The weekend is the time to take a break from everyday life and then it happens to many of us that we simply look out at the garden with our morning coffee. We are aware of the comings and goings of birds and watch the titmice, sparrows, finches and robins flit from branch to branch. One of the best ways to enjoy wildlife from the comfort of your home is to feed the birds in the garden. You will be amazed at the variety of birds that will come to your feeder all year round.
Is it forbidden to feed birds in your own garden?
In principle, feeding birds is not prohibited. However, in many cities and towns it is not allowed to feed pigeons. Experts disagree about whether theWinter bird feeding in the gardenwill significantly help bird populations. But feeding can certainly help individual birds in the neighborhood. However, be careful that feeding unsuitable food can lead to nutritional problems. This can make the birds sick and cause premature or painful death.
When should you feed the birds?
It is not necessary to feed the birds all year round. Bird feeding is most helpful, especially during periods when birds need the most energy. This happens during extreme temperatures, during bird migration, and in late winter or early spring when natural seed sources are exhausted.
Feed birds properly in winter
Provide regular food and water at this time of year. During storms, feed the birds in the garden twice a day if possible: in the morning and early afternoon. In frost and snow, a particularly large number of birds will accept the offer.
Birds need energy-dense food during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves and survive the frosty nights.
Once you have established a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will get used to it and plan their visits to the garden accordingly.
What bird food should you offer in winter?
- Black sunflower seeds:They are among the most popular seeds among a wide variety of birds. If you only put one type of food in your feeder, this is the right choice.
- Black oil sunflower seeds:The difference between sunflower seeds and black oil sunflower seeds is that the latter are larger and contain more calories per seed, making them a highly nutritious food.
- Mixed seeds:They are a great option and an easy way to feed birds in winter.
- Fruit:Apples and pears are a wonderful additionto the birdhouse. Even heavily bruised fruits are well received.
- Peanut butter:It is a high-calorie food that is loved by many different birds. Just be careful not to offer traditional peanut butter that contains salt and sugar.
- Millet:It is a particular favorite of sparrows.
- Peanuts:Hazelnuts, peanuts, forest nuts, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds.
- Niger seed:They are goldfinches' favorite treat. Use a tube feeder with tiny holes to keep the seeds from falling out and welcome these colorful birds to your garden.
- Cracked corn:Choose medium-sized cracked corn because finer ones quickly turn to mush and coarse corn is too large for small-beaked birds.
Foods to avoid when feeding birds
While some foods are safe for birds, others we eat can be potentially dangerous or even fatal. That's why you need to know which foods to avoid. We take a look,what food do you feed birds?to keep your feathered friends safe and healthy.
- Salty food:This means that you do not give birds salty processed foods such as: B. Bacon, pizza or chips or homemade food to which salt has been added during cooking or at the table should be fed.
- White bread:When birds gorge themselves on white bread, they stop eating their natural food, which is nutritious. The birds can then suffer from a nutrient deficiency and also suffocate on balls of bread.
- Avocado:It contains a fungicide called persin that is not harmful to humans, but it can cause heart and lung problems in birds that can even prove fatal.
- Milch:Birds are lactose intolerant, so milk and other dairy products should be completely excluded from the diet.
- Fruit kernels and seeds:You may be surprised, but many fruit pits and seeds actually contain cyanide. While this doesn't make them dangerous to humans, they can be harmful or even fatal to the birds, which are much smaller.
- Chocolate and sweets:Chocolate contains both dairy and caffeine, and even very small amounts of it can kill birds.
- Foods that pose a choking hazard:There are many small, hard foods that pose a choking hazard to birds: whole peanuts, uncooked beans, pieces of bread, shredded coconut, and more.
- Spoiled or moldy food:This even applies to specially formulated bird food that is no longer fresh or shows signs of infestation.
Are eggshells good for birds?
The eggshells are good for birds. They are rich in calcium, a mineral that many birds lack. Calcium is especially important for female birds, who need the calcium to form the shells for their eggs. However, finding enough in nature can be difficult.
This is where the eggshells come into play: simply rinse the eggshells and then bake them in the oven at 220°C for 10 minutes. Once cooled, crush them and add them to the bird menu.
