Wild bird seed 20 lbs can help attract various kinds of birds to your backyard, but selecting the appropriate type for your yard is crucial to its success. Good quality blends should contain higher proportions of popular seeds than fillers like cracked corn, milo and oats.
This classic combination of black oil sunflower seed, striped sunflower seed, peanuts and millet is the ideal year-round feeding mix, drawing finches, sparrows, juncos, towhees, quail and doves alike to its tables.
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Sunflower Seed
This classic blend of black oil sunflower seeds and millet attracts finches, chickadees, nuthatches, mourning doves, juncos, towhees, quail and buntings alike. It is recommended for most feeders but is especially great in hopper feeders, large tube and covered fly-through feeders.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of antioxidant-rich vitamins E and selenium, which act as antioxidants to defend against cell damage. Furthermore, these nutritious seeds also contain B vitamins, phosphorus, copper and manganese for maximum benefits.
Remind yourself that sunflower seeds are high in calories, so enjoy them only occasionally and in moderation to prevent weight gain or skin rashes. Also, excessive sunflower seed consumption may raise sodium levels in your blood and contribute to an increase in high blood pressure.
Safflower Seed
Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) are tiny, thin-hulled seeds high in protein and fat content, that act as an effective deterrent against squirrels and grackles.
This popular and nutrient-rich seed should be offered in large tray or hopper feeders for optimal results. You may mix it with other seeds to attract even more species – Cardinals in particular seem drawn to it, along with grosbeaks, nuthatches and titmice.
Safflowers thrive in dry climates with minimal precipitation, making their inclusion into your feeding station an effective way of recreating this environment. Safflower seeds also possess medicinal benefits; some chemicals found within them may prevent hardening of the arteries and decrease cholesterol.
Cracked Corn
Corn, in both its whole and cracked forms, plays an integral part in any backyard bird buffet. It provides energy sources and supplements the diets of some species like pheasants and thrashers.
Corn is an inexpensive way to feed chickens and can be scattered freely or placed in a tray or platform feeder. Corn helps keep chickens entertained and occupied so that they don’t resort to unhealthy behaviors like feather-plucking or boredom, especially during winter.
Simply ensure they receive a balanced diet by offering table scraps, fresh vegetables and fruits, commercially-produced chicken feed as well as table scraps from home. Too much cracked corn may result in decreased health and egg production.
Milo
Milo is a chocolate-flavored malted powder typically mixed with milk or hot water to form a beverage, or used as an ingredient in energy bars, breakfast cereals and protein granola products.
The beverage is advertised as an effective way of helping children develop strong and healthy bodies through its high concentrations of iron and calcium; however, these essential vitamins and minerals can easily be obtained through eating whole grains, vegetables and low-fat dairy.
Milo Seed (Sorghum bicolor) is an economical addition to birdfeed mixes, as its easy cultivation makes an ideal summer forage for wildlife. Serve this grain directly onto the ground or combine with more desirable seeds such as black oil sunflower seed to create custom blends tailored specifically for larger birds.
Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seed (also known as thistle seed or niger seed) is a small high-oil seed that’s especially attractive to finches, American goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos and pine siskins. Birds find its small size easier for handling and manipulating in their beaks while its thin shell requires effortful cracking for physical and cognitive stimulation while foraging birds are feeding on this nutritious snack.
Seed from Ethiopia and India flowering plants that has been heat-treated prior to import is used in special finch feeders with small holes that discourage squirrels. Tufted Titmice may occasionally eat this seed as well.
Millet
Millets offer a nutritious alternative to wheat and rice with their gluten free and low glycemic index profile, providing essential amino acids while providing energy, calcium, iron and phosphorus benefits.
Millet is an adaptable crop, ideal for planting in both wet environments and hot humid conditions. Popular species include Foxtail, Pearl and Japanese millet for wildlife feeding purposes.
Millet can be toasted before being combined with vegetables for an added nutty taste or simply cooked like any other grain. Furthermore, millet may be sprouted to reduce its antinutrient content.
