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"This is the technique I have used. You will need at least a week to do this. Start off at a far distance (maybe 20 feet away). You can sit down on a chair if you wish. After 30 mins to an hour, the chickadees will come to feed. Wait until they have been accustomed to your presence before moving up a couple of feet. Once you get within 5-10 feet, wait standing up. When you reach a distance close enough to touch the feeder, you should have sunflower seeds in your outstretched hand. (This must be done over the span of several days). See if the chickadees will land on the feeder with your hand nearby. Once they get comfortable to having your hand near the feeder, stop for the day. The next day, do the same thing...then after they have been feeding for a while, close off the feeder somehow so that they cannot get at the seeds. Their only alternative will be to feed from your hand....which they will do if they are hungry enough. This is a very rough guide...there are books on handfeeding birds that you can probably find in your local library."

Another hand feeding photo

Additional photos can be viewed in My Private Chickadee Gallery

Here's an interesting story about hand feeding a chickadee that was sent to me by Brenda K. Wallacebowden

WHAT A THRILL! Yesterday afternoon I walked out the backdoor with my container of birdfood and a little gray and white Carolina Chickadee flew right to me. I held up a handful of grain, palm up, and the little lady landed, picked out a seed and flew back to her nest. (She's set up for the season in a little sunflower shaped bird house up the hill.) I was speechless, absolutely humbled by this special visit. Last night I was taking a small pail of fruit up the hill and out she came. Landed on a branch next to my head and looked at the pail. Seemed disappointed it didn't have her seed in it. I put the pail down, walked (although I wanted to run) back to the house, got her seed and returned. She had been waiting. As soon as I approached her she came. Still can't believe it. Looks like I've made a friend.

A special Thank You to Eric & Brenda for sharing this information with us
and to Erin for letting me use the photograph of her hand feeding a chickadee.

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Created: Long ago on a wintry night on Chickadee Lane! Last maintained: 12/28/2001