If you want to support wintering birds during the cold period, it is important not to put unsuitable products in the feeder. In this article, we will discuss what exactly should not be given to birds.
Sometimes the desire to help can turn into a disaster, even if that was not the intention. To avoid harming birds, avoid the following products.
Bread
It is unclear where the idea came from that birds can and should be fed bread. In fact, it is strictly prohibited! Bread contains gluten—a group of proteins that makes the dough soft and sticky. This component is extremely dangerous for birds. Their stomachs are unable to properly digest bread, which can lead to slowed or even stopped digestion, intestinal twisting, diarrhea, and dysbiosis. In winter, such consequences can be fatal.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds that we buy in stores are not suitable for feeding birds. Many of them are roasted with added salt. During roasting, they absorb a large amount of fat that birds cannot digest, and salt can cause thirst, dehydration, kidney failure, and even death.
Seeds can only be given to birds in their raw form.
Almonds are strictly prohibited as they contain substances that can cause heart problems.
Potato Chips
Like roasted seeds and nuts, potato chips contain a lot of salt and oil. Additionally, they contain various additives and preservatives that are harmful to birds.
If you accidentally drop chips outside, it is better to pick them up and throw them in the trash to avoid putting the birds in danger.
Fruit Pits
Although the fruits themselves can be beneficial for birds, their pits pose a danger. The seeds and pits of apples, pears, plums, apricots, and nectarines contain cyanide, which is extremely harmful to birds. Poisoning can cause weakness, difficulty breathing, and seizures, and this is just a small part of the possible consequences.
Chocolate
Even as a joke, you should not put chocolate in the bird feeder, as this product is toxic to them. It can cause seizures, arrhythmia, vomiting, and even death. This is because birds lack the enzymes necessary to digest theobromine, which is found in cocoa beans.
Raw Beans
Some types of raw beans contain phytohaemagglutinin—a toxic substance for birds. When cooked, it is removed, so be sure to boil the beans before feeding them to the birds. The safest for birds are beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas.
Millet
Millet is sold hulled, without the shell, which is the most beneficial for birds. The seed itself spoils quickly in the sun and acquires a bitter taste.
What You Can Feed Birds
Now that we have figured out what should not be put in the feeder, replace these harmful products with safer and more nutritious ones:
Raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts or cashews. These products should not contain oil, salt, or additives. Seeds can be left in their shells, but raw nuts should have their shells removed.
Raw grains. Any, except millet! For example, oats, barley, or rolled oats.
Fruits and berries. But only without pits.
Special bird feed. It can be purchased at any pet store.
