Wild Bird Feed Information

Nothing could be less difficult then feeding
birds in your garden and reaping the rewards of
having your garden alive with birds. I have two
cats and a dog but they don't seem put off by
the fact. the location of your feeder will
dictate this and a bit of trial and error. The
only question is what type of seed to use and
what it will attract.

Choose from a variety of methods to feed birds.
If ground feeding, select a wild bird seed that
has a high amount of millet to draw ground
feeding birds such as juncos, sparrow, and
doves. When using a bird feeder, find a mix with
little millet and a lot of oil sunflower, striped
sunflower, and safflower that will attract birds
such as nuthatches, titmice and chickadees that
feed at higher levels. The third option is
supplying wild bird feed on both levels so
include a combination of millet and other seeds
to bring in the greatest assortment of birds.

Bird feeders are available in various kinds such
as platform feeders, tube feeders, suet feeders,
and feeders intended for specific birds.

Even if a bird feeder is installed in the yard,
it takes time for birds to notice the feeder.
Keep in mind the following ideas. The wild bird
food used depends on the kind of birds in the
vicinity. Since birds locate wild bird seed by
sight, put the bird feeder where it will be
easily seen. Encourage feeding by putting seeds
on ground and on the lid of the feeder. Clean
the feeders frequently and change the seed
often. Consider certain environmental "hazards"
such as squirrels and starlings which may
detract from bird feeding as well as cats and
birds of prey.

A beginner bird feeder might want to begin with
one bird feeder and a variety of wild bird seed
that will draw a number of birds. Then increase
the number of feeders and types of seed to
provide for a wider number of birds.

Seed mixtures are available and draw a variety
of birds. The inexpensive seed mixtures contain
filler, do not draw the variety of birds, and
are discarded by the birds making a mess on the
ground.

Black oil sunflower seeds appeal to a more birds
than striped sunflower seeds. They have a thin
shell which is easier for small beaked birds to
eat.

Consider other types of wild bird foods. Millet
comes in red and white forms and is often filler
in mixtures. Cracked corn can be mixed in seeds
and attracts ground feeding birds. Shelled
peanuts are easier for birds to handle. Thistle
or niger, a small black seed, tempts finches and
siskins. Safflower seeds are eaten by cardinals
and drive off squirrels.

Suet and nectar feeders will draw birds that eat
insects. Suet can be bought in commercially-made
cakes or home made from beef fat with nuts and
berries added and placed in wire feeders or hung
from branches. Another choice is peanut butter
blended with corn or other grains and smeared on
tree bark or made into cakes. Fill nectar feeders
with a sugar water solution.

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This article is about encouraging feeding of
birds in your garden, it is not an extensive
list but should be able to start you on your
adventures http://www.dodsonandhorrellpetfood.co.uk

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