When it comes to attracting birds to your backyard, a crucial part of the process is selecting the right food for them. Kaitlyn Parkins from the American Bird Conservancy advises that your backyard can become a vibrant buffet for birds, but you need to be a good host. “It’s important to offer birdseed specifically designed for wild birds and to cultivate native plants that provide beneficial food sources such as seeds, fruits, and berries, as well as attract insects that birds feed on and feed to their young,” she suggests. Another key aspect of feeding birds is being aware of what not to feed them. If you’re unsure where to start, Parkins provides a list of 14 items you should avoid putting in a bird feeder.
Kaitlyn Parkins, the Glass Collisions Program Coordinator at the American Bird Conservancy, recommends avoiding old, spoiled, or wet seed mixes as they can become rancid and grow mold, which could produce harmful toxins. She emphasizes the importance of providing fresh birdseed for the birds’ well-being.
Domestic pet food is not suitable for wild birds as it doesn’t meet their nutritional needs. Parkins also highlights the dangers that outdoor cats pose to bird populations and suggests keeping them inside to minimize risks to both cats and birds.
Bread, pastries, popcorn, rice, honey, chocolate, coffee beans or grounds, and leftover seeds or nuts from salad packs are all items that should not be put in bird feeders due to various health risks they pose to birds. It’s crucial to offer birds nutritious and safe food options to support their well-being.
Birds are often drawn to human-provided food sources, but not all offerings are safe or healthy for our feathered friends. One common mistake people make is offering bread to birds. While it may seem harmless, bread lacks essential nutrients and can lead to malnutrition in birds. Additionally, bread that is moldy can be toxic to them. Another food to avoid feeding birds is salted nuts. The high salt content can be harmful and even fatal to wild birds, causing issues such as excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney failure, and death.
Dried beans are also on the list of foods to avoid giving to birds. Some types of uncooked beans contain a substance called phytohemagglutinin, which is toxic to birds. However, cooking the beans removes this harmful substance, making them safe for consumption. When it comes to dairy products, birds lack the necessary enzyme to break down lactose found in milk and other dairy items, so it’s best to steer clear of offering these to birds.
Avocados, while a popular human food, can be toxic to several bird species due to the presence of persin. Birds that ingest persin may exhibit symptoms such as collapse, lethargy, heavy breathing, and sudden death. Red dye should also be avoided, especially in hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds and other nectar eaters do not need red dye added to their nectar. A simple sugar-water recipe of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar is sufficient and safe for these birds.
Potato chips may be a favorite snack for people, but they are not a suitable food for birds. High in salt, additives, preservatives, and oils, potato chips lack the necessary nutrients for birds and can be harmful to their health. Similarly, raw meat is not recommended for bird consumption. While it may seem logical to offer raw meat to birds that eat meat in the wild, such as hawks, eagles, owls, gulls, and crows, raw meat poses the risk of quick spoilage and attracting unwanted pests.
Jelly, particularly high-sugar varieties, can also be tricky when offering to birds. While grape jelly may be fine for orioles in the spring, it is best to avoid jelly with high fructose corn syrup or other highly processed varieties. Natural options are preferable, and it’s essential to provide jelly in shallow dishes or cups to prevent it from getting on the birds’ feathers, hindering their ability to fly effectively.
In conclusion, being mindful of the food we offer to birds is crucial for their well-being. By avoiding items like bread, salted nuts, dried beans, dairy products, avocados, red dye, potato chips, raw meat, and high-sugar jelly, we can help ensure that our feathered friends stay healthy and thrive in their natural environments.
