Quote Originally Posted by Rachel
I used to always put out bird feed in the winter and only within the past years have been convinced this may not be the best thing to do. The argument is that the seed spill from the feeder attracts rodents and well, I guess I'm not inclined to encourage mice or rats around my house. The other theory is that those rodents attract the coyotes which are known to inhabit nearby areas and which are a concern to the local dogs during their trips outside.

Actually you can buy a 'no mess' seed mix that is mostly hulled sunflowers so there is no messes to attract rodents.

I don't use that kind myself because, well, with 15 feeders I just can't afford that mix. I've never had problems with rodents in my yard, we keep the shells raked up and the lawn mower disperses the rest that the squirrels and rabbits don't eat. We do get an occasional raccoon or possum eating at the ground feeders at night though, but I don't mind as long as they aren't destructive or in large numbers.