How much of bird feed do you go through every winter?

[Redneck in training]

We used about 250-300 lb of bird feed last winter. When I saw good deal on bird feed this fall I stacked on about 250 lb to be ready. But so far this winter is is rather different. We used less than 50 lb since November. Our feeders were inundated by birds in the past. This year not so much. What is going on here? Is it because of the winter is unusually warm without snow cover?

 

[kcflhrc]

Our bird population seems to be about normal this year but it has been pretty mild. I would say we go through 250lb at least. Actually had 2 Bald Eagles here last night. They were eyeing my chickens I think.

 

[Mendonsy]

This winter seems to be about normal here. I am started on my 3rd 50 lb. bag of birdseed. I will probably end up using about 4.
I think the snow cover has more to do with it than anything else. Lots of birds around when the ground is covered but not so many when it melts.

 

[Thomas]

Were on our 3rd 100lbs black sunflower seeds since Dec.1ststarting first April....... mostly depends on how nasty weather.

 

[kcflhrc]

Were on our 3rd 100lbs black sunflower seeds since Dec.1ststarting first April....... mostly depends on how nasty weather.

Where do you get 100lb bags? Biggest around here is 50.

 

[Gem99ultra]

We're running 25# per week. I'm not real sure that the birds are getting all of that though. Occasionally I'll go out a night and see deer wiping the feeders clean, in spite of the fact that we throw out a little corn every once in awhile during fawn season.

I've tried to find bird see with a little sunflower in it as possible. While the doves to like sunflower somewhat, the squirrels are drawn to it like magnets. And we sure don't want to feed the squirrels.

We will however, put our some cracked corn or chicken scratch when this one pair of Canada geese comes in every Spring to lay eggs and raise their chicks. (Yeah, I know... most people detest Canada geese for the mess they make. But they nest far away from any areas here that we people visit.

 

[Bird]

I spent $135.24 on birdseed the last calendar year. At about a dollar a pound, I reckon I used about 130-135#. But we actually have a lot more birds in the Spring and Summer than in the winter.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I spent $135.24 on birdseed the last calendar year. At about a dollar a pound, I reckon I used about 130-135#. But we actually have a lot more birds in the Spring and Summer than in the winter.

Ouch! Your birds eat a lot better than my birds Maybe they're a lot smarter than our Georgia birds?

Our birds get fed $0.26/pound food. Still, they seem pretty happy with it...

 

[rekees4300]

We used about 250-300 lb of bird feed last winter. When I saw good deal on bird feed this fall I stacked on about 250 lb to be ready. But so far this winter is is rather different. We used less than 50 lb since November. Our feeders were inundated by birds in the past. This year not so much. What is going on here? Is it because of the winter is unusually warm without snow cover?

Yeah they eat less when it's warm. Don't know how many pounds per Winter but cost is in the hundred$ for regular seed, sunflower seed, thistle seed, and suet. Actually the squirrels eat more than the birds. :squirrel:

 

[Bird]

Our birds get fed $0.26/pound food.

OK, so what kind of birdseed and where do you get it. I've bought at Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., and Walmart. Some price variation, but around $0.50 a pound. If I could find any for $0.26 a pound, I'd sure buy it. Of course, besides the birds, we do have some squirrels sharing the birdseed.