Seed hoppers

[diinin]

This may be the ultimate dumb question, but I'm trying out my new seed hopper before moving the fids to their big cage. I got this one:

http://www.kingscages.com/ProductDetail ... tID=C_M050

First of all, I can't find the lid. Guess it doesn't matter, as it hangs on the outside of the cage.

There's a very thin section across the back that fills with seed. Then there's a middle wider section that appears to do nothing. Closest to the bird, there are the holes that are supposed to catch the hulls. (I see whole seeds down there tho).

Even my tiny birds have to turn their heads sideways to get seed out of that little section in the back. So what's the middle section for? One of our guys doesn't seem to like having to wedge his head all the way in to get food. Can't imagine a bird any larger than these tiny guys trying to do it.

Maybe I got the wrong hopper.

[cldheath44]

I have that exact seed hopper, though I got mine from Bird Supply of NH. I think the middle section is intended to catch whole seeds that the birds may dislodge trying to find a favorite. Catching seeds that are dislodged "should" help prevent whole seeds going down into the catch tray. Not always though.

I really like my seed hoppers. They have cut down A LOT on the mess from empty hulls flying everywhere. Even my scarlet chested parakeet will eat from them.

Christine

[Pukasand]

These are the kind I have also. I love them! They can hang outside or inside the cage. I bought 2 to try, and liked them so much, I bought 10 more. I only have to fill them once a week. I didn't pay that much for them, thru a different company.

[diinin]

I didn't pay that much for them, thru a different company.

Yeah, I saw them cheaper at bsnh and just4birds after I got mine. Don't know what they charge for shipping, but it couldn't possibly be worse than kingscages where, if you buy a 60 cent item, they charge $15 shipping! The only way to avoid it is to buy $50 worth. That's just INSANE.

[Sally]

I have lots of those seed hoppers, and love them. I keep ordering more, so I will have extra. When you wash them, it is hard to get every drop of moisture out of them, so if I have extras, I don't have to hurry. Well, every time I buy more seed hoppers, I get more birds, and suddenly don't have any extras any more.

But, you should have a top with it. I would contact the place where you bought them and let them know your shipment was not complete. Even if you hang the hoppers on the outside, birds can cling to the bars just above the feeder and fling poop inside. Plus, if you ever want to use the hopper inside the cage, you won't be able to--my birds land on top of the hopper and poop on the lid till it looks disgusting!

You can also get them at www.redbirdproducts.com. With bird supplies, it definitely pays to shop around, prices can vary considerably. I know I should be loyal to one company, but with as many birds as I have, price is a definite factor!

[albert]

I got 30 plus of those, and like it a lot, just want to say Laraine at ladygouldian.com has the best price, just found out lately.

[diinin]

Well, every time I buy more seed hoppers, I get more birds, and suddenly don't have any extras any more.

LOL! Keep buying more seed hoppers, then!

I'll order some more. Both fids seem to have caught on to eating from it, and they can teach the future others. Will have to contact Kingscages about the missing lid. They also didn't have my ABBA in stock, but didn't tell me at the time of order, so that set me back a few days on the food.

[cldheath44]

Yeah, I saw them cheaper at bsnh and just4birds after I got mine. Don't know what they charge for shipping, but it couldn't possibly be worse than kingscages where, if you buy a 60 cent item, they charge $15 shipping! The only way to avoid it is to buy $50 worth. That's just INSANE.

Wow! That is a lot! IMO, shipping at Bird Supply of NH is very reasonable. I don't think I've ever paid more than $9.76 for shipping. And that's with multiple pounds of bird seed, egg food, etc. Delivery is lightning fast too!

Christine

[Harley2013]

I ordered these as well, put them in today. But will european goldfinches eat from them or is that species too big for this hopper or would they prefer something different?

[finchandlovebird]

There's a very thin section across the back that fills with seed.

I used a dremel tool with sandpaper head & ground 3 concave shapes in the bottom of that section so seed flows out a little easier; I was having a problem with some of the bigger seeds jamming it.
This is the only kind of seed hopper I use for my birds; have over 30 of them. Sure keeps the mess down outside of the cage. I love 'em

[wilkifam]

diinin

I also use these. They are wonderful. Really cut down on the mess and waste. Birds have no trouble with them. I would contact the place you got them from and let them know that the lid was not in the package, they should send you another. I hang them mostly on the outside, but some I hang inside.

[Harley2013]

christine

Do your Europeans use this hopper as well? I didn't know if they were too big, or felt too confined to put their head into them to get seed.

[ranchnanny]

I use these seed hoppers all the time however I find the trays that catch the hull/seeds fill up so fast and seed is wasted. I have removed the tray and I use clear plastic show boxes under the feeder it catches the hulls and seed and allow my birds to forage in the shoe box. Cut a section out of one side for easy access for the birds.

[Harley2013]

I took mine out. It seems they are not adapting very well to this hopper. My Europeans are trying to eat the seed through the see through side. So out they came.

[Jen]

Love this seed hopper. They cut way down on the mess and waste! Going to buy more!!!