If you love wildlife and want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home, feeding wild birds in your backyard is one way to do it. You’ll be amazed at how even simple bird seed cylinders can attract different species of birds.
Even though the general rule is never to feed wild animals, there are only a few situations with birds where you can cause more harm than good. But to ensure that you won’t do any at all, continue reading this article.
Types of Bird Food You Can Offer
Even though birds are smart enough not to eat foods that may harm them, below are the best types of bird food you can offer to them in your backyard.
- Black-oil sunflower seeds: these seeds are high in fat which can be a good energy source for birds. The seeds are also tiny and thin-shelled that even small birds can enjoy them.
- White Proso Millet: these are protein-rich food perfect for building strong muscles for birds.
- Peanuts: high in protein and fat; use feeders specifically for peanuts so birds will not have a hard time feeding.
- Suet cakes: there are commercially available suet cakes in pet shops and stores if you don’t want to make your own. They fit most standard-size suet feeders.
- Nyjer seeds: use bird feeders with small holes to prevent spilling because they are tiny.
- Cracked corn: only use medium-sized cracked corn for your feeders. If they are too big, small-beaked birds can eat them. If too small, they turn to mush.
Are There Unsafe Human Foods?
Yes, there are. Below are human foods that you should not feed to birds.
- Bread (stale or fresh): bread has no nutritional value for birds and stale bread might harm them.
- Chocolate: they are toxic to birds too, not just to your cat or dog.
- Table scraps: some of the things you eat may be safe for bird consumption, so it would be best if you avoid feeding them with your table scraps.
Where Should You Place Your Bird Feeders?
For your bird feeders and bird food not to be wasted, place them where birds feel safe from predators. You can put them twelve feet away from a bush, tree, or brush pile. This ensures that predators cannot hide within striking distance from the birdfeeder.
If you want to provide more protection, you can put chicken wire around your bird feeders.
How Do You Choose Your Birdfeeder?
When choosing a bird feeder, follow the tips below.
- Wood and clay feeders are hard to clean because of their porous surfaces. Instead, choose plastic, steel, and glass feeders.
- Choose small bird feeders because birds can quickly empty them, meaning your bird food will not spoil.
- Avoid feeders with sharp edges so birds will not get injured when they perch on them.
- Choose a feeder with a dome and drainage holes to keep your bird food dry.
Should You Feed Birds All Year Round?
That is up to you. But if you want to help the birds in your neighborhood, it would be best to feed them in times when they need energy the most. Like during migration, extreme temperature events, and early spring or late winter when seeds are scarce.
During summer, most birds nest and care for their young, which means they are more focused on eating insects. It’s also essential for young birds to learn how to find naturally occurring food. So take a break from bird feeding during summer.
Conclusion
Every creature wants to have a safe place to eat, take shelter, and be protected from toxic sprays and lawnmowers. In other words, they want a humane backyard. So share this article with your friends and family for them to help and feel close to nature.
