Many people who live in apartments love birds and want to be able to feed them right outside their windows. Bird feeding allows you to connect with nature and watch beautiful birds up close. However, there are some important factors to consider before putting up a bird feeder at your apartment. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over everything you need to know about having a bird feeder at an apartment, including the pros and cons, rules and regulations, types of feeders, and tips for success.
The Pros of a Bird Feeder at an Apartment
There are many benefits to having a bird feeder if you live in an apartment:
- Entertainment – Watching birds at a feeder is endlessly entertaining. You’ll get to see different species up close and observe their interesting behaviors and interactions.
- Relaxation – For many people, watching birds is a calming, stress-relieving activity. Having a feeder outside your window provides a relaxing escape without leaving home.
- Learning – As you get to know the bird species in your area, you’ll start identifying them by sight and sound. A feeder lets you learn more about birds first-hand.
- Connecting with nature – Bird feeding allows you to interact with wildlife daily and feel more connected to the natural world, even in an urban setting.
- Helping birds – By providing food, water, and shelter at your feeder, you can supplement birds’ natural food supplies and help support local bird populations.
In short, a bird feeder can make your time at home more enjoyable while also benefiting wild birds. The entertainment, relaxation, education, and connection with nature that bird feeding provides are significant perks for any apartment dweller.
The Cons of a Bird Feeder at an Apartment
However, there are also some potential downsides associated with bird feeders:
- Mess – Seed shells and debris dropping below the feeder can clutter your patio/balcony. Bird droppings on railings or windows are also messy.
- Upkeep – You’ll need to keep seed stocked, clean the feeder regularly, and sweep up debris. This requires time and effort.
- Pests – Bird feeders can attract rodents or insects looking for an easy meal.
- Annoy neighbors – Some neighbors may view feeders as messy or attracting pests. Seeds/droppings landing on their patios could upset them.
- Cost – Buying bird food, feeders, accessories adds up over time. Improper storage can lead to wasted seed.
- Begging birds – Aggressive species may hang around begging for more food once you start feeding.
- Hawk attacks – Feeders draw in hawks looking for an easy snack, which some find upsetting.
These potential issues don’t mean you shouldn’t have a feeder, just that you need to take steps to minimize problems. With some effort and common sense, bird feeding can be clean, controlled, and considerate of neighbors.
Rules and Regulations for Bird Feeders at Apartments
Before installing any feeder, it’s important to understand your apartment complex’s rules regarding them. Many apartments prohibit leaving anything on patios or balconies for safety and aesthetic reasons. Others have policies about what feeders are allowed. Be sure to thoroughly check your lease agreement and building regulations.
You should also have a conversation with your property manager to go over any concerns. Explain that you’ll take steps to keep the feeder clean and prevent pest issues. If your landlord or building doesn’t allow feeders, ask if they would reconsider with certain rules in place. Some things to offer:
- Putting down seed catchers below the feeder
- Selecting a small, low-capacity feeder
- Only filling with enough for a day’s worth of food
- Cleaning frequently to prevent build up
- Moving the feeder if any issues arise
If you have upstairs neighbors, talk to them too. Address any worries about seeds or droppings falling below. You can put your feeder in a spot less likely to impact them directly. Communication, compromise, and consideration can go a long way in getting approval for a bird feeder.
Best Types of Bird Feeders for Apartments
If your apartment allows bird feeders, choosing the right style is key. The best apartment feeders are:
- Tube feeders – These cylindrical feeders with perches and feeding ports are compact, tidy, and easy to use. Tube feeders prevent waste and accommodate many small birds.
- Suet feeders – Offering nutritious suet cakes for insect-eating birds, these feeders aren’t too messy. Use screened bottoms to catch crumbs.
- Hopper or house feeders – These covered feeders protect seed from getting wet. Birds access the seed through slots, avoiding too much spillage.
- Window feeders – Attaching a feeder with suction cups right to your window gives up-close viewing. Use leak-proof trays.
- Oriole feeders – Nectar feeders with small perches are perfect for attracted colorful orioles. The nectar doesn’t leave much mess.
Avoid large open tray or platform feeders which can waste a lot of seed. Also skip mesh bags which allow damp, moldy build up. Select a feeder style suited to your target bird species and apartment considerations.
Best Bird Feeder Placement Tips
Where you position your apartment feeder matters:
- Hang it from a patio cover, awning, or bracket 2-5 feet off the ground. This deters predators while giving you viewing access.
- Place it several feet from trees, fences, or walls so birds have a clear approach. They are vulnerable to ambush while feeding.
- Avoid locations above high-traffic paths were seeds may bother passersby. Give it a clear drop zone.
- For window feeders, place them on windows you can easily access for cleaning. South-facing windows offer warmer perches in winter.
- Select a spot protected from heavy rain and wind which can damage feeders. Use weather guards if needed.
- Consider sun exposure. Avoid extremely hot sunny spots that could spoil seed. But also pick somewhere with some daily sun to dry dampness.
Take some time to observe bird traffic patterns and sunshine/shade in your yard. Then choose the optimal feeder location to attract birds while minimizing problems.
Tips for Bird Feeding Success at an Apartment
Follow these tips to get the most enjoyment from your apartment bird feeder:
- Start with quality bird food and fresh seed. Discard moldy seed. Store properly in cool, dry place.
- Fill your feeder only with enough for a day or two to prevent spoiling. Don’t let seed sit wet.
- Clean feeders thoroughly every 2-4 weeks with soap and water. Rinse well and let dry completely.
- Use a seed catcher, tray, or tarp below feeders to catch falling debris. Remove build up daily.
- Sweep patios/balconies regularly to prevent accumulation of mess. Discard seed hulls.
- Soak feeders in a 10% bleach solution 1-2 times a month to kill bacteria.
- Monitor for pest problems. Remove feeders temporarily if issues can’t be resolved.
- Consider suet feeders in summer when seed spoils rapidly. Nectar feeders also avoid waste.
- Don’t leave uneaten food out at night when rodents are active. Remove feeders before dusk.
- Sprinkle seed on the ground away from patios to reduce begging/loitering birds.
- Use squirrel guards to prevent squirrel access which leaves a mess. Weight poles to deter squirrels.
With smart bird feeding practices, you can enjoy your feeder while keeping problems to a minimum. Be vigilant about cleaning, storage, and monitoring to make your feeder a success.
Conclusion
Bird feeding can be an extremely rewarding activity for apartment dwellers who want to connect with nature and watch beautiful birds up close. Feeders provide daily entertainment and relaxation right outside home windows. However, you need to select suitable styles for apartments, follow rules and regulations, and implement best practices to keep your feeder clean and well-maintained.
With appropriate feeder placement, cleaning routines, pest prevention, and seed storage, bird feeding can be manageable even in a small urban space. Apartment bird feeding allows you to enjoy feeding birds while also supporting local bird populations. Following the guidance in this article sets you up for success. With some effort and planning, you can responsibly feed birds on an apartment patio or balcony. The joy of watching birds outweighs the small commitment needed to maintain your feeder properly.