Can a bird feeder be too small
When prioritizing a smaller bird feeder don't make it so its that compact, wild birds are unable to perch or cling as a small feeder would feature smaller parts or finer wire gaps.
Don't be afraid to use a small bird feeder but it can be a too small bird feeder if its compact, lightweight and simply kicks off birds whenever they attempt to feed. Big bird feeders benefit birds because it can be stabilized, whereas what would be a too small seed bird feeder will only swing and sway in the wind.
What is likely to be only a too small seed feeder in your bird feeder arsenal, no other common bird feeder is likely to be made to small, it ends up being too light to use.
What makes a good bird feeder of any kind is a size up allows even less able birds at feeders to safely but easily cling on wire or land on an available perch.
If the bird feeder is made too small the wire gaps would be tinier along with perch being shorter, which is the nature of making smaller bird feeders.
On the plus side a small bird feeder can deter larger birds but, in the end it may be needed in order to satisfy your landlord when seeking permission to put up a bird feeder outside your apartment window or balcony.
Where you end up placing your bird feeder would be hanging off a tree branch or most probably a bird feeder pole in the center of the lawn. Neither location would be kind to a small but lightweight bird feeder whenever the wind pick up.
Smaller bird feeders don't reduce bird feed waste either nor does it mean they're easier to clean and maintain.
Medium size bird feeder is a better option as you can use less or more bird food depending on its popularity.
Bird feeder can be too compact
I do believe a bird feeder can be too small when attempting to grab the attention small to medium size birds to notice the feeder in your yard
What constitutes a small, compact bird feeder isn't commonly found in-store, but where you can buy it the too small seed bird feeder can only discourage birds who would want to feed - but end up getting kicked off every time they try.
Bird feeders for seeds would likely be the culprit of a small feeder type, thus its vital you always go a size up if you feel its just not big enough.
Going a size up causes no hard and if you like, you only need to fill the feeder up part of the way to reduce bird feed waste.
Large bird feeders aren't an invitation to use more bird food whereas a small bird feeder still doesn't have to use as much feed.
With the bird seed feeder capacity being far too low, where else birds can struggle is attempting to perch on what would be a too small surround or wire mesh to cling on to, plus any a too short perch situated near the port wells.
On the plus side, a small bird feeder can be used to stop large birds raiding the feeders like pigeons and ground feeding crows, but it could also lead to medium size birds like Cardinals struggling to feed.
Bigger feeder can be stabilized
Bird feeders can be too small but you are unlikely to find a too compact feeder on the market - and if you do its likely to be made for wild bird seeds.
What the difference between a small and large bird feeder - or even a medium to large size feeder - is, the bigger the capacity the more likely the feeder can be stabilized as it hangs freely in the air.
Small bird feeders even if filled to the top won't provide enough weight for the feeder to stay put as it hangs.
Whereby a corresponding hefty, fill to the brim seed feeder would stabilize better as it hangs, with the wire or chain its hung off remaining fully taught.
Small bird feeders full to the top or when they become a little on the empty side can begin to swirl or swing as they hang - its therefore safe to say this is another reason why bird feeders can be too small.
Smaller size hanging bird feeders will swing as birds attempt to safely cling or perch, which can be difficult even if stabilized - thus a small feeder would have to be stabilized to stop it spinning or swinging to at least give birds a chance.
What could be an example of a small bird feeder could indeed by a suet cake feeder, and although its a popular choice on the bird feeder pole, a suet cake feeder does have a size disadvantage as its inaccessible to most birds.
With that it would be up to you stabilize the suet feeder by leaning it or wedging it on a branch - with the possibility of laying it down on a platform feeder instead.
Less bird food waste
When people choose a bird feeder based on size the concern is it requires too much bird food for it to be used, when this couldn't be further from the truth.
Small, medium or large size common bird feeders don't need filling up all the way at all; they don't need to be replenished half way up or only in third - how high you fill a seed, peanut or how many suet cakes you use at one time is entirely up to you.
Smaller bird feeders will not reduce waste, only using the correct amount of bird food at one time can prevent bird food being thrown away.
On the plus side, a super small bird feeder can cater to a small number of wild birds on a daily basis, whilst its kept secured behind a cage to keep squirrel off the bird feeder, as it hangs off a branch or pole.
With large birds struggling to access a small but hanging bird feeder especially, there's no possibility of wasting bird food to unwanted pests - or at least its easier to put defenses in place.
With exception of Hummingbird feeder
Where a bird feeder can be on the small side is when its made available for hummingbirds, as their own specific nectar-filled feeder can be smaller than you know it.
What size hummingbird feeder is best for hummers can be the smallest which would correlate to a 2 to 4 port well feeder - whereas a 16 to 30 port well hummingbird feeder would correspond to a nectar-filled reservoir unlikely to be used up before it spoils.
Hummingbirds are a super small common backyard bird in which they only feed on the type of feeder that proves it so.
Hummingbird feeders can't be too small for hummingbirds but when you receive an abundance of hummers at the small feeder - then for sure the feeder is too small which you would need an upgrade.
Size difference between a hummingbird and oriole is noticeable whenever an oriole perches on a hummingbird feeder, whereby an oriole appear absolutely huge.
When a hummingbird perches on an almost identical oriole feeder, then this time the hummingbird would appear teeny weenie.
Bird feeders can be too small when holding regular bird food like seeds or nuts, as it can be hard to stabilize - yet won't allow even the smaller birds to safely perch to feed.
Whereas a hummingbird feeder is only going to be used for hummers which is the important thing, despite the other birds hummingbird feeders attract.
Summary
When we are talking about too small bird feeders for seeds or peanuts, then they do risk being too small because compact bird feeders are difficult to stabilize.
Small means the feeder is going to be lightweight which as you may know, even a heavy, larger feeder can swing or sway violently in the wind.
What chance do you stand when utilizing a small bird feeder that only crashes about whenever the wind picks up. Don't use what you feel to be a feeder that is too small when a size up is better suited to the outdoors.
Light, small, and what would probably a seed bird feeder, would appear like a child's toy outdoors; with birds unable to cling or perch because its too compact - yet it can be made difficult as it moves around.
Where a bird feeder can be small would relate to a suet cake feeder, although due to its size a cage type feeder is better used if stabilized against a branch.
Birds can use a super small bird feeder but remember it can kick off everyone else, with the bird feeder in question simply not being used enough.
Small bird feeder doesn't mean less bird food waste either, because even a super large feeder can simply just use far less feed.
Hummingbird feeders are an example of a small bird feeder as its made to fit a super small bird, thus a too small bird feeder won't apply to feeders for hummingbirds.
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