Perky-Pet Triple Tube Bird Feeder, Copper

Here are a few things to review before filling a nectar feeder: 1. Check to make sure the base compartments are securely tightened. 2. Push container into base to close ports to prevent leakage. 3. Unscrew cap to fill with nectar. 4. Screw cap back on securely to form an airtight seal. 5. We recommend keeping the feeder in the closed position until you get to the spot where you want to hang it. 6. For Top Fill Feeders - Open nectar reservoir by holding base with one hand and pulling up on the container with the other to open ports for feeding. 7. Your feeder is now ready.

HANGING YOUR BIRD FEEDER

A sheltered southeastern exposure is best for hanging a bird feeder since birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind. Birds also prefer to have a clear view over their feeding area so they can see any predators.

If this is the first bird feeder in your yard, you may have to wait several weeks for birds to discover it. To help them find the feeder faster, put a shiny pie pan with some seed in it underneath the feeder to attract birds in flight. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite among most birds. Water is also a natural attractant.

Hang your bird feeder away from trees, bushes, fences or buildings. Squirrels and other predators may use these to climb or jump onto the bird feeder. If you must hang the bird feeder on a tree, keep it at least six feet from the trunk or the tree limbs.

Add a squirrel baffle over the bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing down the wire used to hang the bird feeder. If you decide to use a free standing pole, it should be 5' high and 10' from the nearest tree.

Hummingbird feeders should be hung out of direct sunlight, since the sun can spoil the nectar. They should also be hung away from windy areas and out of reach of cats. If possible, place the hummingbird feeder in and around trumpeting flowers. This will help attract more birds to your hummingbird feeder.

BIRD FEEDER CARE

Caring for your bird feeder, caring for your hummingbird feeder

Keeping your bird feeder clean and full of fresh seed or fresh nectar is very important to the health of visiting birds.

It is recommended that you clean your seed bird feeder every two weeks and your hummingbird feeder every week. Clean your bird feeder more often in warmer weather.

A mild soap and water solution can be used, however; if the bird feeder needs additional cleaning, you can use diluted vinegar. Be sure to rinse completely. It is not recommended to place any bird feeder in the dishwasher to clean.

What are the most popular bird seeds to use?

Black Oil Sunflower Seed is the most popular bird seed. It is much smaller than the traditional sunflower seed and best for those birds with smaller bills, such as the sparrow, junco and goldfinch. This seed is accepted by the greatest variety of birds.Mixed Seed is also popular. It is best to buy the mixes that contain white proso millet, a tiny cream colored seed with a shiny shell. Mixes containing finely cracked corn and black oil sunflower are also preferred by a large number of birds.Niger (Thistle Seed) is imported from Africa and Asia. Niger won't germinate, but it does have a tendency to become moldy due to lack of air circulation. If you notice mold on the seed, it must be removed from the feeder and the feeder must be cleaned thoroughly.

How do I clean my bird feeders?

Before filling your feeder with fresh seed, it is recommended that the following precautions are taken:1. Remove all old seed.2. Soak feeder in a light water/bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach).3. Scrub feeder and allow to air dry.4. Rake and remove accumulated hulls and droppings from underneath the feeders.5. Spread mulch (bark or wood) under the feeder, replace mulch when soiled.6. Thoroughly wash hands after handling and cleaning feeders.

What is the importance of providing water for wild birds?

Wild birds need fresh, clean water just as much as they need seed. Birds stay healthy by using water not just for drinking, but also for bathing, cleaning their feathers and to remove parasites. Waterers are better options than bird baths because they provide birds with fresh, clean water that prevents dirt and debris from contaminating it. In hotter climates or seasons, providing water for birds makes it easy for them to have access to a water source and retain their energy. By adding a water source, you also can attract a larger variety of birds to your yard. You may even attract more colorful birds that don't eat seed, but are in need of water!

Is this feeder pole-mountable?

This feeder has a 1 inch hole in the base where a pole can be inserted for mounting. The pole will run the length of the feeder and will line up with an additional 1 inch slot in the lid.

Could you sell me the "hood" (or dome, bell-shaped copper on the top) only?

The copper colored dome is not sold separately; however, this feeder is covered by a one-year warranty.

Is the catch tray at the base metal or plastic?

The base tray for this feeder is made of plastic.