A certain type of food is useful for birds during the winter as it is ‘extremely rich in energy’ and can help them stay warm, active and healthy
One particular food item could prove helpful for birds(Image: E+/Getty Images)
Householders across the UK are being urged to put out one particular food in their garden to help protect birds over the winter. The call comes as many birds struggle to find the right food to keep them healthy during the colder months.
Richard Green, a specialist from bird food supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, has revealed just why gardeners need to leave suet out for birds now and the best ways to do it. Suet is a vital boost of fat and protein birds will need during the colder months, helping them store energy as natural food sources start to fade.
He said: “Birds need different nutrients as the seasons change. Suet becomes especially helpful in autumn, not just in the depths of winter, because it’s high in calories and protein. That extra energy helps birds stay warm, active, and healthy as insects and berries become harder to find.” This comes as ChronicleLive explained what you can do to attract robins to your garden this December.
Mr Green has offered more information about suet and why it’s important for birds. He said: “Suet is the raw fat found around the kidneys and loins, usually from beef, and it’s extremely rich in energy.
“It’s often mixed with birdseed, oats, fruit or mealworms. There are feeders which are designed to hold several suet blocks at once, or you can smear it directly onto a branch or on a hollowed log.”
The best place to hang your feeder
The specialist further explained: “Place suet feeders in a visible area about 10 to 12 feet from shrubs or trees, so birds can feed and retreat to cover if needed. If it’s near a window, keep it either within three feet of the glass or more than 30 feet away to reduce the risk of collisions and prevent birds from flicking small bits of suet while eating, as it can leave greasy spots that are difficult to clean off glass once they’ve hardened.”
How to handle dominant birds
“If certain birds like starlings start taking over the feeder, try using an upside-down suet feeder,” Mr Green said. “Woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches can easily feed this way, but starlings find it much harder. It won’t stop them completely, but it can reduce how much suet they take.”
Add natural plants in your garden
The expert advised: “Even with suet available, birds will continue to find plenty of natural food. Suet is a supplement, not a replacement. If you want to attract a wider range of species, think about planting native shrubs and trees that provide seeds, berries and insects across the colder months.”
More gardening news can be found on ChronicleLive here. Experts recently advised garden owners to buy a £1 item to assist wildlife. You can buy a £1 bag of dried mealworms for birds.
Specialists at the RSPB say dried mealworms are perfect for winter bird feeding as they contain plenty of energy which birds require to maintain their warmth. It states: “Put out bird food and water on a regular basis through autumn and winter.
“In severe weather, you may find you need to feed twice daily. Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather.” Here are more details.
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