If you want to get your feathered friend some wild bird feed, you need to know what kind of seeds to put in it. There are two kinds: striped sunflower seeds and black-oil seeds. You can even mix both types.
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Black-oil vs striped sunflower seeds
When you are looking for a good wild bird feed, it is important to know the difference between black oil sunflower seeds and striped sunflower seeds. They can both be used as a source of energy and nutrition, but they have different properties.
Black oil sunflower seeds are smaller and more fat-rich than striped seeds. This means that they need less energy to open, which makes them an ideal food for birds. Especially sparrows and finches.
Several varieties of sunflowers are grown for human consumption. Some are used for cooking oil and others for their beautiful flowers. However, both are nutritious and healthy for birds. Regardless of their intended use, a lot of birds love them.
Striped sunflowers are larger and thicker than black oil sunflowers. These are ideal for attracting larger bird species. Many smaller birds have a hard time breaking through the tough shell.
Striped sunflower seeds are also more expensive than black oil sunflowers. That’s why some people switch to hulled sunflower seed instead.
Milo attracts unwanted birds
The best wild bird feed is a mix of quality seeds. However, you will need to consider the types of songbirds you wish to attract. There is a wide selection of seed types, with the most popular being millet, sunflower and safflower. You can find millet in both red and white varieties. Having two or three varieties at your disposal is a good idea.
Milo is a common ingredient in mixed birdseed. It is also the source of the reddish flecks found in some seed mixes. One of the most interesting facts about milo is that it is also the breeding ground for fungus. So, if you have a problem with rats and roaches, you may want to consider a different bird seed.
While the aforementioned corn is the king of the crop, a well stocked bird feeder will have a variety of seeds on hand. In a pinch, you can use hulled sunflower chips to fill the gap.
Commercial seed mixes aren’t the best
Bird feed that contains commercial sunflower chips is not the best for wild birds. It may attract some species, but it can leave behind corn and filler seeds, which are unpopular with the birds you want to attract.
The best bird feed is a blend of several different types of seed. For instance, a black oil sunflower mix can attract both cardinals and white-crowned sparrows.
White millet is another bird food that is commonly used in cheap bird feeder mixes. However, it can also attract parasitic cowbirds. If you are looking for a way to avoid this problem, you should look for a mixture with less millet.
Safflower seeds are another popular choice. Safflower is a favorite for squirrels, but they can become moldy if they are set out too many at once.
In addition, black oil sunflower seeds are high in fat, which is good for the birds. They are also thin shelled, so they do not produce a lot of waste.
Feathered friend wild bird food
Feathered friend wild bird food is a shell-free treat for the birds that love to visit your feeder. This premium blend is made with whole sunflower hearts, safflower seed, peanut hearts, and a little bit of fiber.
The safflower seed is popular with a variety of birds, including cardinals. These seeds provide essential fats, fiber, and vitamins for the birds that eat them. It’s an excellent year-round choice for any bird, and they’re also safe to eat for humans.
For a more complete mix of seeds, try Pennington’s Ultra Songbird Blend. It’s loaded with vitamins, safflower, and millet. In addition, it attracts a variety of beautiful songbirds to your backyard feeders.
Sunflower chips are another option for feeding your birds. They’re a good value for the birds and are ideal for feeders near your porch or balcony. There are no messy shells, and the oil content provides extra energy.
A few more good choices for your bird feeder are Kaytee Squirl & Critter Blend Wild Bird Food and Feathered Friend Black Oil Sunflower Seed. Both of these are made from quality ingredients, and designed to attract chipmunks and squirrels.
