Spicy wild bird seed is an effective way to deter squirrels from raiding your bird feeder. This premium blend of seeds, nuts and grains has been generously seasoned with spicy red pepper for added flavor and convenience.
Squirrels have an acute sense of spice and will quickly flee food that’s too hot for them. An easy and cost-effective solution to this problem is adding cayenne powder or flakes to your bird seed mix.
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Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Black oil sunflower seeds are an energy-rich treat for wild birds. Their thin shells make them easily accessible to most seed-eating birds, and their high fat content provides essential fats necessary for winter survival.
These fruits and vegetables also contain essential vitamins and minerals like thiamine, niacin and zinc that provide extra energy during cold weather.
Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite choice for bird feeders. They attract an array of species, such as bobwhites, chickadees, doves, finches, goldfinches, nuthatches and pine siskins.
Striped Sunflower Seed
Striped sunflower seeds are an abundant source of nutrition for birds. Not only do they provide energy and protein to birds, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Striped sunflower seeds are a favorite snack of cardinals, blue jays and grosbeaks; nuthatches also enjoy them. Furthermore, titmice and finches enjoy them as well.
Black oil sunflower seeds are ideal for attracting smaller bird species that cannot open black oil sunflower seeds, and they make a great no waste food. Furthermore, these sunflower seeds offer more energy per pound than other types of sunflower seeds.
Safflower Seed
Safflower Seed is an overlooked bird food in the wild, but can be a beneficial addition to any backyard feeder.
Sunflower seeds are high in protein and fat, giving birds the energy they need to survive. Furthermore, it may attract other birds that wouldn’t normally perch on sunflower seeds.
Additionally, sunflower seeds can be offered in any feeder that accepts them. A tube or platform feeder with ample perching space is ideal as this encourages birds to spend time on the platform or in the tube breaking up seeds rather than flying away and leaving behind a mess of husks behind.
Dried Corn
Corn is an antioxidant-rich sweet vegetable, boasting dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals like phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Corn is an invaluable nutrient for human health, having the capacity to reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy aging. Its high nutrient content makes corn particularly beneficial to those suffering from diabetes or other chronic illnesses.
Corn kernels are an integral part of plant nutrition, boasting abundant fat, B complex vitamins and antioxidants. Furthermore, corn germ offers polyunsaturated fat which has heart-health benefits by helping lower bad LDL cholesterol.
Peanuts
Peanuts are an excellent source of protein and fiber, as well as vitamin E and zinc. Furthermore, they contain other beneficial nutrients for your health such as potassium and magnesium.
Peanuts not only contain essential nutrients, but they’re also an excellent source of antioxidants and phytosterols. Studies have demonstrated that these compounds may reduce cholesterol levels and enhance overall cardiovascular health.
Peanuts are an energy-packed food that can be consumed at any time to help meet your daily energy requirements. But in order to fully benefit from peanuts, it’s best to consume them in moderation.
Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seed, commonly referred to as niger or thistle seed, is a type of wild bird seed that provides birds with high-energy calories. It’s particularly popular for winter-migrating birds since it helps them stay warm in cold temperatures.
This ultra-tiny seed, high in oil content, attracts finches and other small birds with smaller beaks. Plus, since there are no hulls on it, you help reduce waste and mess.
This oily and energy-filled seed can be pricey, so it’s best to combine it with other types of seeds at your feeder to reduce costs. Plus, if left sitting too long in the feeder, the grain may dry out, so be sure to change it regularly.
Suet
Suet is an energy-rich food that helps birds stay warm during cold weather. Additionally, it supplies essential fatty acids to keep them healthy and strong.
Suet can be served alone or mixed with other foods to attract different bird species. It has become a favorite among woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, flickers, brown creepers, thrashers and jays alike.
On special occasions, it can be offered in various ways, such as a cage attached to a tree, painted on trees or pine cones, and stuffed into 1-inch holes drilled in small logs. Some people even form it into holiday-themed shapes like hearts for Valentine’s Day or shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day.
