Wild bird seed blocks last longer and reduce waste more effectively than loose feed, while they attract more birds and different species than traditional feeders.
Avoid mixes containing milo, an inexpensive filler ingredient which attracts pest birds like blackbirds, European starlings and house sparrows. Instead, look for mixes that feature shelled sunflower seeds as well as other bird-favorite ingredients.
Contents
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Black oil sunflower seeds are among the most beloved and sought-after backyard birding seeds, as they attract doves, finches and chickadees alike. Their thin shell makes opening easier for almost all birds than their more widespread counterparts striped sunflower seeds.
These seeds contain high concentrations of protein and fat to keep birds warm in winter. Additionally, these seeds also provide other vital nutrients like calcium, vitamin B-complex, iron and potassium – essential components of bird nutrition.
A densely packed 21 lb block is an excellent long-term feeding source for doves, house finches, pine siskin and mountain chickadees. Be sure to store this seed in an ambient, cool and dry location in order to prolong its shelf life and ensure freshness for bird consumption.
Cracked Corn
This traditional bird feed attracts numerous ground-feeding species. It’s simple to use in either a feeder or scattered across the ground, providing energy sources at an inexpensive price point for wild birds.
Seed cylinders, cakes and bells make it easier to hang, last longer and are less messy than loose seed. Their convenient form makes them easier for hanging as well as holding different seed formulas together with pectin while simultaneously attracting various wild birds.
Chickens may survive on a diet of cracked corn alone, but for optimal egg production and to maximize egg yolk production they require more nutrition than that. Therefore, it’s vital to provide your flock with complete layer feed as part of its core nutrition.
White Millet
White proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) is one of the most widely-used seeds used in commercial bird food blends and makes an excellent component of homemade mixes to attract ground-feeding birds such as finches, sparrows and buntings.
Offer this round, lemon-colored seed alone or as part of a blend to ground feeding species such as juncos, doves, towhees and sparrows. Quail and other softbill species enjoy it too.
Avoid red millet, also referred to as milo in some commercial mixes. It is the least-preferred food of many ground-feeding birds and may attract unwanted cowbirds, starlings and grackles that visit your feeders. Furthermore, damp conditions can result in bacteria growth on it that could spread infections through its body.
Oat Groats
Oat groats are whole grains that have been processed through hulling to remove their inedible outer shell and provide an easily digestible food source that can be ground into various products.
These foods are minimally processed and take longer to cook, releasing their soluble fiber gradually for a lower glycemic index, making them suitable for people living with blood sugar issues.
Oat groats can be used in hot breakfast cereal, soup and stew dishes as well as ground into flour for baking purposes. Store it in a cool, dry environment for long term storage.
Nuts
Nuts (and seeds) contain essential ‘good fats’ and vitamins and minerals that have proven their benefit in helping manage cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure, visceral fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome.
Seed blocks, cylinders and cakes can be an effective way to attract woodpeckers, flickers, jays, nuthatches and other songbirds. Their long-term nature makes them easier and cleaner to manage than loose seed.
Though commonly known as nuts, most legumes – including peanuts, pecans and pistachios – are in fact true nuts with shells that break open with an audible popping sound when mature. Pistachios stand alone as true nuts with this feature.
Fruits
Blocks of seed help reduce waste, attract more birds, and offer a healthier option than loose, cheap wild bird seed you find at discount stores that has been sitting in warehouses for months. They are fresher and better for your backyard wildlife.
This densely packed 21# premium block is regionally designed to attract doves, house finches, mountain chickadees and other wild birds. The seeds are held together with gelatin to extend shelf life and reduce waste compared to loose seed. Plus, hanging this block makes hanging easier while being more enjoyable watching birds feast!
