..coconuts !

[justsomeoneelse]

hello all,
i've been given a few coconuts. now without trying to sound silly...

..which is the best way to cut them, in half length ways or in half across the middle ?

..which is the best way to hang them, on the side or upside down or what ?

..which birds will eat from it ?

..if uneaten, will it go mouldy ?



thanks...


justsomeoneelse

[Kerry L]

Hi

I don't bother with coconuts anymore - not many birds were interested. I think our birds are too fussy and spoilt. We cut the nuts in half across the middle - as best you can with a hammer and chisel - they don't always come out perfect halves! Then drill a hole in one end to put string or wire through it - upside down as that protects the contents to a certain extent. Some people might hang them sideways - it's up to you. The soft white stuff didn't go mouldy, although in damp weather that would be a possibility, but it shrivelled up and dropped out, obviously left it there too long. If you do have success, and you are left with the shells, you could refill it with the bird cake mix and some fat.
Good luck - your birds might be more grateful for something different.
Regards, Kerry

[Amy B]

I've also found the birds don't really bother with the coconuts, but when filled with suet the tits love them. Also, when a twig is stuck in the middle and the suet is facing outwards and not upside down, robins, sparrows and other birds readily take to them. However, make sure that the coconut is facing downwards slightly, so that rainwater doesn't collect and make the suet mouldy.

[Emma]

Our coconuts have always gone mouldy before anything has had a good go at them.

Blue Tits and Coal Tits enjoyed them, but they were largely untouched.

Best thing to do is buy a coconut, eat it yourself and then use the shell to hold a fat cake mix.