What Not to Feed Wild Birds

Are you aware of what not to feed wild birds as well as which substances can actually make them ill? Although we all enjoy the presence of these flying friends, the fact of the matter is that feeding them the wrong types of food can place their health in jeopardy. Some of the foods mentioned below are likely to come as a bit of a surprise. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or you simply want to learn more about their unique dietary requirements, the following suggestions will be quite useful.

Quality Ingredient Bird Feed

Many birds have very specific diets (even though they may appear to scavenge from time to time). This is why it is always best to purchase wild bird feed from a reputable supplier. Bird feed is available in a wide variety of mixtures. This will often depend upon the species of bird as well as the nutrients contained within. Here are some common ingredients which many species absolutely adore:

• Maize
• Soya bean oil
• Split peanuts
• Black rape
• Whole wheat
• White millet

These mixtures can often be purchased as pre-formed cakes or as loose grains (normally ideally suited for wild bird feeders). However, you might have also noticed that some of the ingredients mentioned above seem to be fit for human consumption. While this may appear to be true, we need to keep in mind that many human foods contain artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives. These are not intended for birds and they can cause them harm.

What are toxic foods for birds?

Some foods are more dangerous to birds than others. Avocados are a perfect example. The chemicals contained within an avocado have been known to cause heart problems and even sudden death in some species.

Likewise, any fruits or vegetables with seeds can present a choking hazard. Chocolate is another substance to avoid entirely, as excessive levels of caffeine can lead to seizures and heart attacks in birds.

You might also be surprised to learn that you should not place bread within squirrel proof bird feeders, as this food contains very few sustainable nutrients. A bird which is fed only bread can begin to suffer from serious vitamin deficiencies.

What Foods are Healthy?

If you happen to have bird feeders in your back garden, there are still some common foods which they can be given. Here are some useful examples:

• Cooked rice
• Fruits with no seeds
• Uncooked porridge oats
• Potatoes

However, it is still best to opt for professional formulated bird feed. The main advantage here is that the birds will be receiving adequate levels of nutrition. Another interesting fact is that this very same feed can often attract other species. So, you will be able to enjoy a greater variety of birds. The good news is that this bird feed is an economical option and experts are always standing by if you wish to learn more about what is best for a specific type of bird.

Quality Animal Feed from Copdock Mill

Copdock Mill supplies a wide variety of all-natural bird feeds available from our retail Gladwells Pet & Country Stores.