How to Feed Birds Without Dogs Eating the Seeds

Unwelcome animals often attempt to partake in the seed you put out for birds in your area. Squirrels frequently attempt daring leaps onto bird feeders, and even dogs will sometimes loot the seeds intended for birds if they are not supervised. Beyond depriving birds of food, this is a problem, because fermented seeds can lead to fungal infection in dogs. Take a clever approach to keeping dogs away from bird seed and enjoy healthy pets and high-quality bird watching year round.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird feeder with tray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a bird feeder featuring a tray beneath the shelf that holds the seed. When birds feed, they knock some seed off of the feeding shelf. The tray will catch the seeds and prevent them from falling to the ground, where your dog can eat them.

    • 2

      Clean the tray beneath your bird feeder regularly. If too much seed piles up on the tray, birds will begin feeding at this level as well and will knock some seeds to the ground, defeating the purpose of the tray.

    • 3

      Hang your bird feeder off the ground at a height your dog cannot reach. This will prevent your pet from jumping at the feeder, knocking seed to the ground and consuming it. It will also keep birds safe from harassment.

    • 4

      Eliminate any additional causes of spilled bird seed. For example, squirrels often leap out of trees onto bird feeders, knocking seed to the ground in the process. Wrap slick metal sheets around the trunk or branches of nearby trees to prevent squirrels from gaining footing and laying siege to your feeder.

    • 5

      Clean up spilled birdseed from your lawn, porch or patio as soon as possible. If the seed remains on the ground, it becomes wet and rotten and can sicken your dog if it is consumed. Promptly cleaning spilled seeds will also discourage your dog from spending time near your bird feeder if it never finds a treat in this area.

    • 6

      Train your dog to ignore the bird feeder and the birds that frequent it. Tell your dog ̶0;no̶1; in a sharp tone and put it inside whenever it barks at the birds or attempts to eat the seed. With time, your dog will learn that disrupting the birds̵7; activities results in banishment indoors and will alter its behavior.