Celebrating Bluebirds

March means spring! While it will be mid-April before most migrating birds start showing up or moving through Saskatchewan, two notable species—Mountain and Eastern Bluebirds—usually appear as early as mid-March. Both species are strikingly beautiful and, as secondary cavity nesters, will take up residence in nestboxes.

If you live on an acreage or farm within the range of either of these species and can offer them suitable habitat (short grass areas with a few scattered trees), you might want to join in the efforts to help these species by setting out boxes for them.

If you would like to learn more, I have just written a book about them for the North American Bluebird Society (NABS). This book—Get to Know Bluebirds: A Guide for Young Nature Lovers—was written for young adults but is an interesting and engaging resource for everyone. It is available as a downloadable PDF from the NABS website:  http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/publications/ .

March represents the tail-end of winter, so it is important to keep your backyard bird feeding stations filled until the snow melts and the earth starts to reawaken. While the redpolls are still here, I suggest using Mother Nature’s® Medium Chips as well as Mother Nature’s® Finch Mix. 

Myrna Pearman is the Resident Naturalist & Backyard Bird Feeding Expert for Mother Nature’s®. She is also a keen nature writer, photographer and author of several books, available from www.myrnapearman.com . She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

February, despite the lengthening hours of daylight and being the shortest month of the year, is still locked in the full clutches of Old Man Winter. It can be long and dreary, so Valentines’ Day is the bright spot of the month for many Canadians.

February can also be a challenging month for our wild neighbours, each day a life-and-death struggle against the elements.  But for one of our common backyard species, the White-breasted Nuthatch, mid-winter is also a time for love!

White-breasted Nuthatches—so named for their habitat of “hacking” their food open—remain pair-bonded throughout the year and engage in their own Valentine rituals during the winter months. Pairs keep in touch with each other using a wide vocal repertoire of 13 distinct calls. Both sexes issue calls, most of which are a variation of the characteristic nasal “yank yank.” Only the males sing courtship and territorial songs.  

Nuthaches spend their days both caching and hunting for food morsels in the nooks and crannies of tree trunks and branches. They have the distinct habit of working their way from the top to the bottom of a tree trunk, headfirst. Interestingly, because they rely on memory to find cached food items, the hippocampus section of their brains is unusually large.

Unlike most bird species, whose hearing is most acute in the spring, nuthatch hearing is most acute in fall and winter. It is believed that this acuity helps paired birds communicate, enables them to locate invertebrates hidden under tree bark, and perhaps even helps them hear the wings of predators—a useful attribute for a species that feeds with its head down.

Despite being pair-bonded throughout the year and courting each other in the winter, recent research shows that there can be some skullduggery between the sexes. Apparently, male nuthatches have been known to watch where their mates cache food, then fly to the location and pilfer it. Females have grown wise to this trickery, as they have learned to wait at a feeding station until after the male has left with his own cache, then zip off with their morsel in the opposite direction!

Encourage nuthatches into your yard by offering them suet, shelled and unshelled sunflower seeds, and shelled and unshelled peanuts. For an ideal mix, try Mother Nature's Chickadee Nuthatch blend.  Add some enjoyment to your February by watching and listening to the Valentine overtures of these interesting wild neighbours.

-Myrna Pearman

January Joy

Myrna Pearman

January is a difficult time of year for many people. The bustle of the holiday season has come and gone, the dark and cold of winter still envelopes us, and the return to everyday realities can be challenging.

One of the best ways to cure the January blues is to enjoy nature!  While reading about nature or watching nature documentaries can boost our spirits, getting outside and being immersed nature is the healthiest option, especially at this time of year. Even short walks around local neighborhoods and through local parks can refresh and invigorate.

Connecting children to nature is especially important. Many studies confirm that direct exposure to nature is essential to a child’s healthy physical and emotional development. The benefits of taking children outside and letting them creatively play cannot be overstated.

When it is too cold or dark for children to go outside to play, an idea might be to alternate screen time with letting children read nature-based books and/or engage in nature-related crafts.

One of the most enjoyable and transformative way to enjoy nature—for adults and children alike—is to bring nature into our own yards and gardens by setting out bird feeding stations.  Backyard bird feeding, which is a hobby enjoyed by millions of people across North America, has become even more enthusiastically embraced over the past couple of years as people have been spending more time at home.

Backyard bird feeding stations benefit our avian neighbors by supplying them with a steady supply of food. But having the birds around benefits us too! Birds, which are fascinating to watch, provide their human observers with a strong connection to the natural world.  Watching feeder birds is a great way to introduce children to nature and can kindle in them a healthy sense of wonder and joy.

Setting up a bird feeder is simple, easy and inexpensive. All that is needed is a sturdy feeder and, to start with, a small bag of medium sunflower chips. Once the birds start coming, this basic set up can be complemented with additional feeding stations and offerings, including black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, quality seed blends and suet. Many pleasant hours of nature watching will be the reward for starting this hobby!

See how Ingredients in your brand stack up to the ones in BLUE!

We would like to congratulate the following Early's employees for their years of service, and for helping make Early's the place that it is today. At this years Christmas Party we awarded a number of our long standing staff for their years of service. 

5 Years

Logan Smith 

Ron Kuzma

10 Years

Helena Kloetz 

Lidia Lohrey 

Olga Winterholler

Lars Gordon

20 Years

Bob McHargue

25 Years

Kevin Harder

35 Years

Al Thiesen

40 Years

Chuc Van Duong

Congratulations to everyone!

This past weekend CASDDA - The Canadian Search & Disaster Dogs Association was at our Lorne Ave location for a fundraiser, and offered to give us a demo. Our expert Taylor volunteered to be our 'missing person' and Belle did a fantastic job tracking her down. Thanks again to CASDDA for this demo, and if you want to learn more about the dogs, handlers, and this association you can do this at https://www.casdda.org/.

Muddy paws, sharp nails, chewers, road sickness, and piddlers, are a few of the reason why you should consider Kurgo pet products for your travels! Not only can you keep your vehicle clean, but help keep your pet safe with harnesses and seatbelts. Installation is fast, and cleaning is easy! Check out our video on installation of the Kurgo bench seat cover below:

 https://www.earlysgarden.com/search?query=kurgo

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: The #1 Bird Seed!

Black oil sunflower seeds hold the distinction of being the most sought-after of all feeder seeds. In fact, sunflowers are not only dined on by dozens of bird species, but they are also eaten by a myriad of other creatures—from bees and many other species of insects to coyotes and deer. So nutritious and packed with essential nutrients are black oil sunflower seeds that they are also added as a dietary supplement for horses.

While there are many different varieties of sunflowers on the market today, all trace their origins back to the wild sunflower (Helianthus annus). Until recently, the most popular type of sunflower seed for feeding birds was the large striped variety. From that original North American stock, Russian researchers undertook a selective breeding program in the early 1900s. The resulting black oilseed variety, which was smaller, had a thinner shell, and more calories per gram, was then marketed around the world and soon became the number one ranking bird seed.

Not only are black oil sunflower seeds the best and most popular feeder fare, but they are also easy to grow. Plants will often germinate beneath bird feeding stations from the seeds that fall on the ground. If a more appropriate location is required, simply pull the small feral plants and use some of the birdseed to plant them elsewhere. With their bright yellow flowers and sturdy stalks, sunflowers add both interest and colour to gardens and flower beds. Once they ripen, the heads can be left on throughout the fall or broken off before the birds can extract all the seeds and set out later in the winter. Several species, especially jays, chickadees and crossbills, love to pick the seeds directly from the sunflower heads.

Black oil seeds can be dispensed in a variety of ways: ground-feeding birds will feed on them if they are thrown directly on the ground (under the canopy of large conifers is recommended since these areas tend to remain snow-free) as well from various feeders, including trays, covered trays, hoppers, and tube feeders that have large portals.

One downside of offering unshelled sunflower seeds is that the hulls can accumulate under the feeders and, if allowed to pile up, can become unsightly and even kill lawn grass. The droppings might also attract mice or voles. The presence of these small creatures isn’t necessarily bad—they can provide some interesting wildlife watching and may even bring in small owls and other small predators. Deer also love sunflower seeds, so if they become a problem, the feeding stations need to be raised so they are out of reach. To reduce the issue of accumulation, discarded hulls can simply be raked up on a regular basis.

BIRDS ATTRACTED TO BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEEDS: Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Canada and Blue Jay, Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged, Rusty and Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, Pine Grosbeak, House and Purple Finch, Red and White-winged Crossbills, Common and Hoary Redpolls, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak and House Sparrow.

Reduce waste & feed consumption with a slow feed hay bag or net today! Check out the below information to decide if a hay bag is right for you. 

N.A.G BAG FAQ & Information below.

What size do I recommend?

The size depends on your hay type as well as the type of animal you are feeding.

1 inch**: Ponies and miniature animals do very well right away with the 1-inch netting. 

1.5 inch: This is our most common size for most grazing animals.  

2-inch:  For larger breeds like drafts, warm bloods, working horses, young and older horses, and some mini cattle.

2.75 inch: This size must be placed in a feeder as a safety precaution. It is great for cattle and large breed horses. Ear tags, halters and any hoof must not be in contact with nets.

**Note – 1” netting is designed for small animals and for animals that have mastered grazing from the 1.5” net hole sizes. During cold weather a net can freeze, further restricting an animal’s ability to feed from this hole size. We recommend larger hole sizes be used in freezing temperatures.

How to Introduce a NAG Bag: Always provide loose hay alongside the NAG Bag until the animal seems comfortable eating from the net. This will ensure that animal learns to graze from the net without frustration. Proper introduction of a grazing bag will prolong the life of the net.

Net                              Capacity

Mini Bag                     1 to 2 Flakes

Trailer Bag                 2 Flakes

Hanging Bag             3 to 4 flakes

Mid Day Bag                5 to 7 flakes

Day Bag                     6 to 8 flakes

Square Bale Bag       1 two-string bale up to 95 lbs

EZ-Fill                         3 to 4 flakes

3 Tie Bale Bag           1 Three-string bale

Large Rounds and Squares

When customers are purchasing round bale bags, ask them what their bale size is (height and width) and recommend the appropriate size bag. For example. if a client has a 5x5 bale size recommend that they buy a 5x5 (RB5) or a 6x6 for ease in winter climates as nets become stiff and frozen, so using a size up helps with ease of feeding. The same is true for large square bales. Nets should fit loose never tight – if so exchange before using..

Note: We do not recommend the use of 1” netting in below-freezing temperatures. This is because nets can freeze and increase restriction, hampering an animal’s ability to access forage. When it comes to round and large square bale nets, the 1” netting is best suited for use in warmer climates.

FAQs

Can bags be left loose on the ground?

Yes. All of our bags can be left loose on the ground for extra movement and entertainment. Non-sandy surfaces are best. But with large bale bags these nets can sustain damage, as horses will stand on them and pull up,  as well as freezing to the ground more likely. Placing in a  feeder is best for all the large bags.

IMPORTANT:  Horses with shoes must have nets placed in boxes or feeders. Also note that bags with 2” net hole sizes can not be left out for minis or young horses. The 2.75 is never to be used on the ground.

Can I soak hay in the bags?

Yes, bags can be used to soak hay. We suggest that customers soak hay for a maximum of a 30 minutes. To avoid a hazard, customers should let the water drip/drain out before hanging bags above a surface that could become slippery (such as in a trailer).
 
Note that soaking hay in warm water results in the removal of higher amounts of sugars and starches. Levels decline significantly when hay is soaked in warm water for 30 minutes or cold water for 60 minutes. It is important that hay is not over-soaked (1-hour max) as this can cause mineral loss and reduces the amount digestible fiber. Soaked hay should be consumed within 6 hours and any remaining hay should be removed from the bag.

What type of hay do I use?

Grass mix hay free from both dust and mold is ideal. Easy keepers do best on 1st cut, lower sugar and starch hays. Hard keepers and elderly horses may require higher protein hay types. 

Coarse, long hay is harder for horses to remove from a hay net than fine hay is. If hay is too fine, it can cause issues like balling and/or impactions. Hay with more stem aids digestion by helping hindgut secretions flow, increasing the amount of chewing required, and slowing down the rate of consumption - all good things.

When the net is empty should I refill it, even if my animal has eaten all of its hay for the day?

Yes, it is best to keep the nets full. You may go through a bit more hay in the beginning, but after the horse self-regulates his feeding (grazing), his habits will change both physically and emotionally as consumption slows down. The hay type must suit your horse's needs according to whether they are easy or hard keepers, we strongly recommend hay testing. You could also utilize a two-bag system…one bag with the regular hay and one bag with lesser protein & WSC hay (a munching hay or straw).or one bag with a smaller hole net and one larger hole net.

Will my horse be frustrated with the NAG Bag?

After proper introduction, horses using NAG Bags with the correct hole size tend to prefer to graze from the net, rather than from loose hay feedings.

Can I use this continuous feeding system with my laminitis-prone horse?

Yes, this is one of the best feeding systems to use because it helps to keep your horse’s insulin levels balanced. When forage is available 24/7 stress is also reduced. BUT it is important to note that you must ensure that you are feeding hay that is correct for sensitive horses – having your hay tested is essential! Hay testing is easy to do with minimum cost, see our web for more info.

How is the Round Bale eaten down?

The round bale simply shrinks/collapses down with the hay and molds into the shape of a large pillow. Before the bag is completely empty, shake the hay out and insert a fresh round bale.

Will the Round/Square Bale freeze to the ground?

In the winter you can use straw, shavings, or tarps under the hay net. Making sure that the nets never become completely empty is the key, as hay helps to insulate the nets from the ground. 

Do I have to re-tighten the Round/Square bale bag?
No, you only tie the net up once, but you should inspect your bale bag frequently. As if a hole appears its easy to fix – if left over days it will become larger and a danger.

NAG Bags: Troubleshooting

My horse won't leave the slow feeder...

Keep going along with it, their eating will slow down. For some animals, it can take days and sometimes even weeks!  These horses are usually the ones whom have never had a free choice feeding before. 

• If you do not have the correct hay for full-time free-choice slow feeding, you may just use the slow feeder to extend the hours of your regular hay feeds.
• If you have the correct hay for your horse they will slow down and regulate themselves.

Using NAG Bags with poor teeth or missing teeth?
​
Before a customer starts feeding with slow feeders they should check their animal’s teeth alignment.

Some miniatures have poor teeth alignment, and it is not uncommon for older horses to be missing teeth. If their horse has a missing tooth that is fine, but if it has all of its middle teeth and none on the sides, or if one tooth is laying over top of another, we recommend that they seek the advice of a veterinarian or dental assistant before use. 

Can my horse chew through the NAG Bag?

Our net is the safest and most durable on the market. When introduced correctly (with loose hay feedings along with the NAG Bag), we see minimum to no damage, but it is possible. If this happens, a simple repair can be made (the value of the NAG Bag far exceeds a small repair or two).  Care should be taken not to snag bags on feeders or equipment.

What do I do if I get a hole in the net?

All nets come with spare matching twine - just as a good sweater comes with an extra button. Make sure you sew up the hole as soon as it is found so that the animals don’t make it larger. If you have a hole that has been left and is now very large and cannot be pulled together without making the bag too small, you will need a repair patch kit. Repair kits include large patches of netting and a roll of twine. See our video on repairing.

Feeding Birds in the Fall

November – a month typified by shorter daylight and dropping temperatures - is a great time to get started on a backyard bird feeing program. Not only will bird feeding stations help our avian neighbors survive the long cold winter ahead, but having wild birds within view is guaranteed to make a Saskatchewan winter more interesting and inspiring.

For those who are new to bird watching and bird feeding, it is important to note that it is the availability of food, not temperature, that determines which bird species can thrive in our challenging winters and which must seek warmer climes. Those that depend on flowers and active insects must leave while those species that are adapted to survive on a paltry diet of seeds, frozen insects, buds and berries, carrion and/or live prey remain behind.

Supplemental food will be readily accessed by many bird species, and fall is an excellent time to start setting up feeding stations because the birds will soon learn where steady supplies are located. Some, like chickadees, might even establish their winter territories to include feeders.  

High quality seed is the foundation of a successful backyard bird feeding program.  To this end, avoid the widely available cheap seed mixtures that are laden with such non-palatable offerings such as milo (grain sorghum) and whole cereal grains (e.g., wheat, oats).  Mother Nature’s seeds are clean, of high quality, and are sold either as single seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds shelled and unshelled, peanuts shelled and unshelled,) or blended using a variety of nutritious and field-tested ingredients.

Myrna Pearman is the Resident Naturalist for Mother Nature’s seed and is the co-author, with Trevor Herriot, of Backyard Bird Feeding: A Saskatchewan Guide. It is available at Early’s or can be ordered from Nature Saskatchewan.  All proceeds from the sale of this book support Nature Saskatchewan’s conservation and education programs.

Check out Mother Nature's Bird Seed today: