Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, cautioned that “once parakeets discover a food source, they take over fast”, pushing out other wildlife, such as robins. Richard said: “They commonly arrive in small numbers at first, then build into flocks that push out smaller birds and damage feeders with their powerful beaks.”
But, there are humane ways to deter these domineering birds. Richard said: “Changing the food is a quick and easy solution, if a garden offers peanuts or sunflower seeds, parakeets will keep coming back. Switching to niger seed, millet or suet products, and most will lose interest quickly.”
Another key tactic is to make sure you have good deterrents. Richard added: “Barriers such as domes and baffles are useful because they make it harder for larger birds to land and feed.
“Although these products are usually sold for squirrel control, they also make life difficult for parakeets when paired with careful feeder placement.”
You also need to be careful which bird feeders you are using. Richard said: “Caged feeders are often marketed as a solution, but they are only partially effective as parakeets can still reach through the bars with their long necks and remove seeds.”
Stronger designs, like squirrel-proof feeders, work well because they are tough, chew-resistant and built to close off food access under heavier weights. Weight-activated feeders are currently the most reliable option for people serious about stopping parakeets.
Richard explained: “These feeders automatically shut when anything heavier than a small songbird lands on them, preventing parakeets, starlings, squirrels and even rats from emptying the food.
“Parakeets are classed as an invasive non-native species, and there are growing concerns about the pressure they put on native wildlife.”
They compete directly with birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches for nesting holes and dominate feeders, which reduces feeding opportunities for smaller birds.
Experts at Vine House farm concurs that the three best feeders to keep parakeets out are caged hanging feeders, large squirrel busters and ground guards.
The experts added that a mix of different feeders means that you’d have some caged feeders – both hanging and ground – “to allow most of your more welcome garden birds to feed in relative peace”.
