Things You'll Need:
- Possibly a Different type of Bird Feeder
- Possibly try a different Wild Bird Seed
- Possibly purchase Suet and a Suet Holder
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Step 1
How to Feed Wild Birds Without Feeding Grackles!
Here are a few thoughts on feeding birds but discouraging grackles:
Put Safflower Seed in your feeders – Chickadees and Titmice enjoy Safflower Seed, but most experts feel that Grackles do not. Cardinals like Safflower too.
(TIP – Many “Birders” say that squirrels do not like Safflower, and are more likely to stay away from feeders filled with Safflower – some just mix Safflower in their regular mix and feel it thwarts squirrels from feeders as well!) -
Step 2
Use Bird Feeders with a Squirrel Cage – Many great tube type feeders come with a squirrel cage around them to stop squirrels from getting to the feeder openings. These cages have wire openings large enough to fit most desirable songbirds, but are generally to small for a Grackle to fit and get to the seed. Just choose one that has enough space between the cage and the feeder so the Grackles cannot fit their heads in and reach the seed.
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Step 3
Try a Thistle Feeder – Thistle Seed is also known as Nyjer Seed, and is a tiny black seed that is the most popular feed for Goldfinch and other Finches, as well as other small birds. Thistle feeders have tiny holes to dispense the seed to small birds, but the openings are too small for a Grackle to eat from.
(Tip – Most Bird Feeder companies refer to the feeders as Thistle Feeders – most bird feed suppliers refer to the seed as Nyjer Seed – they both mean the same, so don’t be confused!) -
Step 4
Give Suet a Try – Use suet or seed cakes in a suet basket or holder, but use one protected with the same type wire cage used to stop squirrels. Another great type suet feeder to deter Grackles is the “Upside Down” style. The wire opening for the birds to eat at is on the bottom only. Many birds will hover under to eat, or grab on to the pole or tree, but experts say that Grackles cannot fly or hold on to eat this way. Suet comes in many flavors and can help attract a wider variety of colorful birds to your yard. Some cakes are now made to attract specific birds, such as Woodpeckers or Finch.
