Can't make up my mind

[Harley2013]

As a lot of you know. I have a double flight. I recently ordered the popular seed hoppers that many of you have. I originally had open dishes, and a MESS! But I put in the hoppers, along with the open dishes until they figured out they too had seed. They never really took to them, my Europeans were trying to eat seed through the clear siding, so out they came. I figured they like the open dishes best. So now, my issues is, where should I keep them since the ARE open? If I keep them low they poop in them, if I keep them high they dance in them and the seed is kicked out more than ever on the floor. I keep moving them around the cage, high, low, back wall, side walls, what is suggested by many of you? Do you have any preference or tips on open feed dishes, and why didn't my guys transition to the hoppers be well?

[Sally]

I have often seen new birds tapping on the clear sides of the seed hoppers, trying to get to the seed. I offer seed in dishes for new birds, but I do transition them to the seed hoppers. Most of them figure it out pretty quickly. For those who don't seem to catch on, try placing the seed hopper on the floor near the seed dish. Also, I have placed small pieces of spray millet in/on the seed hopper, where the seed comes out, as most of them are attracted to spray millet. Once they have eaten that, they usually realize how to get the rest of the seed.

[MiaCarter]

If you opt for open dishes, place them in the dead center of the cage or aviary.

Most cages and aviaries are set up so that the center area is open flying space. So you don't have the concern with pooping.

And since they're in the middle, less seed ends up on the floor. (Though don't be fooled. They WILL still manage to get the seeds outside of the cage, even if it's feet from the nearest cage wall! It's one of life's mysteries that's forever unsolved.....along with how they manage to get poop on the cage ceiling.)

[Harley2013]

I see many who use this seed hopper have the smaller finches. Will the Europeans use this, they are a little larger. I don't want anyone to starve. I can try again to use the hopper, maybe with the tips I've been given it will help.

[thegatorgal]

I have a double flight also. I bought a bird feeder like you would put out for wild birds from Walmart. It is a smaller type but has enough room at least 6 finches could eat from it at one time if they wanted.

I hang it from the top of the cage towards the center and all hulls fall onto the floor below. I have very little mess outside the cage with this method.

I use dishes on the wire to provide non-seed items like eggfood, eggshells, veggies, etc...

I've found the maid thing that really matters when placing the seed dishes to not place them under any perches. If the birds can't sit above them the amount of poop that gets in them is pretty minimal

[Harley2013]

Does hanging the feeder from the top of cage get in the way of flight?

[ranchnanny]

Harley2013 I used small outdoor hanging bird feeders but to much seed was being wasted so I used a long small chain that I got in the wild bird dept. and hung it low to the floor of the cage. I also use poster board (white) either cardboard or plastic (honeycomb between front and back) and bought decals and decorated the board then I attached the entire board to the back of the cage sometimes you may have to cut to fit especially on the sides. That really helps keep the seed in the cage I use that 100 mile an hour tape which you can get in colors and designs and tape the bottoms to seal and keep the seeds from coming out.
Most of the seed mess on the floor is minimal know.


I found the best way was to use the hoppers remove the draw that catches the hulls and place a plastic show box underneath the hoppers.

[wilkifam]

I would put the hoppers in along with some open dishes until the birds get used to them. It really doesn't take long at all, and they are worth it in saved mess.

[dnet]

Does anyone use the Tidy Seed? I have been using that, the bird
mess is much less.

[thegatorgal]

Harley2013

I really don't find much waste with the hanging feeders. I actually put them slightly closer to one side than the other, not right on the middle line. This gives my Gouldians plenty of room to fly back and forth. But also, the feeders don't hang that low, so they can fly freely in all of the room underneath them as well.

So far I have found the hanging feeder, and a hanging waterer I bought as well to be the easiest/cleanest set up for my flock of four Gouldians. Soon to be more I hope as both pairs are sitting on eggs due to hatch any day!!

[Harley2013]

Congrats on your soon to be hatchlings! That is so exciting!

[Colt]

I've used the hanging feeders as well as the hoppers and open dishes. I prefer the hoppers, followed by the hanging feeders, and finally open dishes.

That was a great idea of placing millet sprays (cut) into the hopper to attract/teach them how to use it. I often wait until I have birds on eggs to switch them. Once they chicks hatch they are much more adventurous in looking for food. Once they discover the hopper and are using it I pull the open dish. Then when the chicks fledge they know how to eat as well.

[dnet]

Can someone share the link for the seed hoppers?
Does anyone have recommendations for covered water containers?

Thank you!!

[Harley2013]

http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/shop-cage-sw.php

This is where I ordered mine and a water feeder.