Birds feel vulnerable when out in the open, so try to place your feeder near a bush or a tree. It can take up to a couple of months for birds to adjust to a new feeder. When possible, put your new feeder near an old one, keeping both full of seed until the birds become familiar with the new one. Black oil sunflower is the most preferred seed.
Striped sunflower is the next best.
It provides relief for finches when other birds monopolize the sunflower seed. White millet is the preferred millet and is readily eaten by doves, sparrows and juncos. Cracked corn is relished by blue jays and large game birds. Offer it in tray feeders like our Giant Seed Tray and Universal Seed Tray. Hulled seed leaves no mess under the feeder, but if using in hot or wet weather, fill your feeder only with what will be eaten in a day.