What to put in your garden bird feeders

While winter feeding is still recommended to help give birds a boost in colder months, increasingly warmer climates and changes to weather patterns can affect birds' natural food supplies, so offering food year-round is a good way to supplement their natural diets.

During the warmer months, birds require more protein-rich food, especially while they are moulting. The nesting season is also in full swing making it important to provide for the nestlings as they grow and learn to feed themselves. To attract a variety of birds it is best to use different types of bird food during any season. We’ve put together some top tips on how to best feed the birds in your garden.

Ideal treats

Sunflower hearts

Sunflower hearts are oil-rich and are a favourite treat for many bird species. Sunflower hearts come without the husks of normal sunflower seeds making them easier for small birds to feed on. These are also specially treated to avoid any sunflower growth in your garden where seeds may drop.

Mealworms and waxworms

Dried mealworms and waxworms can provide a great source of protein for birds. They are packed with natural fats and fibre that can help birds grow strong and healthy. These also appeal to birds’ natural instincts as they look very similar to other worms and wriggly prey. Freeze-dried mealworms and waxworms won’t spoil and are mess-free.

Soaked sultanas, raisins and currants

Dried fruits can be eaten by a variety of birds. These are enjoyed mostly by blackbirds, song thrushes and robins. It is best to soak these in hot water to moisten up the fruits, to make them easier to digest. Dried fruits are high in fibre and provide a little protein to a bird’s diet. Check if your sultanas, raisins or currents are in their natural form and have no added sugar or coating.

Oyster shell grit

Fine oyster shell grit is a great natural source of calcium. Calcium is necessary for females to form their eggs and is therefore great to feed birds during the breeding season. It can also be used to aid a bird’s digestion. It is best to add oyster shell grit to a nutritious seed mix as an added supplement to keep birds healthy.

Pinhead oatmeal

Pinhead oats are chopped, natural oats which are easier for birds to consume. They are ideal for soft-billed birds such as the blackbird and robin. These are oil-rich and are ideal to feed birds in spring and summer when they are supporting their offspring. Oats can be scattered easily on bird tables or placed in bird feeders.

What to avoid

Peanuts

It is best to avoid peanuts as there is a small risk to baby birds if these are fed to them. Peanuts are a hard, large nut making it difficult for birds to break down and digest.

Fats and bread

During the warmer months, suet and fat treats can go rancid quickly. It is best to avoid these as they are harmful to birds in this state and can attract pests such as rats and flies. This is the same for bread as the high quantity of sugar in bread can cause it to go mouldy faster in warm weather. Perhaps save these treats for colder months.

Where to put bird food

Bird food should be placed in an open space so birds can spot predators from all angles. It is best to hang bird feeders away from large trees so that cats and squirrels cannot reach the birds or the food. Some birds such as blue tits and finches are experts at hanging to feeders, whereas blackbirds, chaffinches and robins prefer a flat surface such as a bird table or paving.

How often to refill your bird feeders

It is best to refill your bird feeders with fresh food at least every other day. This is to ensure the food is fresh and is packed with healthy nutrients. Birds like routine so it is best to refill your feeders or bird tables at a similar time so that local birds know when to pay a visit.

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For more activities why not watch our video on how to build a bird box?