Seeds, nuts, suet or perhaps something else? Is it good to succumb to tempting offers in the store? “Give the small birds the right, natural diet,” says Jana Bucharová in the podcast consultation. Then the birds will return to the feeder more often and in greater numbers.
You can find the podcast advice here:
Finally, the time is here again when you can while away the cold mornings by observing what is happening at the feeder. But do you only put in it what really benefits the birds? Are you unknowingly ruining their health with unsuitable feed? And aren’t you depriving yourself of the variety of observed species just because you don’t know what all belongs in the feeder? At the same time, it is not rocket science. However, it is necessary to adhere to a few basic rules.
No trash can
Yours definitely does not belong in the feeder, even if it was just boiled rice. You must have salted it at least a little, and even boiling it is not ideal for birds. “Birds can somewhat share their diet with us, but it must always be uncooked cereals or pulses, or perhaps chopped fruit from their own harvest,” explains Jana Bucharová, an expert in the magazine Recipe for Garden Themes.
What is best to feed?
Sometimes we may not even think about what attracts birds. And not just directly to the feeder:
- Tuk – in the form of tallow balls or cakes, ideally with a mixture of seeds, nuts and perhaps even dried insects. Check the quality of the fat, refuse palm oil and also balls wrapped in a net.
- Seeds – the basis of the contents of each feeder. Sunflower seeds will attract the largest amount, but you can also add wheat, millet or oats.
- Nuts – definitely add your own hair nuts, hazelnuts and other types to the feeder. Or mix them into the tallow balls you make for the birds.
- Fruit – it should be unsprayed, so if you have your own crop of pears or apples, the birds will definitely appreciate it. You don’t even have to put them in the feeder, just put them on the ground a little away from it. Or just leave some of the fruit on the trees, as well as the ones you don’t eat yourself – for example dogwoods, brambles or rowanberries.
- Unpruned perennials – of course, those that have full testicles after the summer. The birds do not mind picking them directly from the plants, on the contrary, it is a much more natural option for them than the feeder itself.
Safety first
Monitor not only the quality of the feed, but don’t forget to regularly clean the feeder itself. This will prevent them from spreading among the birds. Therefore, don’t leave feed that no one notices sitting in it for too long, and dig it out carefully at least once a month.
And even if there is a beautiful view of the feeding birds from the window, it is better to place the feeder a little further from the house. In this way, you will reduce the probability that domestic cats will attack the cushion and you will also protect them from hitting the glass.
