Providing food for wild birds in your garden will not only keep them healthy but will help attract other wildlife as well. These birds will not be able to survive without your support, so why not take a few minutes to prepare a few treats for them? You may be surprised at what you already have around the house that can serve as a great meal for them.
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Kitchen scraps
Keeping kitchen scraps in your backyard will not only attract wild birds, but also help you contribute to nature conservation. Many different types of foods can be fed to wild birds. But there are certain foods that can do more harm than good.
A good quality bird seed mix is always the best choice of food for your feathered friends. Avoid using sugar, seasonings, and other food additives. Fresh fruit is also a must.
While a good mix of seeds and nuts will provide a wide variety of nutrients, you can supplement the natural food sources by offering some other types of food.
Stale bread
Having a bird feeder full of stale bread can be a very entertaining way to feed your birds. However, if you’re going to offer your birds this, it’s best to do it on a limited basis.
Bread has very little nutritional value for your birds. The main thing they need is the proper balance of lipids and fats. If you give them too much bread, they may become very ill.
The reason for this is that bread is primarily a carbohydrate. It is a poor source of protein and essential fats, so it will leave them feeling very full and undernourished. This can lead to problems such as anemia.
Putting out stale cakes and cookies is an attractive attraction for wild birds in the garden. However, you need to make sure that you offer them in a way that does not harm the bird.
You can break up your stale products into smaller pieces and soak them in water before offering them to birds. You should also avoid feeding them any salty, greasy or flavored baked goods. This may attract unwanted guests.
During the cold months, birds tend to eat less natural food. They can be attracted by meat and fat.
Uncooked porridge oats
Whether you want to attract ground-feeding birds to your garden or just want to feed your birds some variety, uncooked porridge oats are a tasty treat for many wild birds. They are gluten-free, a healthy snack for them, and they provide more vitamin and mineral content than cooked cereals.
Birds need to consume a balanced diet to be healthy. The best way to do this is to provide them with a wide variety of food. This will help you attract a wider variety of bird species.
Crushed or grated nuts
Providing crushed or grated nuts for wild birds in the garden is an easy way to attract a variety of bird species to your backyard. However, you need to make sure that the food you provide is safe.
Nuts are an excellent source of energy for birds. Peanuts are especially popular with Chickadees and House Finches. Walnuts are also a good choice. You can offer them directly to the birds or hang them outside.
If you are putting a lot of nuts out, you may want to consider using a nut feeder. Besides attracting birds, a nut feeder can protect your yard from squirrels.
Waxworms
Providing food for wild birds in the garden can be a great way to encourage their feeding habits. Waxworms are a convenient and easy-to-grow food for your feathered friends. They are rich in protein and fat, making them a good source of energy.
These insects are a favorite food for a variety of birds, especially bluebirds, which naturally feed on invertebrates. Some insects, like mealworms, are consumed by both bluebirds and other insect-eating birds.
They are also a good food for frogs and other amphibians. They can be fed directly on the ground or in a hanging feeder.
Trees
Providing trees as food for wild birds in the garden is a great way to attract a variety of birds to your yard. Not only do they provide a good place for nesting and eating, they also provide shelter from the elements. Many birds like to eat fallen fruit from the trees in your backyard. In addition, the fruits provide important nutrients for the birds.
If you are interested in growing trees as food for wild birds in your yard, look for native species. These plants will thrive in your local climate. They will also be more recognizable by local birds.
