Due to the change in land use and in farm practices over the last century or so many birds, which were once common, are now in decline. So why not give them a helping hand and supply a little supplementary food.
Foods ideal for your wild bird population include:
- A variety of seeds and grains all of which are high in oil, protein and vitamins
- During the autumn months fruit such as apples and pears left on the grass will attract a variety of birds
- Cheese is enjoyed if broken up into beak sized portions
- Dried fruit
- Dog food
- Beef suet
- Cooked potatoes and rice
- Fat cakes
Health and Safety:
When feeding birds their health and safety should also be taken into account so birds do not spread disease. So the following points should be considered:
- Scrub down feed tables and containers once a week to cut down on the danger of disease.
- Throw away old uneaten food
- Do not serve mouldy or salted food
- Move tables and feeders around to reduce the build up of droppings in one area
- Provide a clean supply of water
- Look out for the logo of the Bird Food Standards Association to ensure all seeds offered are free of Aflatoxin or at least ensure the packaging contains the wording ‘We’re safe nuts’ or ‘Aflatoxin free nuts/seed’
When it comes to feeding the birds you should never forget the importance of natural food. If you have the space then why not grow a patch of nettles, these will encourage a wide variety of insects and will in turn provide a good variety of foodstuffs for your local bird population. And this food will not have cost you a penny!
Further tips for feeding:
- To ensure your new found ‘friends’ do not become too reliant on you it is wise to slowly reduce what is on offer over a couple of weeks before long vacations, unless you can sweet talk a neighbour into carrying on the good work.
- Birds can be fed all year round just ensure when feeding nuts they have to be broken up by parent bird i.e. by putting in a wire mesh container.
- Add oyster grit to your bird table menu prior to the mating season benefits the females by providing extra calcium, which aids egg production.
- If you have a large cat population site any feeders and tables away from potential hiding places.
Armed with this knowledge go on make friends with the local bird population and discover a whole new world.
