Feed garden birds

You can feed garden birds in your space all year round but it is especially beneficial in winter. In cold weather they need high energy food to keep them warm. And in summer, having a steady supply of high protein food can help birds when they moult. Here’s a guide on how to feed garden birds.

As we approach winter, birds require
high energy foods in the cold weather to maintain their fat
stores for keeping warm on frozen nights.

Put out food and water for birds on a
regular basis. When the weather is severe, feed them twice daily if
possible, in the morning and early afternoon.

Make sure to use good quality wild
bird food. Adjust the quantity you put out based on the demand
and never leave uneaten food to gather around the feeders.

Once you have established a feeding
routine, try to stick to it. Birds will
become used to when the food is there and time their visits.

What type of food?

Use good quality wild bird food that isn’t dusty. Different species of birds prefer different types of food. If you would like a variety of species visiting your space, offer sunflower seeds, niger seeds, peanuts, mealworms and suet balls. You can also buy mixed seeds. You could also hang fresh fruit such as apples. Putting out water for birds to drink and bathe in will also help them out.

What type of bird feeder?

There are all kinds of bird feeders to choose from. You could have a bird table or a stand with hanging feeders. If you don’t have much space, you could use a window feeder. Some birds such as dunnocks and chaffinches only feed off the ground so consider including a ground feeder for them. When choosing a bird feeder, make sure it is safe and that birds or small mammals cannot get trapped inside it.

Where should you place your bird feeders?

Put your bird feeders in an open space that is close to cover such as a tree or shrubs so they can quickly escape from predators. Having a stand with hooks for your bird feeders will also prevent cats and rats from being able to reach the feeders.

How often should you feed garden birds?

Put food and water out on a regular basis. When the weather is severe, feed them in the mornings and early afternoons. Once you start feeding birds, it’s important to stick to a routine and keep putting food out as the birds will plan their visits.

Maintaining bird feeders

It’s important to regularly clean your bird feeders so that they do not spread disease. Do not let uneaten food gather around the feeders and go stale. Also make sure not to leave mealworms out on the ground where hedgehogs can reach them. Clean your bird feeders every week with warm soapy water and a disinfectant spray that is safe for animals.

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Cover photo: Helen Burton