Winter is a rewarding time for birders and one of the busiest for bird feeders due to the lack of natural food sources and colder temperatures. Here are some reasons to feed wild birds during the colder months:
Reliable food source: Besides helping northern migrants coming to the Maritimes replenish their energy resources, it also provides all wild birds with a reliable food source once natural sources deplete in colder weather.
Attracts the first winter birds: A stocked bird feeder can attract the first winter bird species and encourage them to remain nearby all winter. This helps wild birds remember reliable food source locations, so they return year after year. Overtime, consistent feeding will increase the size and diversity of your backyard visitors and become a trusted winter source. This also means birds don’t have far to go to replenish their energy.
Birds become reliant on feeders as food source: If deciding to feed birds in winter, it is important to stay consistent by keeping feeders clean and well stocked all season. Wild birds become reliant on these feeders, up to and including spring. This is an especially crucial time to keep feeding as many Maritime provinces experience ice storms creating a barrier for birds to acquire food and shelter.
Related Articles
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Best Winter Bird Seed
How To Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
It is important to keep bird feeders clean and maintained. In the Atlantic provinces, a parasite called Trichomonas Gallinae can infect birds, especially purple and gold finches. Bird droppings and other contaminants may also spread infectious bird diseases. A dirty feeder can harbor bacteria, mold, and other disease agents that can quickly contaminate hungry birds and spread to other wild populations. Fortunately, it is easy to clean bird feeders to ensure birds enjoy safe, clean feeding stations.
Clean your feeders about once every week or two, more often during times of heavy use, wet weather, if there have been reports of salmonella in your area, or you notice sick birds in your yard.
Cleaning Bird Feeders
Clean feeders attract more wild birds as fresh, clean seed is more appealing. For the cleanest, healthiest, and most attractive feeders:
- Choose easy-to-clean feeders. Feeders made of plastic, metal, glazed ceramic, and glass feeders are best. Wooden feeders can absorb oils and other remains, making them much more difficult to clean over time. However, if choosing a wood feeder look for cedar constructions.
- Clean regularly. All feeders should be thoroughly cleaned at least once per month. Busier feeders should be cleaned much more frequently. Hummingbird and oriole feeders should be cleaned each time they are refilled.
- Use proper cleaning solutions. Feeders can be sanitized with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts hot water. A mild solution of unscented dish soap is also effective to clean less popular bird feeders.
Steps for Cleaning Bird Feeders
- Soak feeders first. Submerge feeders in a utility sink, large basin, or bucket full of proper cleaning solutions. By soaking a dirty feeder debris is loosened making it easier to scrub clean.
- Clean all feeder parts thoroughly. For the best sanitation each feeder should be cleaned inside and out. This includes cleaning all feeding ports, perches, lids, platforms, reservoirs, and any other part where birds may perch or where feces may collect.
- Use proper equipment. Wear rubber gloves to avoid any contamination. Use stiff brushes to ensure thorough cleaning. Feeds’n Needs sell specialized brushes specifically designed for feeders, though a regular bottle brush can also be effective. An old toothbrush is also a great option for reaching smaller parts, feeding ports, and tight corners. And a stiff pipe cleaner is ideal for pulling through small holes.
- Rinse thoroughly. Submerge cleaned feeders in clean water for several seconds and then rinse to be sure all chemical residue is removed. Inspect to ensure there is no debris remaining.
- Dry feeder completely before refilling. Remaining moisture can lead to mold and mildew that can cause illness and spoiled seed.
- Sanitize all tools and equipment after cleaning feeders. Before putting tools and equipment away, clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely.
Clean Around Feeding Areas
It is essential to clean all nearby feeding areas where birds perch and congregate.
- Clear away old seed and hulls from beneath feeders.
- Remove any rotten or fallen fruit from trees and bushes where birds feed.
- Add mulch or gravel beneath feeders to cover bird droppings.
- Keep birdbaths and other perches clean.
Maintaining Feeders During Poor Weather Conditions
Despite taking necessary steps to protect feeders, they can still accumulate snow and ice in the worst weather. This also happens to be when birds rely on feeders the most. To maintain winter bird feeders:
- Winter Storms. Clean off feeders after every storm, or during storms, to give birds easy access to food. Check all feeding ports are clear and that seed can flow freely. Inspect and repair any damages and ensure they feeders are still fastened securely.
- Keep Feeders Full. Refill feeders frequently with the best winter foods that are higher in fat and calories creating a healthy and trusted food source for hungry birds.
- Keep Feeding Areas Accessible. Remove snow in ground-feeding areas to allow ground-dwellers like juncos and doves easy access to food.
Related Articles
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Best Winter Bird Seed
How To Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
When it comes to feeding the birds, keeping the backyard safe ensures a healthy, active, and diverse environment for feathered friends to enjoy.
- Periodically check feeders for damage, particularly after winter storms.
- Keep feeders clean, even in poor conditions, to prevent the spread of disease among wild birds.
- Keep birdbaths filled with fresh, clean water. Add a heater to the bath or a de-icing basin for winter use.
Things to Note When Installing Feeders
- Keep feeders a fair distance from windows (approximately 3 – 4 meters from glass).
- Use anti-collision stickers on the exterior of windows to prevent bird strikes.
- Choose locations that provide shelter from weather and predators, yet in view from inside your home.
- Clean feeders regularly and replace feed after wet weather conditions to avoid an unhealthy environment for birds.
- Keep feeders clear of debris so not to attract unwanted critters.
Help Birds During Severe Weather
It is not necessary to worry about how birds keep warm during winter. Birds have many adaptations that help them survive even the coldest days. However, mortality rates do rise during prolonged and severe weather conditions such as ice storms. Birders can help offset these rates by offering feathered friends high quality winter food, shelter from poor weather, and easy access to clean, fresh water. In turn, this strengthens bird’s ability to survive colder temperatures by enabling them to conserve precious energy reserves.
- Provide Quality Food and Stock Feeders Early. Offering quality winter foods high in fat and calories provide birds with the energy they use to generate body heat. On colder winter days, birds need to immediately replenish energy reserves used to stay warm overnight. Especially during cold snaps, fill feeders in the early morning to ensure birds don’t have far to go.
- Provide Clean, Fresh Water. Birds can melt snow to drink however this lowers their body temperature and uses valuable energy reserves used maintain body heat. Offering water in heated birdbaths or basins provide an especially helpful resource during challenging conditions.
- Offer Shelter. Give birds a way to escape poor weather conditions such as wind and snow by making a brush pile, keeping bird houses up and roosting boxes out. Long term consider planting evergreen trees, native trees, and bushes for natural protection against the elements.
Related Articles
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Best Winter Bird Seed
How To Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Winter is a great time of year to feed the birds. Besides the large variety of bird species that live in the Maritimes year-round, northern migrants are arriving to spend the season in our milder climates. There are also some bird species that are more easily seen in cooler temperatures than in any other season. Adding a variety of feeders with different seed will attract an abundance of bird species. Separate larger specie feeders from smaller ones to allow smaller birds a chance to feed without being scared off by larger varieties.
Considerations for Winter Bird Feeders
Feeder Style: Consider designs that have a larger capacity and protected reservoirs to keep bird seed dry. Feeders with covers and with feeding stations underneath are ideal for a variety of birds. This also provides shelter for birds to feed. Select metal mesh or tube feeders for Nyjer seed.
Feeder Location: Hang feeders in areas that are more sheltered from winter elements such as closer to tree trunks, under covered patios or roof eaves. This will make them easier to refill and keep birds protected while they feed.
Protect Feeders From Pests: Birds are not the only hungry wildlife this time of year. To ward off unwanted visitors, take steps to squirrel-proof feeders and surround the area with cages or fences. Take feeders in at night if all else fails. Avoid excessive ground-feeding that can attract smaller pests.
Top Winter Bird Feeders
Tube Feeder: If you are going to put out just one bird feeder, a tube feeder is the way to go. Tubes keep seed clean, dry, prevent bird droppings from getting in the seed and reduce squirrel foraging. Perches on tube feeders are usually smaller attracting smaller birds and discouraging larger ones.
Hopper Feeder: A hopper or house feeder dispense seed into a tray at the bottom of the hopper aided by gravity. These feeders keep seed clean, dry, and readily available even in snowstorms. If you’re looking for a hopper feeder made of wood, weather-resistant cedar is a good choice.
Platform Feeder with Cover: Platform feeders attract a variety of birds due to their easy access to seed. For winter, place platform feeders where there is some shelter from the elements or opt for one that has a roof structure.
Bird droppings and wet weather can cause seed to spoil more so than other feeders. It is important to keep feeders clean on a regular basis, daily if possible. Replace seed every few days or immediately after wet weather to avoid an unhealthy environment for your feathered friends. Only fill enough for a few days’ worth to ensure seed doesn’t spoil due to unpredictable winter conditions.
Ground Feeding Table: This screen-bottomed tray sits a few inches off the ground and is easy to clean and disinfect. Select designs that have covers to prevent snow from accumulating over the seed and ones that are surrounded by wire mesh to keep out squirrels and large birds.
Place the feeder in an open location, at least 10 feet from the nearest shrub, to give birds a chance to flee in the event of predators. Ground feeders are especially favored by doves, juncos, sparrows, towhees, goldfinches, and cardinals. Only fill enough for a few days’ worth to ensure seed doesn’t spoil due to unpredictable winter conditions.
Suet Feeder: Winter is the perfect time for hanging suet because the cooler temperatures keep suet from spoiling. Place suet blocks in cage feeders during winter to help prevent moisture build up. Place in trees that provide some shelter from poor weather.
Nyjer Feeder: These feeders, also known as “Thistle Feeders”, are specifically designed to dispense ‘thistle’ seed. They feature tiny holes making seed available only to small-beaked birds. Select metal mesh designs or tube feeders as these styles are better for winter use.
Bird Houses & Roost Boxes: Though not exactly bird feeders, bird houses and roost boxes provide a place for birds to escape poor weather conditions and keeps them close to their reliable food source.
Related Articles
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Best Winter Bird Seed
How To Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
From the beginning of December to the end of February it is an exciting time for backyard bird enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. It’s a time when most migratory birds and passing migrants have flown south, and more northern migrants arrive to spend the season in milder temperatures. There are also some bird species that live in the Maritimes year-round that are more easily seen in colder temperatures than in any other season.
This seasonal transition makes for an especially rewarding time for backyard bird enthusiasts, because these winter birds are only seen during colder months and welcome the opportunity to find an easy snack at feeders.
As the colder weather approaches, prepare your backyard for winter birds by:
- Inspecting and cleaning feeders.
- Cleaning the surrounding area where birds perch and feed.
- Switching to winter friendly bird feeders.
- Switching to winter bird seed that is higher in oil and calories.
- Providing a fresh water source.
- Adding windbreaks and other shelters for birds to escape poor weather.
For a more detailed look at each of these tips, see our related articles below.
Related Articles
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Best Winter Bird Seed
How To Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Watch our Tick Webinar Recording with Dr. Nicolette Faraone
We were fortunate to have Dr. Nicoletta Faraone, PHD. join us for a tick webinar to teach us all about tick safety and prevention! Dr. Nicoletta Faraone is an assistant professor at the Chemistry Department, Acadia University, Wolfville (NS). She teaches Biochemistry and Natural Product Chemistry. Her research focuses on studying tick chemosensory system, how ticks detect odours from hosts and how they respond to repellents. She designs and develops novel essential oil-based tick repellent products. In this one hour long webinar, customers had the chance to learn from Dr. Faraone and ask their questions. If you missed the live webinar, you can watch the recording below!
For more Expert Advice on products we carry to protect your pets, click here.
Keep Tick Safety Top of Mind This Spring and Summer
Its spring, which mean it is tick season here in the Maritimes. As the weather warms up, it’s important to remember that ticks will be more present within our communities and the places we love to adventure with our pets. Whether you are letting your dogs out in your yard, or heading to a local trail to get some exercise, you will need to be diligent about checking for ticks on both you, and your pet. Here are a few Tick Tips to ensure you and your pet’s safety this season!
Where ticks are present:
Ticks are small so it can be difficult to spot them not just on your pets, but where you are outside that they could be hiding. The most popular ticks in our area are called Blacklegged ticks, or commonly known as deer ticks. Ticks can be as small as the size of a poppy seed, so be vigilant! Typically, ticks can be found in tall grass, woods, shrubs, walkways and trails.
Ticks can also be found in your own backyard. In fact, most people contact Lyme disease from ticks within 100 yards of their own homes in areas with woods or tall grass. If you are doing some spring cleaning around your yard, be careful of the shrubs, sticks and trees when you are doing your chores in preparation for the summer.
Pet owner tip: if you are doing yard work, wear long pants and boots and wear clothing that is light in colour so you can easily identify a tick. Spray yourself with repellent and remember to take a hot shower once your yardwork is complete.
Where to check your pet for ticks:
The more frequently you check your pet, the more likely you are to locate ticks before they fully latch onto your cat or dog. Here are a few places they like to hide on your animals.
Ears: In and around the ears are popular places for ticks to hide. They could even be inside your pet’s ears! If your dog has floppy ears, be extra vigilant of this area.
Between the toes: Check in between each toe of your pet, on each paw. Ticks like to burrow in between these areas as they are drawn to dark, warm places.
The tail: Naturally your pet is going to be happy when they are out adventuring, but this makes for some extra wagging in areas where ticks hide. Check at the base of the tail and your pets groin for ticks.
Under the collar: Your pet’s neck is another likely place for ticks to latch onto. It can be extra difficult to spot ticks in this area, especially with pets who have lots of fur or scuff on their neck area. When it’s safe, remove your pet’s collar and check for ticks underneath it where they might be burrowed.
Under back and front legs: while this may seems standard, it’s important that this area is checked as carefully as other furry areas on your pet!
How to prepare for tick season and protect your pet:
Preparing your tick season means beginning with preventatives for your pet. It’s important to talk to your vet before choosing a treatment to best suit your pet’s needs. At Feeds’n Needs, we carry many preventatives, topical treatments (Infestop, Advantix, and Advantage products), oral preventatives, sprays (Zodiac and Atlantick) and many tick accessories (tick removing tools, shampoos, etc.) in-store! Ask our Experts for help regarding tick safety on your next visit, and remember to always check your pet for ticks!
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
A hens’ optimal temperature is between 18-24 degrees, and when temperatures start to drop below and rise above these, it can affect them in different ways. Keeping them warm and healthy is important to your hens health and egg production.
As the sunlight hours begin lessen through the winter months, this will affect your hens’ production schedule. By providing a light or heat lamp during times that used to be daylight hours this will keep her on her regular laying cycle.
Heating sources are not always necessary, however. If your coop is well enough insulated to keep their water from freezing, and/or you have a small flock that is large enough to huddle with one another, then you may not require a heating source. Chickens are very adaptable and can tolerate colder temperatures!
Winterizing your coop
Providing infinite above freezing temperature water and clean, dry bedding will keep your chickens comfortable and healthy all winter long. Deeper bedding can keep their feet from being too cold. Dampness and draft will affect your chickens more than the plummeting temperature, and these factors of winter can quickly start the onset of frostbite. Ventilating your coop properly and ensuring it is always dry will keep your hens healthy through the winter months.
Summer months
As the temperatures start to rise in summer months this can affect your hens differently. Heat stress can be fatal to your chickens so it is imperative to find ways to keep them cool. Providing good ventilation in their coop, and perhaps with the addition of a fan to circulate air can help keep temperatures from rising. Providing shady areas in their run can help them regulate their body temperatures on a hot, sunny day. If your coop doesn’t have a shaded area for most of the day, it is easy to set up something that can provide a bit of shade for them.
Having an area where they are able to scratch into the dirt to lay on cool ground can also help them regulate their body temperatures. As always, providing clean fresh water is of the utmost importance. Sometimes in extreme temperatures if you notice your hens are distressed by the heat, adding an electrolyte can help to prevent dehydration which can be detrimental. If your hens become too hot for a prolonged period of time, the stress can inhibit their laying production and therefore it will sometimes slow down or even stop. Keeping them cool and preventing heat stress can avoid this cease in their cycle!
Feel free to visit us and ask us any questions you may have about your hens health!
Maintaining Your Horses Health
Yearly veterinarian checkups are highly recommended for every species of animal, horses included. Your vet can administer vaccinations to prevent illness, assess and provide insight on your horses’ condition and overall health, and evaluate their teeth condition and float your horses’ teeth when needed. Here are a few subject areas that are crucial to maintaining your horses health.
Floating Teeth
Floating the teeth is important for the overall health of your horse and to ensure its comfort. The process of floating the teeth is done to remove any sharp hooks made in the teeth by the horses’ way of chewing. These sharp hooks can cause sores within the mouth tissue. Signs that your horses’ teeth need floated can be that he is losing weight unexplainably or dropping food while eating.
Hooves
Horses hooves require trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy feet. Hoof trimming can be done by a professional farrier or blacksmith, or can be learned by horse owners through hoof care courses or through the teachings of a professional. Healthy and cared for feet keep horses sound and happy. For most horses, when they are travelling over different surfaces or being used for sport, will require horseshoes to protect their feet from damage. Your veterinarian will have the best recommendations for local hoof care providers.
Deworming
It is important to deworm your horse regularly to prevent the accumulation of internal parasites. Rotating deworming products helps to provide full coverage for every species of worms. It is usually recommended to deworm your horse once per season, unless your horse develops symptoms of worms such as weight loss, rubbing of tail, diarrhea or constipation, rough hair coat or trouble shedding winter coat, and more. Talk to your veterinarian about your horses’ personal deworming schedule, or if you suspect your horse has a severe infestation.
Feed
A consistent feed program that provides maximum forage feeding options will have the best impact on your horse’s overall health. Your horses’ digestive health and general ability to meet his performance demands depend on the quality and quantity of feed provided for him. A diet of at least 1% of his body weight in hay or grass, with additionally a complete balanced feed supplementing his vitamins, minerals – and requirements of protein, fat, and fiber, will ensure he is at the top of his condition and capabilities.
Providing your horse with the best maintenance to support his health will ensure he stays healthy, sound, and happily performs his job properly for years to come!
What Type of Garden Best Suits Your Needs?
Are you interested in starting your own garden, but aren’t sure where to start, and what type of garden would work for you? Here we’ll share information about different types of gardens, and hopefully help you choose the type that best suits your needs!
Edible Gardens
Edible gardens are perfect for those who want to grow their own fruits and vegetables! The great thing about this kind of garden is that it doesn’t have to be complicated and you can do it in containers that you already own! If you are in an apartment and have a balcony, you can still grow edible plants like tomatoes, herbs, and even edible flowers.
Urban Gardens
Urban gardens are great for those who have access to a small years, balcony, or roof. They are gardens that don’t take up much space, but still allow you to perk up and beautify a small space to grow certain fruits or veggies. Be cautious of rooftop gardens, as you must take into account the weather conditions that could vary depending on the height of your building. Choose plants that can thrive in light, strong winds, and heat.
Environmental Gardens
There are many types of environmental gardens, you just need to find the type that interests you the most and matches your gardening goals!
Pollinating Gardens
Pollinating gardens contain a multitude of plants, flowers and shrubs which attract the insects and animals responsible for pollination. Some familiar friends you may find in these types of gardens are garden butterflies, bees and birds, to name a few.
Wildlife Garden
The wildlife garden attracts small animals and insects and allows them to survive on the plants and flowers found there.
Japanese Gardens
Japanese gardens, unlike other types of gardens, remains simplistic in its design. Water is an important part of this type of garden, such as streams or ponds. If you have a large lot, you could even add bamboo features like a bridge or create stone trails for some extra design added to your space! These gardens are relaxing, and will allow you to have a zen space only a few steps from the house.
Water Gardens
If your property allows, a water garden can add a peaceful and original touch to your backyard. Whether it’s a small pond, or a waterfall, you will be sure to find many kinds of moisture-loving aquatic plants, like water lilies and cattails. Not all fields however can accommodate this type of garden of course. It’s important to check with your municipality to make sure the project is doable !
Tropical Garden
Tropical gardens are surprisingly easy to create and feature many famous plants, such as Geraniums and Cannas or even palm trees (although you likely aren’t seeing these anywhere in the Maritimes). If you want a colourful and original garden, this might be the perfect type for you! However, make sure you have the space to plant several species of plants for added diversity to your garden.
Woodland Gardens
A woodland type of garden consists of a wooden garden which groups together trees and wildflowers. It is the perfect kind of garden if you have a rather shady space because the plants they have thrive well without direct sunlight.
In conclusion, there are a ton of different types of gardens, you just need to choose the one that you find yourself most passionate about and that best meets your needs and gardening goals! Of course, when you are developing a garden, it’s important to take into account the space you have available and the type of soil on your land. Budget correctly to ensure you have the materials required for whichever design you choose. Big or small, we have everything you need to get equipped with starting and maintaining your garden! Ask one of our Experts in-store to know how we can get you started!
