How to deter parakeets from bird feeders
When parakeets move into a location, they can quickly dominate all feeding opportunities. They may initially appear in one’s and two’s, appearing as exotic novelties on a bird feeder. However, they can quickly increase in numbers and become a nuisance. They have powerful beaks and can cause extensive damage to bird feeders as they prise their way in. We are frequently asked for parakeet proof bird feeders and way to control them, so let’s start here.
While there is no product currently on sale in the UK specifically designed to deter parakeets or stop them from feeding on your feeders, there are a number of steps you can take to deter them, and a few products available that do work as excellent deterrents.
Parakeet proofing your bird feeders
Food Choices
Parakeets are relatively large birds with powerful beaks and like a good meal. Peanuts and sunflower seeds are very attractive to them, but they are less interested in fine seeds including niger seeds, or millets. They are also less inclined to eat fat or suet products such as fat balls or suet pellets. By avoiding foods that parakeets enjoy you discourage them from visiting, leaving your garden clear for your regular small garden birds.
Physical Barriers
Placing bird feeders in restricted areas and additionally using barriers such as domes and squirrel baffles can discourage parakeets from raiding bird feeders. A baffle is a dome or cylinder that is placed over a bird feeder to prevent larger birds or animals from reaching it. While primarily used to deter squirrels, placing a baffle over your bird feeder and locating it in an area with restricted access can further reduce the chances of parakeets accessing it. Baffles and domes can be bought separately or are sometimes integral, such as our adjustable robin feeder.
How to stop parakeets from taking over bird feeders
Caged Bird Feeders
These bird feeders have a protective metal cage around them, with small gaps that only smaller birds such as blue tits, great tits, goldfinches, robins, and others can fit through to access the feed inside. Larger birds, including parakeets, can’t fit through the gaps therefore denying them access. Caged bird feeders were initially introduced to prevent squirrels stealing bird food but are now commonly marketed as being ‘large bird resistant’ also. The limitation with caged bird feeders is that many of these ‘large’ birds, including starlings, jackdaws and parakeets can stick their heads through the gaps in the cage and by stretching their long necks, or beaks, can reached the food inside without having to get through the cage.
Guaranteed Squirrel Proof Feeders (most likely to be parakeet proof)
Good quality bird feeders marketed as ‘squirrel-proof’ are often also effective against parakeets. This is because they use a combination of a spring-loaded mechanism and ‘chew-proof’ frame to prevent squirrels accessing the food or damaging the feeder. The combination of physical strength and the inability to access food directly or indirectly is as effective against parakeets as it is squirrels.
Weight-Activated Feeders
A few new high-quality bird feeders use a weight-sensitive mechanism to open or close access to the bird food inside. If a weight heavier than a small tit or finch lands on the feeder, a barrier closes the feeder preventing seeds being eaten or even shaken out. This style of weight activated bird feeder is effective not only against parakeets but also all large birds, and animals such as squirrels and even rats. These are one of the most effective options for keeping parakeets away.
If parakeets are visiting and becoming destructive in your garden, we recommend adopting as many of the above tactics as possible to discourage them, along with other large birds and squirrels. Managing your garden environment and your choice of feeders, can go a long way to providing your smaller garden birds the opportunity to feed in peace.
This is the best parakeet proof bird feeder in the UK
The best and most parakeet resistant bird feeders currently available in the UK are the Leto Bird Seed Feeder and the Squirrel Buster Classic seed feeder. We have seen great success keeping parakeets at bay with these accurately calibrated weight activated feeders. In addition to preventing parakeets, they are equally effective against all large birds as well as rats and squirrels. All creatures capable of becoming a nuisance stealing your bird food and deterring smaller garden birds.
Ring-necked parakeets exotic attractions or unwelcome invasive species?
Ring-necked or rose-ringed parakeets are an exotic sight in the UK countryside. They are brightly coloured emerald-green birds, travelling in flocks and are vocal in flight and while feeding. You cannot ignore them when they’re in your vicinity. Their bright and noisy presence can dazzle and charm and many see them as a fun and unexpected addition to the local wildlife, being wowed by their confidence and vibrant beauty.
Are ring-necked parakeets an invasive species in the UK?
However, environmentalists, conservationists and gardeners have raised concerns about the ecological impact of these invasive birds. Ring necked (or rose-ringed) parakeets are believed to outcompete native species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and even bats for nesting holes which are already in short supply. Additionally, in areas where they have become established such as London and the south-east, they tend to dominate bird feeders driving away smaller more timid native species. While Government research is ongoing, many worry the rapid spread of parakeets will disrupt local ecosystems if their numbers continue to grow unchecked.
Farmers also have major concerns about the increase in parakeet numbers and distribution, especially those growing fruit crops. Throughout Europe large flocks of parakeets have been the cause of extensive damage to crops, and if replicated here in the UK, could cause commercial loss, as well as environmental damage. Other native species such as bullfinches which are already under threat could be put under even greater pressure.
The UK government’s position and wildlife organisations consider the ringed-necked parakeet (also known as the rose-ringed parakeet) as an invasive non-native species. They have considered managing their population, but the current official stance is monitoring their spread rather than active control. They have been added to a list of other invasive species to discuss whether to control their numbers, or to protect native species and ecosystems.
Ring-necked parakeets are listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 meaning it’s not illegal to see or feed these birds, but it is illegal to release them into the wild.
Do parakeets outcompete native birds?
The government acknowledges parakeets compete with native birds for food and nesting sites. The species nests in tree cavities in direct competition with birds such as woodpeckers, jackdaws, and nuthatches. Parakeets also affect commercial fruit crops by eating fruit buds and have potential to disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species such as bullfinches, greenfinches, and other seed and fruit eating species.
While these birds are viewed fondly by many members of the pubic and welcomed in gardens, the conflict of support and control has created heated debate about how best to manage the species, balancing biodiversity concerns with public enjoyment.
