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After making the feeder, getting the mealworms, and having the Bluebirds around, now you need to let them know about the new "restaurant" where they can come to eat mealworms. If the Bluebirds are visible, it is a good idea to let them see you pouring the worms into the container they will eat from. Bluebirds have very good eyesight, and will see the mealworms from quite a distance. I also whistle the same tune every time I do this (I borrowed a tune from our Senegal Parrot, Julie!) Start by putting the worms in a heavy container whose sides are almost vertical and slippery. If the container is not heavy (such as a tuna can,) nail it to a piece of wood so it is heavy. I would count about 15 worms per bird. Put this with the worms on top of the feeder, quite visible from above. Move away and watch what happens. If they saw you put the worms in the container, they will probably come to investigate and eat right away. This could also take days. Once they discover the mealworms, continue to feed them like this for a few days. Count what they can eat in 30 minutes or less, then adjust the number you are offering (up or down depending on their needs.) Once they are at this stage, you can open the feeder and place the food inside, but keep it open so they can easily find the food. Every time, remember to whistle the same tune, pour the worms the same way, etc. In a few days you can close the feeder, and they will find the mealworms on their own! I have Bluebirds that come as soon as I whistle for them. Of course, I never call them unless I have mealworms ready to show, pour into the can, open the feeder, place the food inside and close the feeder. They are never disappointed, and they never disappoint me, specially when I have guests who want to see the Bluebirds...
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Please feel free to send me, Fawzi Emad, any corrections, observations, comments or questions. Thank you! (The tail feather on the left is from Koko, our Blue-Front Amazon Parrot.) |
