skip to main content

How much food to leave for the birds?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I absolutely LOVE wild birds (I have three small parrots/two parakeets myself). I feed the wild birds every AM before I go to work. They are all waiting for me, perched on telephone lines when I get up. I put out black sunflower seeds plus the food that my parrots and parakeets dont eat that is left over in their bowls - safflower, cereal pieces, millet seed, pellets, parakeet seed. I also put out the refrigerated vegetables that my birds didnt eat from the night before (not a lot-but better than throwing it out). I feed maybe 3 cups of food and it is gone in minutes. Should I put more food out? I dont want them to become dependent on me (but I suspect they already have). Also, is it better to put the food on the ground in a platform feeder rather than spreading it on the ground?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

User
10 years ago
Maybe try a feeder that feeds slower.
User
10 years ago
First and foremost, birds will keep coming, especially if you have a daily routine of feeding them, but they will not become dependent. Get that thought out of your head. Birds aren't like a lonely ex bf or gf waiting around ... If the food disappears, they will too, and they will move on and find food elsewhere. So don't let yourself feel guilty.

If your daily feeding is disappearing within minutes then it's safe to say you can feed more if you're comfortable and your budget allows it. But don't feel obligated.

As much as I believe birds will be just fine with or without your help, I do want to urge that during winter months, especially after a cold snap, winter storm or snow hitting the ground, then what you feed can actually be the difference between life and death for birds. This is when they need you most. So if you are going to feed them, please don't stop in the winter. It could literally save some lives when food is scarce and harsh weather hits.

If you really enjoy feeding them then invest in one or two feeders. I like hopper styles and tube feeders.

I love feeding them in the morning when I know they are all waiting for me :)
Related Discussions
first post - bird food that sparrows dont eat?
Q
Comments (51)
I know nothing about birds i have had a small wooden bird house on my porch for 20 years i have had small sparrows or wrens living there and mating there for years This year i bought a hanging house like feeder which is hung about 4 feet away i never knew that people hate house sparrows i enjoy watching thrm sitting on top of the bird house once or twice i saw them at the feeder not much action I filled the feeder with classic wild bird food i hope i see more birds in the Spring any advice for me about seeds or sparrows i have never had a problem i just wanted to feed thrm thanks for your advice
...See More
extra food for birds
Q
Comments (21)
Trying to help resident mocking bird, several types of sparrows, cardinals, plus any other creature that comes to my yard. The original snow was a mix of ice and snow which has covered most of the food choices. Because of the rain we had earlier many of the seed bearing plants did not produce seed so most of the birds that stay here left. These are the stragglers. Since where I live has wooded corridors we have all kinds of wildlife. It is not a question of attracting them, they live here. It sounds from the comments that the posters here apparently feel that birds have no benefit other than to be watched. Having planted things over the years to increase the number of birds and other animals to help keep my garden and yard free of insects it appears that I should not have planted anything that would help insure that creatures other than humans could have something to live on. I am now sorry I wasted my time asking about what might help for a limited situation.
...See More
Bird Food waste
Q
Comments (12)
in bad weather i do get a lot of ground feeders such as the doves and juncos and towhees and some others and i purposely go to the farm supply or ranch and feed store and get a 50lb bag of chicken feed for around 8.50 a bag. It is a mix of grains most often milo and cracked corn and wheat. i put out a cup or two on the sheet or on the ground for the hungry birds. some people call them trash birds but i enjoy any one that wants to come and eat.
...See More
how much food?
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks. Maybe I will call a local wild bird feed store. I feed them every AM and they are waiting for me. I have to offer water. I find animals in the pool in the summer. :( I pulled a live huge ground hog out of the skimmer last summer and a live snake also. I wont tell you about the others. :( I have to do pool patrol every night when I come home in the summer. I am having the landscaper put mesh fencing around the pool that borders the wash behind the yard to hopefully keep the animals out. The water dishes help some, but not enough. But the birds definitely drink it.
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Meet Some Clever and Curious Jays

By Habitat Network

Boisterous jays provide plenty of backyard bird-watching in winter. Here’s how to identify all the varieties and welcome them into your yard

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Mahonia Aquifolium for Birds

By Debbie Ballentine

Oregon grape puts on a bold spectacle from spring through winter and is ideal to brighten partly shady corners in the U.S. West

EARTH DAY How to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs

By Annie Thornton

Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens

GARDENING GUIDES Plant Black Cherry Trees for the Birds and Bees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant Prunus serotina in the Central and Eastern U.S. for spring flowers, interesting bark and beautiful fall color

FARM YOUR YARD Hello, Honey: Beekeeping Anywhere for Fun, Food and Good Deeds

By The Best Bees Company

We need pollinators, and they increasingly need us too. Here, why and how to be a bee friend

FARM YOUR YARD To Get the Food They Believe In, These Urbanites Grow Their Own

By Annie Thornton

Home gardeners farming on their city lots find that local, organic food isn’t the only reward

Sponsored

More Discussions

ID OWL IN S.E. MICHIGAN z5b

0