Feeding any wildlife is never limited to one species. Check out these options that are safe for a wide range of opportunistic critters when you want to start feeding the birds!

It’s the season for outdoor exploration, gardening improvements, and wildlife sightings, and the seasonal DIY bird feeder project will inevitably pop up at your local hardware store or on a camp schedule. 

Before breaking out the tools and paint, let’s think about what your options are to fill it with. The type of food you choose for your neighborhood critters will certainly influence the design for feeder openings, layout, and hanging options.

Feeding the birds is a wonderful way to observe and learn more about them, but take into consideration all the animals that may come across your well intended gifts.

Just say no to nauseating!

To start with, a great rule to keep in mind: If you won’t eat it, they shouldn’t either! Old bread, chips, French fries, etc, all get moldy fast outdoors and can spread toxins that can cause potentially fatal infections. 

In addition, I can’t tell you how many times my dog has swiped a quick mouthful from the nasty charcuterie spread of garbage under the neighborhood trees, thanks to the endless offerings to the squirrel gods from local kind-hearted worshippers. Swallowing a whole peanut shell or green fuzzy pizza crust makes for a quick and expensive trip to the vet.

Bread = Bad

When wild animals eat bread and processed food, it fills their stomachs, but robs them of a choice that actually has the nutrition they need to survive. This can lead to serious metabolic problems, especially during the winter months when they need it most.

Plus, the processed ingredients are literally poison for humans and animals, and lead to digestive upset, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. 

Organic? Homemade? Vegan?

When looking for bird (or squirrel) snacks, pick treats that are non-toxic and generally safe for all animals – pets, too!

Here are a couple of examples that are good options:

• Small pieces of apples, bananas, berries, grapes, and melons. Always remove any seeds or pits!

• Leafy greens (like kale and spinach), carrots, bell peppers, peas, and broccoli- raw or steamed is fine.

• Unsalted and unseasoned nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts broken into small pieces to prevent choking. Don’t leave them out whole!

• High-quality birdseed mixes that contain seeds like sunflower, millet, and pumpkin seeds. 

• Brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal (plain and cooked) or whole grain cereals without added sugars or artificial flavors can be a crunchy treat. 

• Unsweetened and sulfate-free dried fruits like raisins and apricots, are also great treats for birds and other opportunistic foragers. 

• Even fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro can be offered and are often enjoyed by a variety of animals. If you bought extra for a special dinner, feel free to share with outdoor visitors!

Too many choices?

Omnivore overwhelm. No worries! Some pet stores offer bird treats that are also safe for many animals. Look for those made with ingredients you recognize 🙂

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