Bird food

Large scraps of food can be OK as the birds can peck away at larger bits of food to take what they need.However, the best way to feed kitchen scraps to birds is to chop them into smaller pieces that make them more bit-size for smaller birds.Chopping scraps into tiny pieces allows a bird to pick them up and eat them without risk of choking.It also means that anything you provide can be fed to young chicks without them struggling to take them in.When we feed the birds in our garden we are also attracting all kinds of interesting wildlife.Now you might be a big fan of squirrels, rats and foxes but I have to say that I am not.Either way is fine but I just want to feed the birds and not have to deal with damage and mess that the more pest-like creatures can cause.There are ways of feeding birds that can reduce the likelihood of less desired visitors to your garden.Seed and other specifically supplied bird food may well attract all kinds but our kitchen scraps will be especially irresistible to so called vermin.Most of the following also applies to feeding birds in general and are usually good practice.Make sure you put the scraps on a feeder that is high enough off the ground that rats and foxes cannot get to it.We all know that rats are expert climbers and they can get where they want to quite easily, if they choose.Removing the temptation in the first place will help in preventing them from even visiting.If you are using pole feeders or bird tables, there are many baffle type solutions available.They attach to the vertical pole that a pest would climb up and basically block them off.They make it very difficult for squirrels and the like to get round and up to the treasure.A good way to prevent pests from stealing your scraps is to use pest proof feeders.There are different types but my favourite is the one where a bird can comfortably feed but a larger, heavier visitor such as a squirrel or rat will cause the platform to drop, cutting off access to the food.Another way is use a small cage or mesh around scraps.This could be good for ground feeding birds like Dunnocks.You can either construct something simple our of chicken wire or similar, or buy a purpose made cage.Make sure the holes are big enough to allow small birds in bit small enough to keep pests out.If you are putting kitchen scraps out for birds then make sure you keep the feeding area clean.In any environment pests like rats are attracted to easy pickings that we discard every day.This is why rats and other scavengers are often found in bin areas that are not properly managed and secured.So, if you are feeding birds your food scraps and you are leaving them on the ground, expect rats.If you not OK with this take responsibility and clear away any untouched food the birds havent wanted.I have covere a range of food that birds can eat, other than bird seed but what can birds not eat?There are many things that birds cannot eat, either because they cant digest the food, or because it is toxic for them and can lead to Ill health or death.Lets take a quick look at what not to feed birds in your garden.Birds cannot digest milk and it can cause serious stomach upsets or even death in many smaller garden birds.As I described above, though, other dairy based food is still OK, mild cheese for example.I mentioned salt above in the context of bacon rind.Birds are unable to cope with salt, it can cause problems such as excessive dehydration.Check that any pasta, rice or meaty fats have not been cooked or cured with salt.Some people out dog or cat food for birds.Wet, tinned, dog or cat food cam be ok but avoid using dry biscuit type pet food.This is not something I have had any success with.Larger dry chunks of dog biscuit, for example can get stuck in a birds throat and choke them.Many will still say dried pet treats are ok for birds but I recommend you avoid using them.Excess cooking oils and fats from roasted meats may seem like they would be a nice tasty treat for birds.The thing is, runny, liquid oils and fats used in roasting solidifies into a slimy, greasy substance.If birds feed on this it is likely to be smeared around their beaks and subsequently smeared in and around their feathers.Using kitchen scraps to feed the birds is a good way to maximise their food sources, especially in colder months when birds may struggle.Certain foods will give birds a great way of taking on board extra fats and nutrients when they are most needed.Many foods from our kitchens are suitable for birds and minimise how much we waste every day.Particular favourites are fruits, cheese and solid fats.Seeds from fruits like watermelon and pumpkin are also good.Be mindful, though, birds cannot eat certain types of food and we should avoid putting them out; milk and salt are especially bad.Finally, putting out left over food at ground level will attract pests and vermin.Consider where you put scraps and how you present them if you want to avoid the extra visitors.I live in Hampshire, UK and I am fascinated by the birds that visit my garden.One day I decided to put up a bird feeder to see what happened.Lots of birds will feed on suet as it provides a vital source of energy for them, particularly in the winter months.If your feeder has rounded rather than straight perches, robins will also use it.If you dont have a tree to hang feeders on then a feeding station which pushes into the ground is the best solution.Putting a bird bath in and ensuring that the water is kept clean will make your garden all that more appealing.During the winter, you may need to break the ice or put out fresh water on a daily basis.For optimal health and happiness, however, a wide variety of foods should be incorporated into your pets meal plan.By offering your budgie a variety of healthy treats, youll learn what they like, what they dont like, and what their favorite foods are.Listed below are a variety of foods that are safe to feed your pet parakeet in addition to store-bought seed mix.They have been divided into the following four categories.They contain many necessary nutrients that may not be included in a typical store-bought seed mix.Otherwise, they may have trouble breaking it into consumable portions.Seeds get oldkeep your parakeets diet fresh and interesting with nutritious treats.However, just like in a humans diet, these should be consumed in moderation.Fruits are high in natural sugars that can be detrimental to your parakeets health when consumed in large quantities.Dried or packaged fruits and vegetables may contain added sugars, spices, preservatives, or other ingredients that could be harmful to your feathered friend.Many parakeets love to eat nuts.They are tasty, protein-rich, and full of nutrients that they may not be getting anywhere else.Most nuts are far too large to be consumed by a parakeet whole, and shells can be difficult and dangerous for them to open themselves.Whenever you give your budgie a new food, watch for signs of distress that could indicate an adverse reaction.Instead, opt for fresh, natural, whole-grain varieties that are free of salt.Only offer bread to your budgie in small amounts and very occasionally.Bread is a treat and should not be used to replace other components of a parakeets diet.It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.So I think its fine for them to eat it.Also,I dont feel comfortable sharing my name so I am putting my initials.Its only a week, two tops between moultings.