Mixed seed caters for all kinds of birds
The kind of seed you use can make a huge difference in what kind of birds your feeder attracts, how much maintenance your feeder needs, and of course how well-fed your feathered guests will be.
Sunflower seed is a bird feeder staple. Black oil sunflower seeds are more expensive, but they are one of the best all-round bird foods. They are fatty, which means they pack plenty of energy, and their light husks are easy for birds to crack. Striped sunflower seeds are cheaper, but not as nutritious, and their shells may prove too hard for small birds such as tits or finches to break.
You can also get pre-shelled hearts of black oil sunflower seeds, which have all the advantages of regular black sunflower seeds without the mess. However, hearts of sunflower go mouldy more quickly and so can’t be left in the feeder as long.
Niger, millet, or thistle seeds will draw small birds, and are especially loved by goldfinches and other finches as well as tits. However, these are small, which means they must be mixed in with other seeds or dispensed from a specially designed niger seed feeder.
If you prefer larger birds, peanuts will do the trick. Peanuts should be served from a mesh-sided peanut feeder whose holes are only large enough to allow broken fragments through. Whole peanuts should only be provided during the winter and should absolutely not be offered in the spring as birds may take whole peanuts back to their newly hatched chicks, increasing the risk of choking.
You can also purchase so-called kibbled or granulated peanuts, which have been ground down to a size more manageable by small birds. Like hearts of sunflower, though, kibbled peanuts lack their natural protective coating and are vulnerable to mould.
Seed mixes come in a wide variety, with some tailored to appeal to a particular species of bird. If possible read the ingredient list and make sure you know what you’re getting. A good bird seed mix should include plenty of sunflower, kibbled peanuts and flaked maize.
The gourmet top notch bird seed is so-called “high-energy” bird seed mixes, which frequently include raisins, sultanas, mealworms and other sources of protein. On the other end of the quality scale are mixes that lean heavily on starches and grains such as wheat, barley, beans, rice, or oats. These are indigestible to most birds, but pigeons, doves, and pheasants will happily eat them.
Whatever type of seed you choose, be sure to store it properly to guard against the possibility of mould or infestation by insects or rodents. A tough plastic or metal container with a watertight lid is the best choice, although a heavy-duty plastic zip bag will work as well.
Put the container in a dry, cool, shady area, preferably somewhere convenient to the feeder. If you take care in storing your birdseed, it can stay good for up to a year, but be sure to check for sprouting, musty odours, wetness, or clumping, which can all be signs of seed that has gone bad.
