If you’d like to attract wild birds to your yard, you’ll want to consider feeding them different types of seed. For example, you can purchase feeders that feature cracked corn, hulled sunflower seeds, or even Thistle (Nyjer). But which type of seed is best for different birds?
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Hulled sunflower seeds
When considering which wild bird seeds to use in your bird feeders, hulled sunflower seeds are one of the best choices. They are easier to feed, and cost less than whole sunflower seeds. They also prevent seed pieces from ending up under your bird feeder. They are suitable for almost any type of bird feeder.
These seeds can be offered in many different types of feeders, and they are popular among ground-feeding birds. They are also a favorite of squirrels. For protection against squirrels, you should use baffles on the feeder to keep them from accessing the seeds. Another option is to use striped sunflower seeds, which are similar to black oil sunflower seeds but have thicker hulls. These seeds are harder to eat, which makes them less appealing to small birds.
Cracked corn
Cracked corn is one of the easiest and most inexpensive food options for wild birds. This corn-based snack is loved by many types of birds, including songbirds and squirrels. Cracked corn is an excellent source of energy for birds and can be mixed with other types of seed to provide a well-balanced diet.
Cracked corn is particularly attractive to small birds. It’s also an ideal snack for cardinals and other game birds. Cracked corn is also popular with sparrows and other ground-feeding birds. Blackbirds, crows, and doves will all take advantage of your cracked corn feeder.
Suet
The best time to feed suet to wild birds is during cooler weather, but it can go rancid quickly. Raw suet melts in high temperatures, and it can stick to the birds’ feathers. That can be dangerous. If you’d like to offer your birds suet throughout the year, you should buy suet that has been rendered. Then you can simply cut or chop it into pieces to offer to birds.
Suet attracts dozens of different species of birds, but it’s also a magnet for unwanted visitors, such as squirrels, raccoons, mice, rats, and bears. If you have a suet feeder, it’s best to place it on a pole with a baffle so that rodents can’t access it. Also, be sure to place the suet feeder in an open area that is away from windows and other windows.
Thistle (Nyjer) feeders
If you want to attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard, thistle (Nyjer) seed is one of the best choices. It is not noxious and is particularly popular with finches, sparrows, and quail. You may also encounter a variety of species you’d never expect. Even woodpeckers have been spotted munching on thistle seed.
Thistle (Nyjer) seed is oily, which is an important source of energy for birds. However, the seeds will eventually dry out and lose their attraction. Once this happens, the birds will be less likely to eat the seed. These seed feeders also have a metal cage-like cover that protects the feeding ports. However, squirrels can get a hold of the wire mesh and pull it down.
Fruit cocktails
Instead of using seed to attract birds, try offering them fruit. Fresh fruit such as orange slices or grape jelly are attractive to orioles, while dried fruit such as raisins and currants are great for attracting bluebirds and waxwings. Dried fruit is easier to store and can be sliced into small pieces for ease of feeding.
Fruit is a healthy snack for birds. Dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli contain more nutrients than iceberg lettuce, which is mostly water. Carrots and orange vegetables are good sources of vitamin A. Be sure to chop or grate your vegetables before serving them to birds. Avoid serving broccoli, spinach, and parsley, as they may interfere with the birds’ absorption of calcium. Hot chiles are also safe to feed birds.
Low-cost blends
A cheap and easy way to attract a variety of birds is to put up a bird feeder. You can easily buy a variety of seed blends and feeders that are suited to the needs of different species. For example, you can buy a gourmet blend that contains hulled and cut nuts. The best part about this kind of mix is that it will last for months.
Most bird seed mixes contain fat and protein, which are important for their health. Fat provides energy for birds, especially during the cold winter nights. Fiber helps birds move food through their digestive tracts properly. It is essential to purchase a mix that lists all ingredients.
Avoiding “fillers”
While many bird feeders sell a variety of seed blends, avoid those that contain fillers. These seeds are not recommended for feeding wild birds. They are usually not palatable to birds. Some of these fillers include milo, wheat, canary seed, and crack corn. These ingredients are not healthy for birds and are often unnecessary. Also, they may attract weeds. Therefore, if you want to attract wild birds, you should only use seed that is favored by your particular species.
Moreover, feeding wild birds spoiled or wet seed can be harmful to their health. Infectious diseases can be transmitted by wet or spoiled seed. Dirty feeders are also more likely to break down and require repair.
