Wild birds enjoy a variety of foods, including a wide variety of cheap wild bird seed. These varieties may sound a bit odd to your bird-watching needs, but they are all equally delicious to your backyard feathered friends. Black oil sunflower seed, White millet, Cracked corn, and Milo are some of the most common types of bird seed. By purchasing them in bulk, you can also enjoy cheaper per-pound prices.
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Black oil sunflower seed
One of the cheapest wild bird seed options is black oil sunflower. These tiny seeds attract many species of birds, including downy woodpeckers. It also has many uses, and can be used as a loss leader. For example, a bumper crop sunflower seed can be sold at a discount as a loss leader item. And, just like a bumper crop turkey, you can find it for very low prices at CUB Foods.
White millet
The whitish grain known as millet is a favorite food for ground-feeding birds. House sparrows, juncos, mourning doves, cardinals, and other ground-feeding species enjoy millet. While many species enjoy other types of bird seed, white millet is a particularly good choice for backyard birds. Listed below are some birds that like white millet, and where to find it.
Milo
For the best results, scatter milo seeds over the ground or on low tray feeders. This grain often goes to waste in packaged birdseed mixes, and you may have to discard it. Additionally, it can harbor fungus and bacteria, so you might want to be aware of how much of it you’re giving to your birds. Avoid using milo seeds if you’re concerned about cowbirds, and steer clear of red millet, which is also a great source of cheap wild bird seed.
Cracked corn
When shopping for wild bird seed, cracked corn is a great option. This inexpensive and highly nutritious seed attracts a wide variety of birds at a very cheap price. When choosing a feeder for your backyard, keep in mind where the birds will feed. Cracked corn is best placed out of the wind, preferably near a fence or other cover. It should also be refillable, as cracked corn contains major allergens, which can be problematic for some people.
Cooked rice
For smaller garden birds, boiled rice is best. Soft boiled rice is easier for birds to digest. Bring a kettle to a boil, and add rice when it’s about to boil. Cook the rice for 10 minutes, but don’t overdo it with salt – birds are not fond of large amounts of salt! Alternatively, try puffed rice instead. The latter is more digestible for birds and can provide a healthy alternative to loose bird seed.
Table scraps
You can attract birds to your backyard by providing them with inexpensive wild bird seed made from table scraps. Among the most popular foods that birds enjoy eating include apples and bananas. Slice the fruit, remove the seeds and place the pieces in a feeder for the birds. If you don’t have access to fruit, you can also provide soaked dried fruit to attract birds. Avoid providing raisins or grapes for the birds, however, as these can cause a severe reaction.
Cooked peanut butter
The easiest way to create a delicious peanut butter suet mixture is to make it yourself! Begin by mixing together the peanut butter and cornmeal. When thoroughly mixed, the mixture should be pliable enough to hold up a spoon. Then, fill your wooden bird feeder with the mixture. You can also stuff woodpeckers’ favorite food into holes in logs or large pinecones.
Jelly
You can attract many different species of birds by offering them cheap wild bird seed jelly in feeders. While the jelly can be sticky for small birds, it is more nutritious than natural food. Jelly is a great supplement for a bird’s diet, especially during times of severe food shortage. Even adults may come to eat the jelly during their search for insect food. If you’re wondering if jelly is good for birds, here’s how to tell!
Peanut butter
For birds that love peanut butter, you can offer the mixture as a treat. Peanut butter is a very good source of energy. It also provides a lot of protein. You can mix it with cornmeal and sprinkle it on the side of the tree. Some birds are allergic to peanut butter. Nevertheless, you can still attract these birds to your yard using peanut butter. To make your bird’s favorite snack, follow these steps:
