If you have small wild birds in your garden, you’re probably wondering what to feed them. Here are some tips. Some common bird foods are black-oil seeds, nuts, and cakes of suet. Below, I’ll outline some of the most common items you should avoid giving your wild birds. A few other items you should avoid include milk, soft cheese, and berries. These items are not safe for wild birds, and they may end up causing a stomach upset if accidentally fed to them.
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Black-oil seeds
The fat and oils in sunflower seeds are easy for birds to digest, so they need foods that are high in energy. Black-oil sunflower seeds are the most nutritious of these, and they contain the most calories per pound than other types of seed. Unlike striped sunflower seeds, which are harder to crack, black-oil sunflower seeds are safe to feed to most wild birds, including starlings and House Sparrows.
Nuts
There are several ways to provide nut-bearing trees and bushes to attract birds to your yard. The easiest is to install seed cylinders, which are made from peanuts and other nuts. This type of feeder is also perfect for feeding small wild birds because the pieces of nuts are broken down into smaller pieces that are easily consumed by small birds. Regardless of which type of tree or bushes you choose, make sure they receive a suitable amount of sunlight and soil.
Cereal
Cereal for small wild birds can be made from a variety of grains, including corn, wheat, and rice. While bird cereals are similar to those humans eat, they don’t have added sugar. For your bird, you should choose a cereal that has no added sugar, such as Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran, or Wheaties. If you want to experiment with different flavors, try giving your bird Chex cereal in rice or corn.
Cakes of suet
Suet cakes are a great way to feed small wild birds. Suet cakes are the perfect way to provide a rich source of protein for small birds. Because suet contains animal fat, it goes rancid faster than processed suet. Additionally, suet cakes can attract other meat-hungry creatures. Red squirrels and raccoons are known to empty suet cake feeders in one day. However, suet cakes can add a colorful dimension to bird feeding during the winter months.
Brown rice
Unlike savoury foods like potatoes or pasta, rice is perfectly safe for birds. Birds have no problem digesting it, and it is as common for granivorous species to find it in their diet as it is for people. However, the grain should be cooked before giving it to the bird, as uncooked rice will pass through the bird’s digestive tract partially. Some species are sensitive to certain preparations and will reject them, so it is important to read labels and prepare food accordingly.
Cooked eggs
You can give your small wild bird the nutritional benefits of cooked eggs. Eggs are full of vitamins and minerals. They are rich in vitamin A, B-12, folic acid, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc. Added to these nutrients are phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. In addition to being a great source of energy, eggs are also a healthy source of fat and protein.
Table scraps
Aside from seeds, table scraps are an excellent source of carbohydrates for many small birds. Stale bread, cake pieces, and cookies are all great treats for birds. If possible, chop the scraps into small pieces and put them out in your bird feeder. You can also offer pieces of cheese and stale cookies. For winter months, birds will appreciate these foods and can help you to save money on food. Remember not to give birds raisins and grapes because they will not digest them well.
Baked goods
Some types of baked goods are safe for feeding to small wild birds. Depending on the species, you can feed them anything from stale bread to bits of biscuits. Flocking birds are accustomed to eating less-than-perfect food in the wild. Bird enthusiasts can also feed them plain crackers or cookies. Suet cakes, which contain animal fat, are safe to feed to birds. However, avoid feeding your birds chocolate cake, as the icing and buttercream can get stuck on their feathers.
Pet food
A variety of pet foods are available to offer to small wild birds, from seeds and pellets to fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before serving to avoid contamination. Always purchase organic produce whenever possible. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered in small amounts, and should be available for only a few hours at a time. You can also try to keep a few of your own in the home. Fresh foods are more nutritious than canned or dried versions.
