Ingredients to Look For
When selecting bird food, looking for high-quality, natural ingredients that provide optimal nutrition and are safe for bird consumption is essential. Some of the best ingredients include:
Black oil sunflower seeds: High in fat, these seeds are a favourite among various birds.
Safflower seeds: Less attractive to squirrels but loved by many birds, safflower seeds are excellent for areas with high squirrel activity.
Cracked corn: Good for ground-feeding birds, though it should be offered sparingly as it can attract larger pests.
Nuts and peanuts: Rich in fats and proteins, they are perfect for woodpeckers, titmice, and nuthatches.
Millet: Preferred by many small-beaked, ground-feeding birds.
Mealworms: Excellent source of protein, especially good for attracting insectivorous birds.
Ingredients to Avoid
Certain ingredients in cheaper or lower-quality bird foods can harm birds or provide little nutritional value. Avoid bird food containing:
Birds often do not favour fillers like wheat and oats, which can lead to waste as birds sift through them to find more desirable seeds.
Milo: While inexpensive, it is often wasted and not highly preferred by most birds.
Artificial additives and dyes can harm birds’ health and are unnecessary in bird food.
Salted or flavoured nuts: The extra salt and flavours can harm birds; always opt for raw, unsalted nuts.
Choosing bird food with the right ingredients ensures that your feathered visitors stay healthy and happy and that your bird-feeding efforts are more effective and enjoyable.
