If you’re thinking about helping birds in winter, or attracting more to your garden generally, then it’s important to know that different bird species have different dietary needs, so it’s useful to know what kinds of birds are to be found locally so you can plan accordingly. Location and species are probably the two most important factors in determining what food to consider. The most common types of food that birds eat are insects, seeds, fruits, and nuts, but some like more of these things than others. For instance, blue tits like eating seeds, suet and peanuts, blackbirds will feed on a range of things from insects like mealworms, to seeds and fruits, robins will enjoy eating insects, worms, and berries. Most birds though will never pass up an easy to reach source of food!
The good news is there are many great products available from reputable suppliers that are nutritionally rich and balanced to give our feathered friends what they need to survive and thrive. You can supplement this with some common things from the kitchen, but only the right ones, because certain items can be harmful to wild birds. Don’t worry, we cover that and more in this handy guide.
Read on to find out what our wonderful wild birds enjoy eating and they’ll be visiting the garden in no time.
What birds eat mealworms?
The following birds eat mealworms, according to Birds and Bloom:
According to Birds and Bloom, dried mealworms are less expensive and require no maintenance, but live mealworms may be the most beneficial if you’re feeding them to birds.
Pre-prepared Mixes, Cake and Food Bars/Balls
You can purchase a wide variety of worms, seed mixes, suet bites, fat balls, and other delectable foods that our amazing garden birds adore to make your life easier. It implies that you will save time and effort by not having to prepare a suitable combination of foods yourself, as they are already well-balanced and contain all the nutrients they require in a delicious blend.
What Can Birds Eat from the Kitchen?
The good news is that many of our everyday kitchen items that we enjoy can also be given to the birds! Purchasing a lot of food specifically for the birds may be too expensive to do on a regular basis, or you may have forgotten to buy some, and the birds are waiting outside your window for scraps! Just be cautious not to feed them any processed foods or leftovers from the table as these may be bad for their health. They can have:
All birds can eat plain cooked rice, either brown or white, without added salt. It’s a good source of energy, especially during the chilly winter months.
While raw oatmeal is acceptable too, it should never be cooked as this causes it to become sticky and harden around an animal’s beak.
Any dry breakfast cereal works well as bird food, but you should only offer tiny amounts at a time due to caution. Because it quickly turns into pulp when wet, make sure there is a supply of drinking water close by.
Additionally, birds can eat fermented dairy products and grated cheese. Since it’s high in fat, it will significantly increase their energy. But milk and soft cheeses are indigestible by birds, and consuming them can cause severe illness.
Cooked eggshells are a great calcium boost. Just make sure to bake for 15 to 20 minutes in order to eradicate any potentially dangerous bacteria. Don’t leave too many out to prevent pests from attracting leftovers.
Birds can eat potatoes in a variety of ways, including baked, roasted, boiled, and even mashed.
FAQ
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