Does it keep blackbirds from eating the suet?
1436312
Yes it does if you use the metal plate that comes with it. It's the best I've used, bluebirds are able to get in but anything bigger can't.
1436313
It absolutely does. Since there is a plate on the bottom of the suet and the birds do not fit inside the cage, there is no way they can get it. You will like it.
1436314
Yes. The blackbirds are too large to get at the suet. Likewise for other bigger birds like flickers though. I get mostly juncos sparrows chickadees and titmice here.
1436315
Blackbirds are too big to get through the squares, so I don't think they could get through the outside squares to the suet holder inside.
1767066
I have mainly starlings (one type of blackbird) in my area. I used only black sunflower seeds, and they have not taken over the feeder. It may be that the perching area is smaller (which is one of the recommendations for keeping away blackbirds. They also do not like to feed under anything, so when mine was hanging under a poch ceiling, they never came to the area. As for seeds, the sites I read suggest safflower seeds (very hard) as the one type of seed blackbirds will not eat. Not sure what other birds like it. here's one good link for more info: http://springfieldil.wbu.com/content/show/76860 Good luck!
2118094
The lower plastic part is used by the woodpeckers to rest their tail feathers against as a prop (like they do when they are pecking at a tree, for leverage). As I watch them at the feeder, they usually cling to the mesh and/or the lower tan strip. As for staying dry: not really. There is no roof like overhang for coverage. But for suet, that isn't an issue. If you were putting blocks of seed in there, it would be a problem.
2222618
Actually, I have not seen Starlings on this suet feeder. They are usually a pesky bird, but no sign of them. We see pilated woodpeckers, lots of flickers, and other small birds. The bird that is usually a nuisance where I live are the Grosbeaks, they start feeding and won't leave, try to eat all the suet, and not leave food for others. You may not have them in your area.
1478005
I have never seen one hang on the cage that holds the suet cake. They do, however, clean up some of the seed and fat that falls to the ground. Crows are great scavengers and hard to discourage. You may want to set up a scare crow in your yard. You may want to invest in one of those plastic life size owls and put it up high, but close to the feeder. No guarantees that you will chase away the crows.
2118093
I have only noticed birds on the mesh part of feeder and roof helps but not totally. Birds seem to love it!
499905
I have had a bad experience with starlings and grackles sticking their head and long beaks inside the small squares and devouring the suet cakes in about 1/2 hour! It was amazing watching these aggressive birds figure out how to hang on to the bottom of the cage. Blue Jays have the same long beak and I am sure they will find a way into the cage. I actually decided to return the cage but received a credit from Amazon instead.
75125
The only other birds I have seen use this are Titmouse, it defiantly foils the pesky birds I have. Try it, you love it.
341097
It takes a while for the birds to figure it out. This feeder is made especially for woodpeckers and occasionally smaller birds will use it. I purchased mine because I had trouble with crows stealing the suet so the upside feeder eliminated that problem. Just be patient the woodpeckers will eventually find it.
296961
I have lots of woodpeckers and keep three suet feeders going, one of which is the tail prop suet feeder. My next purchase will be the one for the Pileated Woodpecker! Very occasionally I'll hear one pecking at the house but it doesn't stay too long.
1683274
I have never had problems with the Woodpeckers feeding from the Hummingbird feeders. I have Birdfeeders with Sunflower seeds and also Suet Feeder nearby the Woodpeckers stick with those.
119844
That I'm not sure. I've got blue martins that always try and build a nest under the canopy of my boat lifts. So I hang one of these inside my lift to scare them away when they fly inside. So far it has worked. I use to have a plastic owl hanging inside the canopy, but a storm in June with 85 mph winds sucked it out and I've never found it. These were less expensive, so I thought I'd give them a try.. Sorry I can't help with the woodpecker question.
2056087
Can't imagine it not working for any bird. I have canaries and finches. They took to it instantly. Cuts down on the mess but not completely. I like that it helps keep their food clean. I have bought four of them, if that speaks for anything. I would definetly recommend it.
695822
No. It's basically a sticky ball that looks like an Apple to lure the bugs. I had no issues with birds.
1595470
I've not had that problem and I'm not quite sure. The plastic covering the top may prevent the rats. I know the wire around the feeder sure helps keep the doves and pigeons out. Good luck.
2083170
I love my feeder and it's daily visited by cardinals, blu jays, woodpeckers, doves, but to tell you the truth I haven't seen any blackbirds around. Sorry because I cannot really answer your question.
939025
I don't have grackles, but it does keep out crows and jays. Even squirrels leave it (mostly) alone.