Birdfeeders

When we fill our hopper bird feeders with assorted seeds in their shells, we not only need to occasionally clean up the shells under the hopper bird feeders, but inevitably some of these seeds will germinate as they are carried whole by birds or wind to nearby locations. There are other options that will be sprout-free. Instead of filling hopper feeders with whole seeds, use sunflower hearts or chips and broken peanuts, none of which will sprout. All nyjer or thistle seed imported into the U.S. must be treated so it cannot germinate so a thistle feeder is also a good choice. Other ideas include raisins, mealworms and suet cakes without seeds.