How to train to hand feed birds

13 years 3 months ago #22085 by Nstudio
I'd like to train a few birds that are always in my back yard how to hand feed. I have NO CLUE where to start. Can I get some tips/hints/ or tricks from you guys that know what your doing? any help is greatly appreciated.


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13 years 3 months ago - 13 years 3 months ago #22186 by Baydream
I read some articles in Birds and Blooms about getting hummingbirds to hand feed. The trick was patience and lots of it. Placing the food nearby and sitting very still. Then moving the feed closer. Move and repeat. Move and repeat. Until you have the seed on a plate in your hand, then on your hand.
Some of the B&B photos were amazing with a "swarm" of hummers on a lady's blouse.

Some birds, like Chickadees, are more trusting while finches are a bit more nervous.

Probably don't want to try it with this one.




www.birdsandblooms.com/

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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13 years 3 months ago #22233 by Alex
LOL no kidding Baydream, that bird could take a finger! :rofl:

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13 years 3 months ago #22778 by Nstudio
Thank you Baydream. I don't want to be consider a bird lady, but I would like to try and feed the birds, but not the kind of bird you posted. lol


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13 years 3 months ago #22932 by bhowdy
From our experience hummingbirds are the easiest to hand feed, or at least to have the nectar feed in your hand as they come to it. Chickadees and Titmouse are also good choices, but will take more time to "train" them. The winter months are easier to train in than summer (native food is more plentiful in the spring and summer, so there will be less traffic at your feeders). We've never had any luck with finches or sparrows .... have had sporadic luck with Bluejays.

The idea with the Titmice and the Chickadees is to let them get comfortable with you ... feed at the same time each day, let them get used to your schedule. Next sit in a chair near the feeders and be still while watching them, try to limit your movement and they will come down to the feeders. Both birds prefer black oil sunflower seed ... we feed these in regular feeders, but also on a flat tray feeder as well. Sit near the tray feeder, not right up against it ... 5-6 feet is good.

In a few days at the same time that you usually fill the feeders, try placing a couple of sunflower seeds in the palm of your hand ... extend your hand (palm up) and hold it as still as possible ... (no seed on the tray feeder at this time). This will take some time and will usually not take place immediately. Keep in mind that these are wild birds, don't pet them, etc. After they have taken the seeds from your hand make sure that you also fill the feeders as usual.

Patience and repetition is a key to this.

Florida Scrub Jay on my hand

Bob Howdeshell

"If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera" ~ Lewis Hine

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