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My bluebirds have no problem entering the caged mealworm feeder but won’t enter the caged suet feeder which is the same size and shape, any ideas on how to encourage them?
I would say let the bluebirds decide. Suet may or may not be a good choice during breeding season. I am not an expert by any means so go with information you find.
I just tend to not worry about what they feed on since they know better than me. Mealworms are a common feed for bluebirds, though I wouldn’t worry about them avoiding dried mealworms during breeding season. Natural, live bugs are preferred as the little guy’s only source of hydration prior to fledging may be from bugs mom and dad bring them.
WI/MI Border, about 100 miles north of Green Bay
Tim C. WI/MI border.
Thank you so much for your response! They really like the suet I make them from the regular suet feeder, but my mockingbirds keep chasing them away, so I got them the cage feeder. They show interest in it, as in they’ll sit on the outer grate and try to reach inside to the inner caged suet, but they won’t go in. I like your advice to let them decide though; I won’t keep stressing about it!
That’s settled then. That’s the first I’ve heard of someone feeding suet, so I stand corrected. No expert here. I’m fairly new to the bluebird landlord world.
As far as feeding the dried mealworms… they know better than us if it’s a good source of energy for them and their hatchlings. I tried live mealworms my first year of providing nest boxes for them. The bluebirds loved them and I tried raising the worms but it didn’t go well. For the last three seasons I haven’t provided any supplemental food for them. I get why people provide mealworms. It’s great fun watching them collect them and bring them to their nest boxes. My nest boxes are all remotely located so I don’t have the opportunity to spend much time observing.
Anywho, it’s great you are providing the much needed nest box. There are far to few natural nesting cavities out there.
WI/MI Border, about 100 miles north of Green Bay
Tim C. WI/MI border.
Sialis has a page discussing the topic of mealworms that’s informative. All the best to you and the bluebird family. Feeding Mealworms to Bluebirds
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
And of course, detailed info on feeding here on Bluebirdnut Feeding Bluebirds
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
Sorry, I’m late to see this. Have your bluebirds gotten used to the suet feeder? They will in time but it feels like they never will. My bluebird love my homemade suet too. I feed suet and live mealworms. I have friends that feed dried mealworms but they aren’t good for feeding to nestlings. Something about them getting caught in their throats. ??? They also love crickets that I put in my freezer and thaw for them.
Regarding your suet feeder. If they still aren’t interested, can you put a stick through the feeder so they can perch on the stick and think about going in.Tammy
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