sure why this year though.
What is name of the seed after the hot seed. Neutral. ?
@@KayWolters-ok9jk NutraSaff or golden safflower