Experts say it could be doing more harm than good for these garden visitors
Brits are making one big mistake when it comes to feeding birds(Image: Getty)
Garden enthusiasts are being warned to be mindful of what food they leave out for birds, as it could inadvertently cause harm to these creatures. This time of year is when local British birds are more likely to venture into gardens, as their natural food sources such as berries have largely depleted over winter.
May leave food out for these birds, however, Debi Klein, a gardening enthusiast and co-founder of The Backyard Naturalist, has cautioned against feeding birds bread or any other items from your kitchen cupboard. Debi stated: “Please don’t give wild birds bread, crackers or other human snack foods. Bread has no nutritional value for wild birds.
“In fact, bread, crackers, chips and other human snacks are, in some ways, WORSE than feeding birds absolutely nothing.”
Feeding birds bread can harm or even kill them(Image: Getty)
There’s a common misconception that birds enjoy bread, as many people feed it to ducks when visiting rivers or ponds, but it should not be given to any wild bird whatsoever.
Bread, crackers or any other human food packed with carbohydrates may be high in calories and fill a bird up, but they offer no nutritional benefit.
Feeding birds these items will satiate them but won’t provide any energy, and given their fast metabolism, they’ll quickly become exhausted and cold, despite not feeling hungry.
Feeding bread to birds is harmful, as they require energy reserves to stay warm during winter. Without proper nutrition, they risk dying overnight from the cold at this time of year.
You should also steer clear of giving birds any other human food, as they’re completely unable to process salt, and anything salty will seriously harm their kidneys.
It is much better to feed birds fatty foods bought at a pet store like suet pellets or sunflower seeds(Image: Getty)
If you’re looking to help birds survive, your best bet is to provide fatty foods designed for birds, such as fat balls, suet pellets, and sunflower seeds.
These foods deliver plenty of energy and can actually save their lives on freezing mornings if they haven’t eaten since the previous day.
Many familiar birds, including robins, finches, and woodpeckers, love peanuts, but these must only be purchased from a pet shop to ensure they’re unsalted and safe.
If you’d like to feed birds, try offering soft fruit such as apple or pear pieces, or raisins or sultanas. However, soak harder foods like raisins or sultanas in water beforehand to stop them becoming choking hazards for the birds.
Water is equally vital for birds during this time of year, so ensure you have a birdbath available, and your garden will remain a favourite destination for these wary creatures.
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