Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) is a chain of bird-feeding specialty stores that sells its own seed blends, feeders and accessories. Its seed costs more per pound than grocery-store mixes, but the blends have less filler. Product names and recipes change, so check the label and ask your local shop about current blends.
The Main Types of WBU Blends
No-Mess blends
No-mess blends use hulled seeds, such as sunflower hearts and chips, so there are no shells to drop under the feeder. They cost more per pound, but nearly all of the seed gets eaten, so they can be cost-effective for feeders over a patio or deck.
Nut and fruit blends
Blends with tree nuts and dried fruit attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and jays. In hot weather, nuts can go rancid, so buy small amounts and keep them dry.
Black oil sunflower
Plain black oil sunflower is the most popular single seed for backyard birds. It suits tube, hopper and platform feeders.
Hot-pepper treated seed
Seed treated with capsaicin (hot pepper) is sold to deter squirrels. Birds do not taste the heat. Use it only as the shop directs.
How to Pick a Blend
- Want fewer shells and less mess: choose a hulled, no-mess blend.
- Want to attract the widest range of birds: use black oil sunflower in a tube feeder, plus a nut or suet feeder.
- On a budget: buy plain black oil sunflower in bulk and skip the extras.
Suet and Treats
WBU also sells suet products, including spreadable suet bits. Suet is most useful in cold weather. In warm weather, choose no-melt suet and replace it often. For more, see our guide to wild bird suet.
Is It Worth the Price?
If you value cleaner feeding stations and specific blends for the birds in your area, the extra cost can pay off. If you only want to fill feeders cheaply, a plain sunflower bag from a feed store does a similar job. Compare with our guides to Chewy wild bird seed and Walmart’s 40 lb bag.
Bottom Line
WBU blends are a good pick if you want low-waste seed and expert advice for your region. Store seed dry, clean your feeders regularly, and buy only what the birds will finish in a few weeks.
