Frequently Asked Questions
Retail
When will my order arrive?
You will receive a shipment notification email once your order has shipped. The email will contain the tracking information as well as a link to track your package online.
Where can I find an instruction manual?
Is my product covered by a warranty?
Warranty coverage will differ by brand, as well as the nature of the damage to the product.
Where can I find your products in stores?
Click here to find a retailer near you. Please note that if you are looking for a particular item, it is recommended to call your nearest retailer to confirm they carry this item.
How can I obtain replacement parts?
Replacement parts are available directly through us at morebirds.com. Click here to shop replacement parts! If you don’t find the part you are looking for, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-352-9164 and any one of our Consumer Services Reps will be happy to assist you. Our hours are 7 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Fri (EST).
How do I return a product?
For items purchased on morebirds.com, we can process returns here. For items purchased elsewhere, refunds and returns must be processed by the retailer you purchased from.
Birds & Animals
What species is this? When will this species migrate to my area?
We love meeting fellow bird nerds! While we enjoy feeding the birds and sharing birding information, there may be some species we are unfamiliar with. We recommend downloading the Merlin app to identify species, visiting the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn about migration ranges, and contacting your local Audubon chapter to learn more about a particular species in your area.
How do I deter squirrels from my bird feeder?
Squirrels are so clever and relentless and it seems sometimes that they’re smarter than most other animals. One of the biggest challenges to feeding wild birds—our own challenge too—is deterring squirrels. We work on a daily basis to create quality products and cultivate good advice that will help us all win this fight.
The key to successfully keeping a feeder squirrel-proof is its placement. Squirrels are agile and are able to jump up to 8ft horizontally and 4ft vertically. For this reason, we recommend that feeders be placed 8 feet away from any structures that they can climb on so that they do not reach across to access the feeding holes. It can be helpful to trim back and prune any nearby bushes or branches within 12ft of a feeder. We also recommend that feeders be placed higher than 4 feet off the ground, preventing the squirrels from jumping and grabbing onto the bottom. If you are using a hook or pole, we recommend that the hook have at least a 16-inch distance from the pole. Placing a baffle on the pole or having a caged feeder will also help to ensure squirrel-proofing success.
Why aren’t there any birds at my feeder?
Songbirds
We would suggest temporarily removing other hummingbird feeders in the area so that the hummingbirds will be encouraged to use the new one.
How do I deter bears from my bird feeder?
Having bears at your feeders can ultimately be dangerous if not addressed before the bears become accustomed to a regular meal. We like to refer to this article when trying to answer this question. Some highlights from the article are:
Lights On: Install motion sensor-operated lights of the highest safe wattage aimed at the bird feeders. Bears will trigger the lights when they approach and will not like the disruption to their vision. Most bears will then head for darker areas away from the feeders where they feel more secure.
How do I deter grackles and starlings?
An option for deterring grackles and starlings is to change the type of seed in your feeder. These species are attracted to cracked corn and some will eat sunflower seeds. They are not fond of thistle (Nyjer®) seed. Another suggestion is to try substituting your usual mixed seed or sunflower seed with safflower seed. Most songbirds enjoy safflower seed but grackles and starlings will typically avoid it. After using safflower seed for a few weeks, you can try using your regular seed mix. In most cases, the grackles and starlings will not return to the feeder after the safflower seed has been offered.
It may also be helpful to use a domed cage feeder. Squirrel-proof caged feeders provide the best of both worlds: protection from unwanted creatures like squirrels and larger birds such as grackles and starlings, and protection from the elements. Small songbirds easily fly in for safe feeding.
How do I deter sparrows?
Sparrows can be difficult to contend with, especially when they upset the harmony of your backyard birding station. This article outlines several methods some backyard birders are using to deter the house sparrows.
Owls are a natural predator, so sparrows are frightened of them. A convincing replica may drive the pests away.
Another way to discourage sparrows would be to remove any food and water sources that may attract the birds, and place lids on garbage bins. If possible, remove bird feeders until after the sparrows have moved their nests. Bird-proof fencing can be used to keep sparrows out of gardens and other areas where food is readily available. All birds, however, are attracted to water sources, so you may want to take this measure only temporarily.
How do you make hummingbird nectar?
In the natural world, hummingbirds feed on a combination of flower nectar and insects. Flower nectar is a simple chemical solution of sugar and water. Hummingbirds seem to like table sugar best and it is the most digestible. Please don’t use honey, brown sugar or sugar substitutes, as they can be harmful to hummingbirds. Making your own nectar ensures that there are no preservatives. Using tap water will add electrolytes if your water is hard. If it is soft, add just a pinch of salt to a quart of nectar. Too much salt and the hummers won’t drink it.
To make your own mixture, bring the water to a boil and stir the sugar into the hot water at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. The solution will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How do I keep ants away from my hummingbird feeder?
If you experience issues with ants, it is very possible that your feeder is leaking. Check for any cracks on the feeder and feeding ports. Additionally, placing your feeder in direct sunlight can cause leakage because the sunlight will expand the plastic. It is recommended to place your feeder in partial sunlight.
If these solutions do not help, try relocating your hummingbird feeder. Sometimes all it takes is a few feet to stop ants from visiting your feeder!
Products
How do I clean my bird feeder?
Keeping your bird feeders clean is a very important part of bird feeding. Bacteria and disease are spread through bird droppings on feeders, as well as from seed and hulls below the feeder. Damp feed and debris can cultivate a fungus. The following information is based on the Wild Bird Feeding Institute's guidance.
We recommend cleaning your feeders weekly, or monthly at a minimum.
Do not put your feeder in the dishwasher, as the high temperatures can permanently damage the feeder parts.
First, let the birds empty the feeder as far as they can. Shake out any remaining seeds. We recommend cleaning your feeders outdoors with a large bucket, and always wear gloves when cleaning. Avoid cleaning your feeders in areas where you prepare food to prevent cross-contamination. Soak your feeder in a 9:1 solution of water and bleach for 15 minutes. Then use a bird feeder brush to scrub the feeder with dish soap and water. Refill when completely dry.
Make sure to rake, shovel or shop vac seed debris from beneath feeders on a regular basis to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and to deter rodents.
Throw out any wet or moldy food and disinfect any containers or scoops used to handle it. If you notice that the seed in the feeder is not being eaten, check to see if it has become moldy or wet from rain.
Overcrowding at feeders is a key factor in spreading disease. Provide additional feeders to counteract this effect.
Birdseed should be stored in a cool, dry place using a sealed container that rodents cannot enter. Mice can spread some bird diseases without being affected themselves.
Hummingbird Feeders
Keeping your feeders clean is a very important part of bird feeding. Bacteria and disease can be spread via contaminated surfaces and food sources.
Overcrowding at feeders is a key factor in spreading disease. Provide additional feeders to counteract this effect.
I think my bird feeder has a manufacturing defect. What do I do?
We apologize we fell short meeting expectations with our product. We strive to design and manufacture excellent items for both you and the birds. It is our commitment to update any and all flaws to provide the best product possible for you and the birds.
We would like the opportunity to directly talk to you about your situation and try and find a solution. Please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-352-9164 and any one of our Consumer Services Reps will be happy to assist you. Our hours are 7 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Fri (EST). Thank you for flying with our flock!
