4 replies to this topic

[chelsbird]

Hey folks,

So I just moved and set up my hopper feeder at my new place. Problem is, I've had black oil sunflower seed in it since Thursday, and no birds. I sprinkled some on the ground all around it, and still no birds. I know for a fact there are woodpeckers, native sparrows, and who knows what else all around me. I live at the base of the foothills in Colorado, so pretty much we are swamped with birds around here! The seed was purchased at a chain pet store, howerver, and smells really funny. Last time I bought black oil, it didn't smell like much at all. Hopefully, I've got some really smart birds who won't eat it before I have time to clean it out. Anyone have experience with buying bad seed? I'm definitely going to demand my money back if you guys agree and buy seed at Wild Birds Unlimited from now on....

(Also, I should note that the bird feeder could only be hung from one place--a big tree, because I live in a townhome with a very small 15/15 ft dirt backyard...which I thought might be affecting the birdies decision to stop by. I also have a dog, but he's only out there when he as to "go" haha).


Thanks!!!!!

[meghann]

I'd trust your gut instinct. If you sniff it, and alarm bells are going off in your head, even tiny ones, then listen to them.

[spookyjimjams]

Agreed. But chances are, the birds haven't discovered it yet.

[Wren]

I bought seed from a large box store and the birds just quit coming. I had a lot of activity before and some was even fairly old seed. I suspected bad seed, even though I didn't smell anything, so I replaced it with new seed from a good pet store. Birds were back the next day.

Definitely no more "cheap" seed from big box stores for me!

[MockMock]

I have noticed that when my black oil sunflower seeds are in the feeder for more than a few days, little bugs are amongst the seed and the seeds have tiny holes in the shells. When this happens, the number of birds that visit drastically reduces. As soon as I replace the seed, they all come back. Talk about some spoiled birds!