If you are wondering what to feed wild birds, you will find that there are a variety of different things that you can put out for them. In this article we will discuss some of the most popular types of foods you can provide. These include nuts, jelly, and even pastries and bread. These foods are all delicious and are often eaten by birds.
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Nuts
Nuts are a natural food source for many types of birds. While peanuts are a popular choice, you can also feed wild birds almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts. You will need a nutcracker to open the nuts, though. Otherwise, you may be risking choking hazards.
Jelly
If you want to feed wild birds, you can make your own jelly. It is easy to make grape jelly. The best type to use is red or concord grapes. You can also use a favorite family recipe. However, you should limit the amount of sugar and other ingredients in the jelly.
Pastry
Pastry is an excellent way to attract wild birds to your garden. You can buy cooked pastry that contains real fats and put it out for birds to enjoy. Old, stale bread, or the broken bits of biscuits from the bottom of a tin, are also excellent sources of food for birds. You can also try serving up fresh fruit and unsalted dried fruit. Avoid offering chocolate cake to birds, and avoid using buttercream or icing.
Bread
If you’ve ever tried to feed wild birds, you may be surprised to learn that bread does not contain a great deal of nutrition. Bread is mostly empty calories and provides very little protein and fat. Birds need a varied diet full of nutritious foods. Using bread as a sole source of food will lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and will ultimately lead to less than optimal health.
Bruised or soft fruit
The best type of fruit for wild birds is one with soft or bruised centres. Bruised bananas are also acceptable. They contain important vitamins and fibre that will give your bird a boost.
Baked goods
You can feed birds with bread, cakes, crackers, or even leftover pasta. While baked goods are not the healthiest choice, birds will happily nibble on small pieces. However, you should avoid giving them large quantities of these products due to their nutritional value. The best choice is whole grain products. Homemade fat balls can also be given to birds. Some birds are attracted to fruit cakes and crumbs. They will also eat uncooked pastry dough.
Cooked pasta
You can give wild garden birds leftover pasta as a treat. Pasta provides nutrients that birds need. Common types of pasta include spaghetti, macaroni, and cooked pasta shells. However, you need to be careful when choosing the type of pasta to give to your backyard birds.
Uncooked porridge oats
Uncooked porridge oats make a tasty snack for wild birds. You can use this nutritious food to mix with other ingredients to create a balanced diet for your birds. During the cold winter months, you can also mix in some suet cake. Make sure you use the correct proportions of oats and suet cake. Also, make sure you include plenty of water with the food.
Crushed or grated nuts
Adding crushed or grated nuts to your bird feeders can help attract a variety of birds. These birds appreciate the nutrients that nuts contain, including fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Peanuts are particularly good for attracting different species of birds, including chickadees, wrens, and nuthatches. However, peanuts should be offered in a natural state without adding salt or spices.
Suet
Suet is an ideal food for feeding wild birds and is an excellent way to attract a variety of species. Several types of birds thrive on suet, including woodpeckers, chickadees, flickers, nuthatches, wrens, thrashers, jays, and American Robins. Suet can also attract other types of wildlife, including raccoons, mice, and bears. When placing suet in your bird feeder, make sure it is placed at least five feet off the ground and that it is well out of reach of pets and dogs. It is also important to keep suet fresh, as dripping fat can ruin the natural waterproofing of bird feathers.
