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Problem solver

Why aren’t birds coming to my feeder?

A quiet feeder does not always mean something is wrong. Work through food quality, season, safety, placement, and habitat before making big changes.

Six likely causes

  1. The food is stale, wet, or poorly matched to local birds
  2. Birds have abundant natural food right now
  3. The feeder is too exposed or difficult to approach
  4. A predator or frequent disturbance is nearby
  5. The feeder needs cleaning
  6. Recent landscaping removed useful cover

Quick reset

Empty and clean the feeder, add a small amount of fresh food appropriate for common local birds, and observe from a distance for several days.

When to pause feeding

If birds appear ill or local wildlife authorities report a disease event, follow current official guidance. Cleaning and temporary removal may be recommended.

Improve the whole habitat

Feeders work best as one part of a yard that also offers clean water, native plants, natural food, and protective cover.

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