Many traditional bird seed blends contain seeds with shells that drop and clog up feeder ports, creating an unpleasant feeding area. To reduce wasteful messiness in feeding stations, look for no mess seed blends with only ingredients favored by birds.
Be wary of no mess seeds that contain fillers like inexpensive milo that fill out bags at lower costs but create mess under feeders. Consider purchasing a mix including hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts and tree nuts as these could all create the appropriate level of mess under feeders.
Contents
Hulled sunflower seeds
Feeding birds can be messy, with shelled seeds spilling to the ground and sprouting across lawns or flowerbeds. Selecting a seed blend with lower waste can help create cleaner feeding areas and enhance bird-watching experiences.
Hulled sunflower seeds, for instance, are easier for birds to digest than whole seeds in their shells and thus create less mess at feeders. Furthermore, many birders find that hulled seeds last longer before spoiling and creating an unsightly mess beneath feeders.
Some no-mess wild bird seed mixes include hulled black oil sunflower seeds along with peanut kernels, kibbled corn, shelled pumpkin seeds and raisins to attract multiple bird species and less expensive than buying pure black oil sunflower seed (since it excludes sorghum-containing varieties which birds often leave behind as waste). Be sure to regularly clean out feeders and dispose of any moldy or spoilt seeds from your stash!
Peanuts
One option that’s popular with those looking to reduce waste is no mess bird seed blends with peanuts, with their outer shells removed so birds can easily consume the seeds without creating an unsightly mess from dropped shells.
No mess blends typically contain other high-quality seeds to entice different wild bird species, including hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts and tree nuts – ideal ingredients to combine into nutritious yet delectable meals that will appeal to a range of birds.
Make sure that you choose a blend that does not contain split peas, beans or lentils as these species of food tend to only appeal to large species and rot quickly. Fresh, clean seed is the best option.
Tree nuts
Certain seeds of certain tree species do not germinate when accidentally scattered on the ground, making their seeds ineffective at growing and helping keep your lawn and garden free of unwanted vegetation while simultaneously reducing waste.
Companies offering no mess seed can supply products like hulled sunflower kernels, tree nuts (hazelnuts, cashews and almonds), peanut pieces, shelled pumpkin seeds and cracked corn that help minimize bird feeder debris such as inedible shells left behind by birds as well as any undesirable plants or debris that might cling to them. These ingredients reduce shell waste left behind while simultaneously helping birds feed without leaving behind unwanted shells or debris that might attract unwanted guests like weeds and debris.
Individuals allergic to tree nuts must take great care when purchasing products containing tree nuts. When reading the ingredient list, ensure no nuts are included and carry an epinephrine autoinjector at all times; furthermore they should notify teachers and school nurses of their allergies as soon as possible.
Mixed seed blends
While most bird enthusiasts suggest offering just one type of seed per feeder, others opt for mixed seed blends that attract multiple species while minimizing waste. Keep in mind that blended seeds may still contain shells or debris so it is wise to choose blends that have been marked waste-free.
Wagner’s Gourmet Waste Free Wild Bird Food, Kaytee Ultra Waste Free Nut and Fruit Blend and Pour Joy No Mess No Waste Shell-Free Blend are some of the more popular choices among bird enthusiasts, featuring premium ingredients designed to appeal to a range of species while simultaneously minimizing waste and mess.
These blends can be found at numerous retailers and come in various package sizes. Their pricing can often provide significant savings compared to purchasing individual bags of each seed type separately.
Shell-free blends
Bird enthusiasts often become disgruntled by the accumulation of seeds and shell waste under feeders. Not only is this unsightly, but these piles can harbor parasites as well as create breeding grounds for unwanted vegetation. To avoid this scenario, look for no-mess blends that do not contain shells and debris.
Kaytee Ultra Waste Free Nut and Fruit Blend is an outstanding option for anyone seeking a mess-free bird seed mix. Containing hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts and dried fruits to attract multiple wild bird species.
It contains seeds that are less likely to germinate, reducing the potential for mess or unwanted plant growth in your yard. Use it in cylinder feeders for optimal feeding results without diminishing your yard’s aesthetics.
