Ground feeding sanctuary narrow mesh

3.03125 out of 5

32

Has been down just a week now and spotted a robin and sparrow in it this morning. Starlings seem to busy on the fat balls to bother and the squirrel is just confused at the moment.

I bought this cage in June time and posted a review as I was not happy no birds had visited a,normal my garden is very busy with birds. So I was dissapointed to say the least./ The RSPB said gice it time. Eventually the little birds came up to it with caution. THATS WHAT THEY DID FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE AGES.tHEN EVENTUALLY THEY WOULD FLY IN FAST GET FOOD AND OUT, THERE WAS ALWAYS A BIRD OR TWO ON LOOK OUT AS WELL.
I noticed as months went on the birds became so confident.I could see them happily munching in the cage ,not jittery and actually taking there time and looking around while eating.I am sure the birds knew they was safe.
The cange I ordered was the narrow one as that was the only one in stock.At first I was dissapointed it was too small for my blackbirds. at least all the little birds are happy in there new dining.
I bought a wooden feed tray from the rspb which is raise on legs and divided into four sections. The birds loved that I prefered the food raise up away from the floor.
Very happy with the cage,I still think the cage fastening is flimsy and not suitable. Need something better.I struggle to open it at x

I'd hoped this would stop the squirrels eating all the food I put for ground feeding birds but they get in!! Well made but not that useful.

Bought this to keep out the larger birds, including starlings as they tend to eat everything in sight, leaving nothing for the other birds. I thought this was adjustable like the one I previously had which was brilliant as you could slide the panels to make the mesh smaller. Unfortunately, it's not adjustable and the mesh is quite large and allows all the starlings in so the coconut treats I leave in there are gone in just one day! As I said, nothing is left for the smaller birds, so I am basically feeding the starlings. I don't use it now. Just looked online to buy the adjustable one and it's not available.

The mesh is too large allowing the Hordes of Starlings to hoover up the food before the smaller birds get a chance. As Sully says, covers too small an area, needs to be twice as large in length and height to restrict pigeon access.

Our feeding tray has a fine mesh base and came from a local garden centre so we don't have the other problem mentioned.

I just joined the RSPB and wanted to buy a cage so the birds would be able to eat in peace, without the pigeons taking all their food.
It was larger than I thought and was confused by the metal clip. The cage unfolds the metal clip which is like a clip-on a dog lead, attacks the lid to the cage.
I put some food in the dish popped in on the floor and the cage over. It as been up 3 days and not one bird has visited and taken any food. The birds also love eating the food I have put out. Now they don't go near it. I don't know if there cautious of it or what. I am disappointed.
The clip is fiddly, so I replaced that with a larger carabiner, that works better.
The cage lid is composed of mesh squares so lets the rain in. The lid also does not fir securely there is some movement on the top leaving a gap if you don't centralize it of at least 1'' So that's annoying
Disappointed, it's fairly expensive.I wonder if any of my garden bird visitors will ever use it, up to press no one has.

I recently joined the RSPB and wanted something to enable the little birds to eat in peace.
We gave a couple if pudgeons who are visiting daily and taking all the food.
I do have food hanging up in cages but I known some birds prefer to eat off the ground.
When I spotted this caged feeder I thought it looked excellent. I initially wanted the large hole feeder with tray on special offer but they was out if stick.
So I got the small holes cage.
It arrived this morning,larger than I thought. But looked good. I did not understand what the clip was for initially. Liked it came also with ground oegs. I filled my food plate with bird snacks and put it inside the cage. Cage locked with the clip.

Looks good. Shame the whole us too small for the blackbird.will fit small birds with ease.
I look forward to seeing it get used hopefully the birds will not be scared if the cage. I'll let you know how it goes when I re review it properly over time .

Purchased this so as to enable smaller birds to access food away from the many squirrels that we have. However, the smaller squirrels are able to get in through the holes as they aren't that small. The pigeons can also get their heads in quite a long way too so they can access the food as the cage does not sit far enough out so as to stop them. The food also goes soggy in the segments as there are no drainage holes. A very fine mesh would have been much better so as to allow water to travel through. My partner is going to drill tiny holes to allow the water to pass. The wood has also discoloured quite quickly and we are unsure as to what we can use to revive it! We were so looking forward to having this in the garden, but feel rather let down by it in many ways.

The text accompanying this item is worth reading carefully. It is accurate in the sense that "the narrow mesh will exclude larger garden birds and most adult squirrels" allows for the fact that some squirrels may get in. The squirrels in my garden patrolled around it for some time before squirming through the mesh! They found this difficult but not impossible and were certainly panicking as I approached and they were trying to escape - but escape they did! It has foiled the Wood Pigeons however!

I ordered this because I was fed up with the pigeons stealing all the food before smaller birds got a look in! It certainly does that and the sparrows love it. Our resident robin is a bit wary of it but think it might be ok once it's used to it being there. A little disappointed that a hoard of starlings can get through and steal the food... we had as many as 20+ in there at one time so not so good on that front. I thought our blackbirds would be small enough to get in if the starlings made it but they wont entertain it. On the whole it does what it's supposed to do and does keep pigeons out but a little disappointed that the mesh is still big enough to allow starlings en masse

This lets in jays and squirrels, even tho the mesh is narrow. It also does not protect against pheasants, as they just stick their neck through and can reach everything apart from a tiny part in the centre

really pleased with this item and that it comes with its own ground pegs. all the small birds in the garden used it immediately. I've put it next to the hedge, so if the sparrowhawk is around the birds can get into the hedge quickly. I found it good protection for the birds while they are feeding.

The cage should have a solid top to keep the rain off the food. Very expensive for a bit of mesh

This is a very recent purchase and the birds like it although the blackbirds are not yet 'risking' it.
I did wonder if the blackbird was perhaps too large as he is wondering around but not going in. However I now know that he could get in as I have developed a problem with rats who are going in in broad daylight and as a result I have had to stop using it temporarily whilst I get rid of the rats. As I bought the small mesh one I thought such a thing would be kept out, the squirrel is unable to get in (though he hasn't tried)
I do have a question on the use of rat poison blocks, if I put any close to where I feed the birds are the birds likely to eat the poison?
I am currently putting bait blocks underneath the shed which is a 'run' but if I use this feeder they are likely to return to feed from it keeping the birds away. Advice on this would be welcome.

RSPB response: Thank you for your review, its great to hear your birds are happily feeding inside the protector. With regards to rat poison, we do not recommend using this method for rodent control, as birds may be poisoned by either eating the block or secondary poisoning. Scavenging birds such as the red kite are particularly at risk, as they may pick up poisoned rats. Birds from reintroduction projects across the UK have died because of ingesting poisoned rodents. For more information on recommended methods, please follow this link https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/conservation-and-sustainability/farming/advice/techniques-to-help-wildlife/rodenticide-use/

Was rather dubious that this would work as have many larger birds, squirrels and cats that visit our garden .... half expected our first visitor to be a squirrel after reading some of the reviews. Was very pleased to see that the first visitor was our resident robin who never seems to get any of the foot put down thanks to the squirrels, pigeons, magpies, jackdaws and crows!
Would definitely recommend. Bought together with a ground feeder - one pleased customer : )
Early days, but looking forward to watching many of the smaller birds enjoy this safe haven.

I bought this cage a year ago. At first I noticed that the blackbirds wouldn't use it but a year on it's attracting a large range of small birds from sparrows and finches to blackbirds and thrushes. I moved here last year and there are a large number of starlings who nest in the roof spaces of all of the houses every Spring. I'm surprised how many reviewers dislike them. I love all birds and find that after breeding is over the Starlings feed in the cage no more than any other birds. The cage was to prevent Seagulls and crows taking everything quickly and this cage works perfectly. Seagulls and crows put their heads through the bars and pinch what's attainable so I would like a bigger cage to prevent this happening, however the one I have serves a good purpose and keeps goodies at the centre for the sole enjoyment of the smaller ground feeders. Mine is very durable, no rust or weather damage after a year. Don't mind paying a bit extra if it's from RSPB - happy customer.

This product does keep out the larger birds, although they can reach any food that is not centrally located. However, today I found a fully grown squirrel INSIDE scoffing all the food in a very short time. I could not understand how he had got in. His large tail was hanging outside, through the mesh. I went outside to investigate and he simply slid quickly through one of the holes and off he went. They must be mostly fir with small bodies, as he looked quite large.

Now I cannot put any food out for our small birds as he will clear the tray in a flash!

RSPB response: Thank you for your review. The narrow mesh guard does prevent most adult squirrels from, entering, although as stated juvenile or small adults may be able to squeeze through, particularly at this time of year. If the gaps were made any smaller then even the smaller garden birds would not be able to feed.

Having recently bought one of these so as to let the two robins and sparrows, plus a few blue tits in our garden have a chance to feed rather than let the large number of starlings eat it all in a few minutes, I was sad to see that in no time at all the starlings were zooming in and out of it with no trouble at all and eating all the food in a short time, despite having lots of other food available elsewhere in the garden, so the robins and the blue tits are still going without getting any, and sitting on the fence watching the greedy starlings eat it all, the only birds that this ground protector keeps out are magpies, crows, pigeons, and doves, so its useless for what I wanted it for, but worse still is that's they're not cheap to buy either, so why doesn't RSPB design one with smaller holes thus restricting starling sized birds ?

RSPB response:
Thank you for your review. We do not claim that this feeder will stop starlings from feeding. It is almost impossible to create a mesh protector that is small enough to stop starlings, but still lets in all the other small garden birds. Starlings are not much larger than other garden birds, and are more willing to squeeze in to tighter spaces. Being a red listed species of particular concern we will not market a feeder to stop starlings completely, even if it were possible.

I don't mind feeding any birds except jumbo-jet wood pigeons perhaps but they can't get into this cage - however I have a huge problems with grey squirrels - which is why I bought this - they just squeeze inside with no problems at all - I am spending a fortune on feeding squirrels with birdseed. I do get wild birds of all types when the squirrels allow them in. If I chase away squirrels that frightens the birds too. What should I do? This was quite expensive but it is no match for squirrels.

I use the cage with a ground feeder tray and always sprinkle some seed near the edge of the tray - just to allow the the daft pigeons to reach some! Smaller birds are able to eat their fill without being frightened off.
Definitely a hit in my garden.

Poor construction of joining pieces- mesh that starlings hop through like its not there. Silly dog lead type clip that rusts within 24 hours.
Complete waste of money.

RSPB response - If you would like to arrange a replacement or refund please contact our Customer Services Team.

Unless you put the food on the ground in a very small pile bang in the middle the pigeons magpies and jackdaws can reach through and eat the food. Soon they spread it around which makes it easier to reach.
If the unit was circular and incorported the lid ths has the effect of increasing the distance from the perimeter to the food by a massive 6 inches. I have no giraffe necked magpies in my garden. Simply replace the lid with a bit of 10mm nylon garden mesh. Trust me. I have done this by slightly bending each panel and that is how I now use it without needing any more metal so it could be manufactured at the same price. Yet another case of a product designed by people who don't use it. The world is full of these products.

This is a very well designed piece of kit. We have two joined together for an unusual reason - the hens could stretch far enough in to eat the food. The main reason for getting this was to stop the crows, and it's done that. We have several families of blackbirds feeding here regularly, and lining up on the wall to get to the food. We also get thrushes. The green finches, linnets, sparrows, dunnocks, wrens and a Robin use it daily. Perhaps you could design a double size one for those of us stupid enough to truly let our hens be free range!

I had hoped to keep the bullys OUT and let the smaller birds that seem less in number in my garden get a chance to feed. Starlings are costing me a fortune the Robins and Tits don't get a look in!
If we have to lose so much to the bullys i will consider giving up my membership.....then I will have some spare for a little more bird food.

Now feeding a greater variety of birds with this ground feeder than my bird table. Keeps the pidgeons and squirrels out which was the main reason for purchase. Food does get messy in the rain.

As so many others have said, it will keep out pigeons and doves but not squirrels and starlings. I acknowledge the RSPB comments about the endangered starling but that shows no understanding of the sheer quantity of food that a bunch of starlings will get through. They always bully the other birds so eat a majority of the food.

this is great I feed the the bird's big or small .You cant pick the size of bird to feed if you love wild life . tommy

I bought this with a view to restricting feeding to smaller birds. Unfortunately, Blackbirds and Starlings slip through the mesh with no trouble.
As I imagine the reason most of us buy one of these is to keep out the bigger birds, could you not provide one that would keep the above birds out.
I know you have the adjustable one but that is a clumsy looking thing.

RSPB response - Thanks for your review. Starlings have suffered a huge decline in recent years and are a red listed species. We would always encourage people to feed starlings if they visit your garden.

I stapled this cage to a wooden decking tile from Homebase, turned it upside down and mounted it on a 7ft post, which gives me a waterproof cage to hang feeders from, which parakeets etc. cannot get into and cats cannt reach. The feeders also stay dry. I modifed the anti-squirrel funnel pole attachment and no squirrels have got to it.

My only criticism is that starlings can get in easily, so I would have liked a smaller mesh.

After purchasing the very successful pitched roof guardian, we needed another flat roof one for another ground feeder but very disappointed that the mesh was much wider than the pitched roof mesh variety, despite it being described as small mesh and the squirrel had no trouble at all getting in without even having to squeeze through the mesh :( Just not up to the job this time so cannot recommend it if you want to keep squirrels or larger birds out.

Thanks for your review. If you'd like a replacement or refund, please contact our Customer Services Team.

This is a well made product and should last a long time. The problem I have with it is the mesh is a bit too open so that crows and jackdaws can get their heads in to peck at food (just their heads) and this scares the little birds away. As another reviewer said, starlings can get in easily but they are less of a problem where I live. All the squirrels can get in. Another issue was when it rained the food got wet and went mushy (not a fault of the mesh itself, just because it is completely open). I ended up doing a lot of modification to it. I fitted a roof to it and formed a side door. I also use a small 40mm deep tray for the food (set back from the mesh to stop the crows getting at it and to stop the wind carrying food out which was encouraging the crows also). I have also mounted it on a raised platform like a conventional bird-table as ground feeding was attracting rats. All-in-all I have had to modify it extensively to improve it but the problem regarding the size of the mesh is still there .... sorry this is not more positive but I'd rather just be honest ...

My reason for choosing the narrow mesh protector was to keep the starlings out of the nibbles I put out for the smaller birds. They come and eat everything in a matter of minutes. The robins and tits never get a look in. Unfortunately, most of the starlings have no problem slipping through the mesh.
If you don't mind feeding the starlings, it's a great product. But as the guide doesn't list starlings as a species that will fit through, I'm really disappointed.

RSPB response - We're sorry you're not happy with this product. If you'd like to return it for a refund or replacement, please contact Customer Services on 0845 1 200 501. We do state in the 'Advice' section of the product description that juvenile squirrels and starlings may still be able to get into this guardian.