Boxes should face open spaces, the edge of woods is ok. Another thing that works for flea infestations and mite infestations is to kill them with heat. Should old nests be removed from bird boxes? Maintaining your box We recommend that old nests be removed in the autumn, from September onwards once the birds have. Are you supposed to clean out bird houses? NestWatch suggests cleaning out nest boxes or birdhouses at the end of the breeding season. Remember to clean out bird houses annually. Protect the box from predators. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. But. Creating a welcome home for wrens, bluebirds, purple martins and many more, they are a quick and easy way to make your yard more bird friendly. That's the ingenious part. Stop feeding for a while. Think bird bath ideas, too, to keep them happy. Mountain Bluebirds are migration birds, but have a small year round area. Depending on the types of birds that have used the house, it may be ready for cleaning as early as late summer. Abundant Food – Please do not use pesticides and deprive Bluebirds of their natural food source-insects. Put hummingbird feeders out early to attract the first seasonal migrants. 2. I kept the softer material and took out the sticks so it will be warm for them in winter. Ruby-throated hummingbirds especially love red or orange tubular flowers, such as those found on. The remnants of a Bluebird nest from last. If your house shows the beginnings of mold or mildew, you can clean it. Others succeed the first day the house is up. If you want to be ready for early roosting birds in the late fall and. Cleaning bird houses is a task that should be performed at least once a year. And in fact, it’s not as easy to answer as yes or no. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. Find out more: BTO is a Registered Charity, Number 216652 (England & Wales), SC039193. While many people assume that birds have already finished nesting by this point in the year, there are actually a few reasons why it may still be beneficial to clean out your bird houses. Try to build a roost box using plans available on the Internet. Also, Tree Swallows and Bluebirds might nest in a martin house as well. This house has a 1. At least once a year, but preferably twice a year the birdhouse needs to be cleaned out. Barn swallows are excellent for keeping insect populations at bay. Once the houses have been set up, monitor the trail and clean out the house after each brood to encourage more nesting activity. It is important that the hinged roof can be opened easily for cleaning out the box at the end of the season – nest boxes should be cleaned out between 1 September and 31 January; easy access also. Plants, especially Missouri native plants, should be an important part of your plan to attract hummingbirds. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. Here are four simple steps to prevent them from entering the vents: Clean the area around the vents and remove any debris. 0. Clean out spring and summer nesting material in the late summer to make way for birds that will use a bird house through the winter. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. That’s why birds like to flock to clean bird feeders and use bird baths. I had no idea birds could scream so. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. In fact, that is among the biological similarities between mammals and birds, too. If not, add more flour or melted suet if necessary. This keeps them accessible for refilling, but out of the reach of hungry bears. Watch out for deer mice. I find the center and go about 1" below. In terms of timing, it’s important to clean out the box after the young have fledged. 5. Birds Make Gracious Tenants! With a little effort and a lot of fun you will have the most popular house on your. More often, birds will clean it out themselves, it would. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. If the peanut butter is too thick to spread well, it can be warmed up slightly to make it softer, but be sure to use a microwave-safe. , if you’re cleaning out a nest box) in a place where they won’t attract insects to the nest area. Boiling water can be used to kill any parasites remaining in the box, but remember to leave the lid off for a while for it to try out. It's a good idea to clean out your nest box once the young birds have fledgedfledgedFledging is the stage in a flying animal's life between hatching or birth and becoming capable of flight. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. If you paint your birdhouse, birds aren’t picky about color, but stay away from black or. 56-inch entrance hole that is just right for small birds to get in and too small for unwanted birds. Most of the comments don’t sound like they are really capable of caring for a bird. Press some peanut butter between rows of scales, filling in larger gaps. Wrens may have 1-2 broods per year, so keep this in mind before taking down the house. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Mountain Bluebirds are migration birds, but have a small year round area. Regularly clean feeders and bird baths once a week to prevent disease spread. This article gives tips and advice on how to go about it. Tree hollows created by rot or other animals and birds (especially woodpeckers) are a go-to choice. This article gives tips and advice on how to go about it. Fertilize. 125" opening to accommodate both house wrens and chickadees while keeping. Put out hummingbird feeders in late February or early March in the Deep South, which includes areas like northern Florida and southern Georgia. up down out, up down out, closer, closer, hooting, calling, his eyes burnt white now as his head. 2. Indeed, it is not illegal to make this kind of bird a house pet, but only if the valley quails come from a breeder. White and terracotta suspended Birdball bird house from Green&Blue. Top 5 Hummingbird Houses and Nesters. Safety – Check there are no sharp edges, or moving joints in which a bird. At minimum, cleaning should be done prior to nesting season in the spring so you could wait until. Cleaning out is not necessary at all, but as the article states above, it’s a good practice. Most birds don’t reuse their old nests, no matter how clean they are. In this cleaning solutions. Then simply melt 1 cup of lard or suet in a saucepan and then mix with 2 cups of bird. Hummingbirds are used to sucking the nectar fresh out of the flowers, and they are not used to stale liquids. Many people in the United States like to face their birdhouses east, which is usually opposite strong winds and the intense afternoon sun. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. We use the cordless drill to unscrew the top or a side of the house. Creating a welcome home for wrens, bluebirds, purple martins and many more, they are a quick and easy way to make your yard more bird friendly. Vinegar solution – First, be sure to clean out old nests from your birdhouse and give it a dry brushing to remove debris. The remnants of a Bluebird nest from last. The house wren species doesn’t migrate very far, with many staying in the southern United States during the winter months. Therefore we needed additional. If you don’t take down the house, plug the entry holes to keep late season birds from entering. You can remove the old material nesting material during the day when they aren't roosting. Keep a close watch on the birds to make sure they have completely fledged (left the nest) before attempting to clean. Habitat. Most birds do not eat these grains, except for nonnative House Sparrows, which many people try to avoid attracting anyway. You can d. Baffles placed above and below the house can help deter predators such as raccoons, rats, and snakes, and the birdhouse itself should be designed to be safe. Audubon Red Cedar Bird House$21. The scientists concluded that the birds’ bare skin helped them regulate their body temperatures because the skin rapidly loses heat. Some bluebirds prefer to build new nests in a clean nest box. Bird House Feeder. Step 4. In nature, when bluebirds find a natural cavity to nest in (such as in an old tree or fence post), no one is going to clean out their old nest. A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on the birdhouse in question and make sure you don't see any birds going in and out of the birdhouse for at least a week before you take it down or open it up. The Northern Cardinals eat mosquitoes, bugs, dragonflies, snails, stink bugs, beetles, leafhoppers, and grasshoppers. Their models fit the criteria for a good birdhouse to the T and they’re available. They also like nesting in human-made birdhouses. The house sparrow, Passer domesticus, is one of the most familiar, widespread birds in the world. A painted, decorated birdhouse may be cute, but unvarnished cedar, pine or redwood will get more use. Replacing the bird house with one you can manage (clean up, check inside, etc. Hang the bird feeders high above the reach of bears. Check out 16 delightful pictures of wrens, and discover. Many species are protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which “makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a. Generally, small songbirds need small houses; large birds require large houses. It's best to drill the back holes about 30-degrees and the front around 40, to welcome the angle of the roof. Coat the Cone With Peanut Butter. If your hummingbirds empty the feeder with greater frequency, clean it every time it’s empty. Price: $20. Barn swallows are excellent for keeping insect populations at bay. Cleaning is made easy thanks to the the slide out metal tray at the bottom of the cage and convenient access to the interior space through the large main door. This involves removing all nesting material and soaking and scrubbing the house with a bleach solution of one part. In California, state codes 3503 and 3503. 125" opening to accommodate both house wrens and chickadees while keeping. Another way to get rid of common grackle birds, especially if you have an orchard, would be to use grackle-repellent gel . MSU Extension’s Elliot Nelson says there’s no clear-cut answer, but basic maintenance of nest boxes is necessary. Put things away: At night, use a laundry basket to collect all toys, blankets, clothing, etc. Your Birdhouse Entrance Hole Isn’t The Right Size. Birds particularly appreciate fatty, high-energy foods during the cold. The houses should be mounted according to the recommendations above. Its essential then to always clean out your bird house to make way for roosting birds later on in the year. . Why You Should Be Cleaning Vacant Bird Houses. [As an aside, I am really happy with my More Birds brand Ruby model hummingbird. Then, drill matching holes on the back. If you supply bird feeders in your yard keep the bird houses away from the feeders. You should probably allow 2 to 3 inches from the bottom to the entrance hole. Wrens may have 1-2 broods per year, so keep this in mind before taking down the house. Transmitter packages must weigh less than 5 percent of the weight of the bird that is to carry them—and a full-grown Ovenbird weighs just 16–28 grams. I kept the softer material and took out the sticks so it will be warm for them in winter. TOPICS : Old nest must be. Picking a Color for Your Bird Feeder or Bird House Gray, dull green, tan, or brown , are colors. For altricial birds, those that spend more time in vulnerable condition in the nest, the nestling and fledging stage can be the same. x 8-3/4 in. And these birds are fierce competitors to the martin. I had a chickadee nest in one of my bluebird houses. RELATED: AVOID These 5 “Filler” Foods Found in Birdseed Mixes! #2. FALL BIRD FEEDING TIPSHow to keep birds out of attic vents. Setting up a motion-activated sprinkler system near the bird feeder is another strategy to keep doves away. They have a program called nest watch and along with that they provide plans on specific birds and the bird houses that are best suited for them. Take a hose and rinse out any mud or sticking objects. [1] The side panels will be slanted at the top to create the classic bird box shape. Even if you aren't a birding enthusiast, you will quickly recognize this smallish bird (about 6 inches from head to tip. Clean out the bird house in fall, but early September is best. Look for minimal designs. Make a hole large enough for a bird near the bottom of the gourd, then hang from a tree using heavy-duty string or twine. Bluebirds build a nest within the bird house made up of dry grass and straw. Learn how, why, and when to clean out birdhouses and nesting boxes to help provide a safe and nurturing home for birds and their young ones. The tree swallow has benefited from the popularity of bluebirds, because it can use the same size and style of nest box as bluebirds do. Good housekeeping of the bird box is also good practice. Birdhouses will better be installed in late summer and early autumn, the prime time when the majority of birds will swarm out searching for potential nesting sites. 99 (set of 3) This teardrop shaped small birdhouses are hand-woven from dried natural hibiscus grass. Remember that every bird leaves tons of clues about its identity in its nest. Blue tits are also avid users of nesting boxes, providing they’re mounted more than 1m off the ground and are neither too obstructed nor too. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Your Birdhouse’s Previous Nest Hasn’t Been Cleaned Out. Then, when should you clean out bird houses?Once breeding season is over—usually by mid-August—its a good idea to clean out the. Treatment of a poisoned bird: First of all, change the cage, pots for water and give the bird a drop of milk, egg white, oat porridge or mucus of linseed. 4. If you want to put a bird house in a tree, hang it from a branch. Use exterior wood glue and 1in. The easiest are birdhouses with one side hinged or that lifts out. • 4" x 4": Best for chickadees, wrens, titmice, and nuthatches. Making sure that each nest box in your garden is as comfortable and friendly as possible is the best way to ensure you get repeat visitors. Find out more: BTO is a Registered Charity, Number 216652 (England & Wales), SC039193 (Scotland). Unlike inverted feeders, saucer feeders are easy to fill and clean and are more resistant to leaks. All Nature's Way wren houses have a 1 1/8" opening to accommodate both house wrens and chickadees while keeping unwanted larger birds out. Marie Read Like other cavity-nesting birds, tree swallows will accept nest boxes if you put them up. Birds certainly need a place to rest and get out of bad weather in the warmer months, but during the winter finding warm, dry places to roost is critical. If there is food around they will stay in winter. Build your nest box so that it is easily maintained. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Wooden Bird House for Finch Bluebird Cardinals Outside Wood Bird Houses Hanging Birdhouse Garden Bird Cottages Easy to Clean. Made of ceramic, they offer a stylish, sculptural shape that is inspired by the natural form of bird's nests. Thoroughly cleaning deteriorated nests and any remnants is recommended to prevent attracting colonies in the future. Using a tape measure and a ruler, measure out the 2 side panels, then use a saw to cut them out. August is time to clean. 2. I like to scrub mine down entirely. Photo of Mountain Bluebird eggs by Anne Elliott via Birdshare. The purple martin houses will get pretty dirty both inside and out from them sitting on top of it. Perhaps you’ve seen these pretty little passerine birds flying in and out of an open barn or shed. But if you set up the birdhouse early in the spring, then you may have the chance. Birdhouses provide a safe haven for birds by giving them a place to build their nests that is out of reach from these predators. The house or English sparrow is the most common bird in cities. Hello, We recommend cleaning out nest boxes at least once a year, but cleaning out between broods is up to you. First used on mammals in the late 1950s, the devices had to be radically lightened to work on birds. Kenn and Kimberly: Cleaning is an important part of being a responsible bird host. They like to make nests in the boxes too. The reason the birds have stopped visiting your feeders might be because your food has gone bad. All Nature's Way wren houses have a 1 1/8" opening to accommodate both house wrens and chickadees while keeping unwanted larger birds out. 4. Although it is advised that you clean your birdhouse out once a year, it may not be completely necessary. This way it's also lower from the entrance hole and likely warmer for them. People have long enjoyed watching that nesting cycle, and. S. Making sure that the nectar remains fresh is vital. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. Bird #5: Northern Cardinal. Leave it outside to dry with the nest box door open for about 24 hours. Birds needs to drink and, if possible, bathe even in the winter. 25" x 13". California’s official state bird is the California quail, and this avian species is beautiful enough to become human pets. Photo by tommaync is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. 1 – 5-1/2 in. The SZM Wood birdhouse features premium natural materials and high-quality handcrafting. 'Wood is the best material for bird houses, the. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Construct the birdhouse with a roof or floor that can be easily removed so that you can reach inside to clean it. Are you supposed to clean out bird houses? NestWatch suggests cleaning out nest boxes or birdhouses at the end of the breeding season. There are a few times a year that you will want to deep clean bird boxes: right after breeding season and right before breeding season. Give your bird bath a good cleaning. If you don’t attract orioles in your first year, keep at it. End of Season When the nesting period ends, do a full-fledged deep cleaning of your beloved birdhouses. Meanwhile, others claim you can lend a helping hand to birds by cleaning the birdhouse of any buildup that could cause parasites. Yellowing leaves. Yes, please, after the current brood is out, make the bird house unavailable for the bluebirds. If it's sparsely feathered and not capable of hopping, walking, flitting, or gripping tightly to your finger, it's a nestling. A short stubby perch will be too small to assist most predators. 9 in) wide and 20 cm (7. It doesn't leak. All that’s left to do now is reassemble the birdhouse back together. To clean a bird. Get rid of all old nesting materials, make a solution of nine parts water and one part bleach, and rinse it with the solution pretty well. A male wren will build a nest out of sticks and perch on the branches above the house to attract a female. Established lawns; Indoor plants; Persimmons and pomegranates before dormancy; Chrysanthemums; SprayOnce the nest is “inactive”—that is, there are no viable eggs or live young—it is safe, and legal, to clean out a nest. Introduction. FAQS. Equipment costs will depreciate over a 10-year period and housing costs over a 20-year period. Day 0: Bluebird eggs 1 day before hatching. Don’t be surprised to find eggs in. The classic bird house is a great choice for the backyard. An earlier nesting period is more common in warmer parts of the country. Open the clean-out door of your bird house and clean out any old nesting material or debris. It also uses solar energy storage to keep the fountain running. If you paint your birdhouse, birds aren’t picky about color, but stay away from black or. 3. How to attract birds to your yard or garden; How to attract hummingbirds to your yard; Guide to what birds eat; A guide to wild bird seed and food; Backyard birding equipment. Setting up a nesting box in your yard can provide an essential nesting area for the members of many species of birds. These houses have lower entrances and pegs to stand on inside the house. So, bluebirds will naturally build a second nest on top of their old one. Boiling water can be used to kill any parasites remaining in the box, but remember to leave the lid off for a while for it to try out. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. Depending on the bird house plans you’re using, you’ll probably follow a few key steps when building a standard wooden bird house. Birds and dirt just don’t mix well. Use the advice above to ensure that birds will be attracted to the birdhouse. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. When should you clean out your bird house? We recommend that you clean your birdhouses out a minimum of once a year Cleaning prior to nesting season is a priority but nesting boxes can be cleaned out after every brood has fledged. Clean out after each brood. Deer Mice often make their nests in Bluebird boxes. Clean out bird houses and bird feeders. 03 of 12. It's a good idea to clean out your nest box once the young birds have fledgedfledgedFledging is the stage in a flying animal's life between hatching or birth and becoming capable of flight. Homemade Bird Houses. Coat the ceiling of the nest box with bar soap to deter wasps. May 2, 2021 by Birds & Wild Should birdhouses be cleaned out? I hear you ask. Most bird experts will tell you that the best time to clean out bird nest boxes is during autumn, when birds are no longer using the box. Step 4: Listen to the breathing pattern. Don’t keep abusing the bird because it doesn’t cuddle up to you. Mid to late fall is the ideal time to be sure all bird houses are cleaned. I was so happy! Before I knew it, 4 eggs had been laid! I couldn't wait. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make Use of Water Sprinklers or Sprayers. They would rebuild a nest yearly. The bird will stay calmer and move less, therefore not hurting itself. When creating a bird house for the Chickadee, it would be best to make use of Red Cedar. Cut old berry canes and tie the new canes to support wires. Wash any dishes by hand from the night before. If your birdbath has a bubbler, even better. Having a clean wren birdhouse is important because it helps the birds stay healthy and can attract more wrens to your yard. 20 is a lot to have around but families may stick together. Build this birdhouse. A: In hot weather, the feeder should be emptied and cleaned twice per week. Then, take a cleaning solution like a Purple Martin house cleaner and scrub the outside of the house and inside of each cavity. Press some peanut butter between rows of scales, filling in larger gaps. $34. There is always a need for nesting places, and bluebirds will take anything that looks suitable for nesting. BIRDS CHOICE: We currently operate out of a 50,000 square feet manufacturing facility in Chilton, WI, employs 45 awesome team members, and remains committed to designing and creating the best darn products in our niches. Some bluebirds prefer to build new nests in a clean nest box. Although bluebirds can start nesting as early as February, the best time to see them is in April, May, or even June. It may require a little effort. 08 states that it is illegal to agitate birds. , barns), next to farmland or open fields. So yup, i would clean it out when i knew it was 100% done being used (I agree with the wait for Sept. Essential Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Habitat for Feathered Friends. These types of nesting boxes are best installed in open, wooden structures (e. Bird Baths and Bird Houses; Planters and Pots; SPRING GARDEN PLANT CARE. Even if it is not nesting season, birds may investigate the house, learn where it is, and possibly use it as shelter. Typically, it is advised to clean them right after the breeding season in September and again in early March, right before the next breeding season begins. The classic bird house is a great choice for the backyard. For altricial birds, those that spend more time in vulnerable condition in the nest,. Once it's completely cleaned out, let it sit for a day or two in the sun until it's dry. Place the clean cocoons on paper towels to examine them. Cleaning with hot tap water works fine, or use a weak vinegar solution. A. Because wasps, mice or other things that are potentially harmful may be in the box, never stick your hands inside if you can’t see the interior clearly. You will find chickadees in mixed and deciduous forests, parks, cottonwood groves, and open woods. If you have made the effort to build a birdhouse or nesting box for your yard or garden, it is probably because you care for birds. A decaying bird will begin to smell- and that will be the first sign that something is wrong. Yes, please, after the current brood is out, make the bird house unavailable for the bluebirds. g. Assessing frequency is crucial when maintaining a birdhouse. Saving Your Tomatoes from the Birdsto clean out a bird box. Keeping the houses clean and free from debris sends a clear message: Unwanted visitors are not welcome!I will clean that out in the spring. Remember, a clean house will encourage birds to come back year after year, while a dirty house can attract insects, pests, and rodents. Always wait until the end of the breeding season, ensure the box is empty and all the birds have flown. 4. Conclusion. Use the toothbrush to clean the inside part first, then the rest of the parts of the birdhouse. Protect the Nest. Drill two more 1/2-in. Garth Clifford has some really good tips for attracting bluebirds at worldbirds. It's a good idea to clean out your nest box once the young birds have fledgedfledgedFledging is the stage in a flying animal's life between hatching or birth and becoming capable of flight. Should you leave bird houses out in the winter? Birds certainly need a place to rest and get out of bad weather in the warmer months, but during the winter. They often take over bird houses and prevent native species like. (44) $27. You’ll recognize the approximately 6-1/2-inch long barn swallow (scientific name Hirundo rustic) by its reddish face and throat, it’s glossy, cobalt blue upperparts and breast band (more prominent on the male of the species), and its. Try to clean the corners and holes as they are prone to get filled with dirt. Wrap the bird with a clean cloth or towel. It's easy to identify the old canes now - they're turning brown. Birds require enough space inside the bird house to create a nest and lay eggs and for the fledglings to move around comfortably once the eggs hatch. Woodlink NABB Audubon Bluebird Houses. Make sure the entrance hole of your birdhouse does not face prevailing winds. Clean out boxes after each brood and they will use the same box again. . The Water Is Stagnant. Chickadee protection. CONTENTS :Birds face many dangers in their environment, and predators are one of the biggest threats to their safety. Buy a no-mess blend of bird seed. Bird control is not as simple as just trying to figure out how to get rid of a birds nest. Eastern bluebirds’ eggs are sky blue in color, or, on rare occasions, can be white ‒ in around 4-5% of females. suitable habitat. In cooler weather, once per week is enough. This may be in part due to, adult birds establishing territory, building nests, and taking turns sitting on the eggs. hundred, one hundred feet away, ninety, eighty, seventy, Montag gasping, flailing his hands, legs. Keep it neutral. that are out of place, suggests Smallin Kuper. The last step is to let your bluebird house dry out completely before you close it. tall. If you find birds nesting in roof how to get rid of them is your top priority. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. , September), or right before it begins (e. A regular routine of feeder cleaning will really help them through the winter. Mount it on a metal pole—cats, raccoons, weasels and rats can climb trees and. 4. Some birds might watch a birdhouse for a few weeks before using it to see that it’s safe. Generally, this means in September and early March. Look for minimal designs. There is always a need for nesting places, and bluebirds will take anything that looks suitable for nesting. We recommend cleaning out the box after each brood or at the end of the year, at. They prefer places that go undisturbed. You can start scrubbing the birdhouse using the cleaning solution you had just created. A door to clean out would be really nice, since some birds will go back or other birds will find it. 80 (20% off) FREE shipping. But it takes energy to melt snow. And sometimes over winter, you have a mouse as a houseguest and you want to get that nest out of there as well. The truth is that this type of product isn’t that specific, so it isn’t uniquely made for grackle control and it might inadvertently repel other bird species, too. In general, hummingbird nests only measure a little over one inch in diameter! Their size depends on several factors. You might want to take the birdhouse down and clean it that way. Meanwhile, others claim you can lend a helping hand to birds by cleaning the birdhouse of any buildup that could cause parasites. Step 5: Soak your brush in the water and scrub any left over material out of the units. That’s why birds like to flock to clean bird feeders and use bird baths. Backyard tip: Late winter is a good time to clean out bird houses and prepare them for new spring arrivals. Keeping birds away from the attic is essential for both their safety and the hygiene of your living space. Bird Feeder Hub. Kansas – As with Iowa, ruby-throated are by far the most commonly seen hummers in Kansas. The first step is obviously to open the bird house. Hang your feeder near a birdbath. Here are 13 Reasons why birds won’t use your birdhouse: You Set It Up During The Wrong Season. Use nest box plates to protect the. It is nice to have the feeders completely clean and ready a couple of weeks before hummingbird season. If the peanut butter is too thick to spread well, it can be warmed up slightly to make it softer, but be sure to use a microwave-safe. If. Safely spring cleaning bird houses; How to protect birds and bird houses from predators; Fly through bird feeders; Species And Identification Clean your feeders about once every two weeks, more often during times of heavy use or wet weather or if there have been reports of salmonella in your area or you have seen sick birds in your yard.