Peckamix is the name of a wild bird food mix. Blends change over time, so check the current label, but a good wild bird mix has plenty of black oil sunflower seed, little filler, and often added extras such as dried mealworms, nuts or fruit for variety. Here is how to judge any mix like it.
What Makes a Good Wild Bird Mix
- Black oil sunflower seed: High in fat and easy for most seed-eaters to crack. It should be a large share of the mix.
- Little or no milo and wheat: These are cheap fillers that many birds waste.
- Dried mealworms: A good protein source that attracts robins, bluebirds, wrens and chickadees. Soaking dried mealworms in water first can help in dry weather.
- Nuts: Unsalted peanuts or chopped nuts feed jays, woodpeckers and titmice.
- Dried fruit: Raisins or berries draw fruit-eating birds such as waxwings and mockingbirds.
Is Seed Alone Enough?
Wild birds eat a mix of seeds, insects and fruit, so offering variety attracts more species. Pet pellets are made for caged birds and are not needed for wild birds. Mealworms, suet and fruit add protein and fat that seed alone lacks, especially in nesting season and winter.
How to Use It
- Choose a feeder that suits the mix: a tray or hopper for mixed seed and mealworms, and a tube feeder only for plain sunflower.
- Put out a small amount each day and add more as birds finish it.
- Clean feeders every week or two and rake up old seed.
- Keep the bag sealed and dry to keep out moisture and pests.
Related Guides
See what to feed wild birds besides seed, walnuts for wild birds and wild bird sunflower seeds.
Bottom Line
Pick a mix with lots of sunflower and few fillers, add mealworms and nuts for variety, and keep everything fresh and dry. If you see sick or fluffed-up birds, clean your feeders and pause feeding for a few days.
