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We all want to help the birds that visit our gardens, but sometimes our good intentions can backfire. Putting the wrong things in your bird feeder can have serious consequences for bird health.
Some foods are downright toxic, while others offer little nutritional value or are difficult for birds to digest. So, before you fill up your feeder with just anything, check out this list of foods you should absolutely avoid.
Baked Goods
Traditionally, feeding bread to bread was commonplace, but any type of baked goods can harm birds. Bread, cakes, and pastries lack nutrients essential for birds to thrive and can grow toxic molds if not eaten immediately.
Plus, baked goods are a magnet for rats and other vermin, something you definitely don’t want in your yard!
Spoiled or Moldy Food
Don’t be tempted to throw spoiled or moldy food outside for the birds – mold produces toxins that can harm or even kill wild birds. Any food that is past its best must be disposed of responsibly to protect wildlife from harm.
Dairy products
Birds cannot digest the lactose in dairy products, so milk, soft cheeses, and yogurt should be kept away from your bird feeder. The only exception is hard cheeses, which can be fed in very small amounts.
Salted foods
Birds should not consume large amounts of salt as part of their diet, so keep foods like potato chips, salted nuts, and popcorn away from your bird feeder.
Chocolate
Chocolate is highly toxic to birds, as it contains a substance called theobromine, which can cause heart issues.
Whole Nuts
Most types of nuts are highly nutritious snacks that birds will enjoy, but whole nuts can be a choking hazard for smaller birds. Stick to crushed or chopped nuts instead.
Certain fruits
Birds will eat many different fruits in the wild, but be careful which types you put in your bird feeder. Avoid citrus fruits and any fruits with large seeds or pits.
Dried foods
Any type of dried food will swell up after it is eaten, causing serious gastrointestinal problems for birds. These include uncooked rice, dried pet food, desiccated coconut, dried lentils, and split
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, a compound that is toxic to birds and most other animals.
Sugary or processed foods
Sugary snacks aren’t just bad for humans – candy, cookies, marshmallows, and so on are also unhealthy for birds. Never feed
Sticky foods
Anything slightly sticky can gum a bird’s beak closed or cause matting of the feathers, both of which are highly detrimental to wild birds. Never put sticky foods like marshmallows, cooked oatmeal, and peanut butter in your bird feeder.
How to feed wild birds safely
Follow these simple tips to enjoy feeding wild birds without risking their health:
- Place feeders in safe locations away from predators
- Clean feeders regularly to reduce the risk of disease spread and mold buildup
- Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing
- If your feeder is overcrowded, place extra feeders in different locations
- Pay attention to seasonal needs – offer high-energy foods in winter, and seeds or fruit in spring and summer
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How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
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With these 14 DIY bird feeders, you’ll be creating a welcoming space for your feathered friends.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
