A bird feeder will help in winter
Many birds fly to warmer climes with the onset of cold weather, but there are also those that stay for the winter. Birds that do not fly away are sedentary birds.
Some birds can find food for themselves and tolerate the cold season not so difficult, which is why they stay for the winter. And some stock up on food in the fall.
In the summer, they feed mainly on insects and berries, but in winter it is important to find food. This is where people will come to the rescue.
It is still a controversial issue whether to feed birds in winter. Because an improper diet can harm birds. There is also a risk of infection or parasites with a large crowd of birds.
It is better to feed birds with the onset of stable cold weather. In such conditions, it is difficult for birds to find food on their own, and human help will not be superfluous.
What can you feed birds in winter
The diet of sedentary birds is similar. You can use a ready-made grain mixture sold in pet stores. You can also use: raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds, raw peanuts, crushed walnuts, barley, millet, crushed corn, viburnum or mountain ash berries, lard. Important! – without salt and spices.
If you need to feed birds of a certain species, you need to find out in advance what they like and what is useful for them.
It is not difficult for pigeons or jackdaws to find food, because they feed on leftovers, while small birds that winter in villages and large cities of Ukraine sometimes have a hard time.
Titmouses, sparrows, tapirs, finches love raw sunflower seeds, millet, oats, wheat. You can also give pieces of unfried, unsalted lard.
Woodpeckers and jays also eat sunflower seeds. They also like raw nuts and pumpkin seeds.
Bullfinches, starlings, jays, and thrushes prefer dried berries and fruits.
The more diverse the food at the feeder, the more likely it is that different birds will come to it.
What not to feed birds
It is important not to harm birds, so remember the foods that cannot be put in the feeder: bread, salted lard, salty, sweet and sour foods, any spices, fried, smoked, spoiled foods.
It is important to remember that the wrong food can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract and lead to death.
This is interesting: How to properly feed birds in winter
There are general rules that should be followed regardless of the type of bird.
- Feed should be brought regularly. Birds get used to the place where they are fed.
- It is worth replenishing the feeder early in the morning or late in the evening, as during the day the birds must find food on their own.
- Do not pour feed directly on the ground, as it can be covered with snow.
- Do not overfeed. You can only add feed when the feeder is empty. When it gets warmer, the feeder should be removed until next winter.
- Feeders should be cleaned or washed from time to time.
Anecdote of the day
– When are you going to do your homework?
– After the movie.
– After the movie – it’s late.
– It’s never too late to study, mom!