Bird Feeding

Cash asked: "Many people have told me my birds need to be on a pellet diet. I know they are full of vitamins and all that jazz...but I feed mine seed. That is what they would find in the wild...I also provide fresh fruits and vegetables regularly. My birds are living healthily and happily. I just don't see what the big deal is about pellets. Can someone please explain?"

A1: SoonerChic07 replied: "I have ALWAYS feed mine seed. In fact, where I buy my feed, they don't sell pellets. I have read in a magazine, (BirdTalk) that someone was told to feed their bird pellets, and he did and the bird died from starvation, because he was looking for the seed. So I, personally don't see anything wrong with it. I have tried to feed mine fresh fruits and they mostly play with them...."

A2: lindsay_jo_294 replied: "really pellets aren't bad for birds. seeds are fine as well but bags that are full of sunflower and nuts are VERY fatty for most birds. and some birds can't have pellets b/c they're too sensitive to them. it really depends on the species and well being of the bird"

A3: TheMightyFlea replied: "There's nothing wrong with seed. If your birds have gotten used to seed, then continue feeding them seed. As someone else mentioned, the best idea is to get the seed that does not contain sunflower seeds, if you can. My local "Pet Club" for example, sells seed for about the same price that doesn't contain sunflower.

If you're concerned about vitamins, consider adding them to your birds WATER instead. You can buy additives to water that you drip one or two drops into that not only helps purify the water but adds nutriets. The birds don't mind THAT at all."

Deepthinker asked: "I live in Minnesota and see a lot of raccoons, squirrels, rabbits around my house. The bird feed is on my deck."

A1: foolnomore2games replied: "Chances are its squirrels. They are smart and can often even get through the squirrel proof feeders"

A2: Dinky replied: "If it's happening at night, I'd guess raccoons. They're nocturnal, very smart, and dextrous. Another possibility is opossums. I don't know if you have many of them in MN, but they're also nocturnal, if not quite as agile as raccoons."

A3: paul replied: "In the past I filled my bird feeders at night. I had to quit because They were always empty by morning. Although I have squirrels during the day they do not come after dark. But I have caught foxes and raccoons on/in the bird feeders. Skunks will eat what has fallen but do not climb the feeders. I have also had bears tear apart the feeders and eat the seed. I have rabbits but they have never bothered my feeders."

A4: Andy o replied: "I am sure all three would love to eat your seed. If you cant manage to put the feed in an inaccessible place (especially hard with squirrels) you can use chili peppers in the mix to keep the mammals away. Birds are not affected by the capsicum oil at all."

A5: sammy k replied: "It is probably a squirrel. They'll do anything to get some good bird food."

A6: hill bill y replied: "racoon"

Liberate America from Fascism asked: "They scare birds away like cardinals, red winged black birds and other smaller birds. What is the best approach to the situation? Would you suggest a different bird feeder or bird feed or even something else? Please help."

A1: Mrs F replied: "Unfortunately we don't have those birds where i live. But, we had a similar problem w/another type of bird...we just used a different type of seed....maybe ask someone at the store where you buy the seed what they recommend"

A2: robert r replied: "find out which seed they prefer, then remove that from the feeder, you could also try using an owl figurine on the nearest tree to shoo them out of range."

A3: Strix replied: "What kind of seed are you using? We use black oil sunflower seeds and don't really have a problem. Seed mixes with millet might attract starlings and house sparrows more.

I know there are all sorts of fancy feeders out there to deter unwanted guests. One of them is designed so that when a big enough bird sits on the perch, the food slot is closed off.

You could also try a long narrow feeder like many people have for finches, I doubt starlings would go for that."

A4: mary replied: "I think this is the idea behind big bird. I v'e put out food for the birds and some bigger birds hog it. It's the way things are. I don't think anyone could help you with that one."

A5: Orlando57 replied: "buy cheap bologna the dollar a pound kind and toss it as far away as you can from the feeder they love meat and then after tha any fats and pieces of meat left over in the same areas now the little ones can feed on the seeds"

A6: Bozema replied: "I hate starlings. They poop on everything, are noisy and scare other birds away. They are also not native but from Europe and are encroaching on the territory of our native birds.

I don't know of any other feeder that would deter them since their beak shape is similar to other seed-eating birds.

I also feed black oil sunflower seeds rather than regular birdseed and it does seem to be better in attracting species we prefer. Since according to Sibley's Guide to Birds, starlings prefer insects and berries (and in our case dog food), large sunflower seeds rather than small seeds might work better for you too."

A7: ddstantlerstill replied: "Perhaps you should try making a cage type bird feeder.make a wire mess top to fit over you feeders or just make one that is covered,make the holes in the wire large enough for the smaller birds to fit through.But small enough to keep the starlings out.It won't solve the problem completely but will offer a place for other birds to feed unharrassed by the starlings."

willowrose24 asked: "I know I'm suppose to order it from the ledger and I do that by clicking on that one dude's face. But the only things it gives me the option to buy is more animals, tools and buildings. NO BIRD FEED. How do I get this stuff? Help!!"

A1: iluvcows95 replied: "Ok, go to ledger. Click on the Dudes face then click on the first option and then press other. It should be there.

Good luck!"

Melina H asked: "I had noticed these little black things on my floor and after a few days took a close look to find they had legs. Little round looking bugs with small legs and move very slowly. They also have some kind of speckeling on them. I found they were hatching out of a bag of bird food. Can anyone help my identify this insect?"

A1: phil h replied: "Maybe weevles?"

A2: cameleon45 replied: "most likely they are weevils; A type of beetle that can be found in grain foods that have been exposed to air. I would throw out the food, buy new, and keep it in an airtight container."

A3: Mary R replied: "I don't know what they are,but I would throw out that bird food and buy some new."

A4: Lisa R replied: "You might have moths in your food. If you have a tight covered container you should keep the bird seed in it.
also it should be kept in the refridgerator. Seed left out
will become dry, moldy and can attract bugs as you've found out.
Store it in the fridge."

A5: jglawson80 replied: "They are a type of moth. Store the food in the refrigerator, the cold will kill the eggs and prevent them from hatching. That's what I do with my bird's food and it has always workd for me."

A6: Theresa A replied: "If you look Really close, a weevil will have a long proboscis (mouth part that looks like a built in drinking straw, or maybe an elephant trunk). They are small, round, and hard shelled. They aren't dangerous, but they are a pest.

Moths are usually evident by the little soft white larvae, so I doubt it's moths.

In any case I'd seal the seed in a plastic container and put it in the freezer. This will prevent the development of any more bugs, and keep it fresh anyways.

(the weevils actually lay their eggs in the green seeds before they are even harvested. It doesn't hurt anything, and they aren't poisonous)"

A7: Rev. Two Bears replied: "I always put birdseed I get for my parakeet and canary in the freezer for 24-48 hours to kill any insect larvae in with the seeds."

A8: KRISTY P replied: "I have 2 african gray's we had some food that when we moved had sat for awhile. these exact same bugs were in the canister that the food had come in. I didn't even try to feed any more to my parrots. Threw the food away and started making our own food such as fresh vegtables cut and corn bread with vegtables in it. At least this way we knew how long the food was good for. Just because you have purchased a new pet food at a retailer doesn't mean it hasn't sat around on a shelf for 2-3 months."

Girly Martini asked: "I read that you can put crushed chicken egg shells in wild bird feed to help the birds get the extra calcium they need for their own eggs. Anyone else try this?

I assume they need to be cooked egg shells so as not to pass on any diseases - but I find the egg shells difficult to crush as small as I think they need to be - I've tried crushing them with a mallet, the food processor and manually - but they stick together and don't crush well. Anyone have a good trick for doing this?

Thanks!"

A1: cluckincom replied: "This definitely works for chickens but other birds not sure unless its ground fine.

Bake shells in oven then crush they shouldnt stick together then"

A2: Maryn Bittner replied: "I feed wild birds, and I've never heard of this.

My suspicion is that it's not accurate. After all, nature provides what wild creatures need--our seed is a convenience, maybe a treat, but not a need. If they needed extra calcium for egg-laying, they'd have died off long ago rather than breeding like crazy until many areas have pest species.

So if you're having trouble crushing them the way you'd like to, maybe it's just fine if you don't bother."

A3: ~Jordan S~ replied: "You can bake egg shells for about 10 minutes, them crush them finely. you can add it to the bird feed."

A4: margecutter replied: "The eggshells need to be dried, but not necessarily cooked. But baking does help to dry them. They also do not need to be ground too fine - I have seen birds break off bits of eggshell and peck at it until it is the size they want.

Many commercially available wild bird seeds and other products (like suet) have additional calcium in them, but you can always offer the eggshells if you want.

"It is helpful to provide calcium suet to nesting birds and to birds that are rearing their young. Calcium can be provided by offering suet with calcium (such as Wild Birds Unlimited's Calcium Care) or ground up egg shells. Be sure the egg shells have been completely dried before placing them out for the birds."

"To give your birds a helping hand, consider providing extra sources of calcium this time of year. Calcium can help strengthen bird eggs and give the young a better chance at survival. Research shows that many birds seek out calcium during nesting season. You can provide crushed eggshells that you have dried and cooked or a calcium-enriched suet, such as Wild Birds Unlimited Peanut Butter’n Jelly Suet Dough or Calcium Care suet."

Here is a good website detailing a study doen in 1999 on adding eggshell to a wild bird's diet - what percentage of birds, and what species, took the eggshell: "

A5: [x]...Becca Ehm...[x] replied: "I use the egg shells from raw uncooked eggs, just wipe the inside of the shell to stop them being too sticky or leave them upside down for the night before crushing them.

Wrap them in tissue and crush them up that way, although I'm not sure you should mix them in with the food, put them in a separate bowl, the birds use them as grit which grinds up food in their stomachs before it is fed back to the chicks."

A6: savio h replied: "u mite cause ur bird neck to start bleeding & plus i will not get digested"

A7: Chiappone replied: "You have to either let the eggs dry out or bake them for a few minutes so they're nice and dry. They should crush up easily then."

A8: Laura B replied: "If you "cook" the shells in the microwave for about 30 seconds, you can them crush them up (the do NOT have to be finely ground) then you can add them to the seed. Birds pick out what they want/need and leave the rest. I just smash the shells up in my hands once they cool down, it's quite easy and they don't seem to stick together much. You could also attach a cuttlebone to a tree near their feeder, that will give them extra calcium as well."

A9: Cliff C replied: "ok eggs are a good source of calcium but anouther good and safe one is cuttlefish...dont clean or wash it just leave it the way you find it,as washing will do no good.Eggs have to be clean so baking in oven is a bit mesy and can burn it so it loses its value,microwave them for about 8to 10 mins and then if you have one a mortal pestel for cooking,i use this and it grinds the shells and i do cuttle fish into a very fine powderso this is the easiest way that i have found"

Nickey asked: "I found a baby bird in my backyard and It's mom is trying to bring it back to the nest. Thanx!"

A1: fearless0911 replied: "A mamma bird collects a niceworm chews it up and leaves it in her mouth and then flys to where her baby is and then opens her mouth so the baby can eat the worm. Mmmm tasty huh?

Hope that helps hun :)"

A2: mcksooner replied: "it chews up the food then brings it back up and puts it in the baby's mouth"

A3: John S replied: "if YOU want to try to feed the baby bird then youll need to mix bread and water into a very soggy mix, get an eyedropper and fill it with the soggy mix and literally put the eyedropper in its throat and then squeeze the mix out. mother birds have to chew their babies food for them then they basically put it in their throat for them."

A4: ladycockatiel replied: "Throwing up into its mouth from bugs found. Just leave the birds alone for the sake of the life of the bird."

A5: mr. curious replied: "just like i feed my girlfriend


now please answer my question"

A6: Jeremy F replied: "yes it reguritates and feeds it it looks distgusting"

A7: birdgirl replied: "If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. It is normal for birds to leave the nest before they can fly. You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it. If it is unfeathered...then look for a nest and if you can find it...replace it into the nest. Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched. If you cannot find a nest, get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival. Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own. Look for a rehab here:...."

A8: bigbadworfie replied: "by regurgatation"

tommas_foolery asked: "i have just succesfully captured a mockingbird and was wondering what to feed it."

A1: : ) replied: "You should bring it to an animal shelter, it might not eat in your care, try worms though, is it a baby or an adult bird?"

A2: Sapphyre replied: "Ask the DNR..."

A3: thebirdlady replied: "thanks for the 2 points"

A4: andy3191 replied: "seed for wild birds."

picky gardener asked: "I am looking for the most specific name and details of how and where the thistle can germinate. I do not want to cause my neighboring farmers problems in their feilds. My sunflower seeds do not upset them but thistle would not be good. I want to keep the farmers in our area so I want to be curtious to them as they are to me."

A1: the01animal replied: "it is black thistle
because of the addatives to their field (pestacides fertilizer weed control etc) it wont grow in thier fields
dont worry about it"

A2: norman7774 replied: "Actually, it is NOT a thistle seed... from a thistle plant. It is a seed from West Africa called NIGER(NEW name is NYJER to not get it mixed up with the word nigger)

Nyjer(niger), and thistle are all names used to identify a tiny, black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, loved by finches and other wild birds, and has been used in the feeding of wild birds for more than 40 years. However, only one name is correct: Nyjer

Niger is a country of West Africa but doubt that the seed comes from there particulrly.. I worked there for several years and had never heard of such a seed being shipped to the U.S."

A3: singsong replied: "Farmers in my area are concerned about Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare). These are invasive. The black thistle in bird seed is thistle Niger (Nyjer), Guizotia abyssinicia, and I had always understood it would not germinate here, and in fact, I have never had a problem in Virginia. But more recently I've read the seed is heat sterilized to prevent germination of it and other potentially fertile seeds, but if it should germinate, pull it up. For further information, I'd suggest you contact either your local or state agricultural extension service."

Euphie asked: "The other bird looked Juvenille, but it was not a Juvenille cardinal or a female cardinal. I've never seen any behavior like that before in my back yard. He was feeding him like he was his chick, but he looked big enough to be on his own."

A1: Bob B replied: "Some mother birds lay their eggs in other birds nests and they are then raised by the host birds. When they get larger, the birds still feed them like they would have their babies which probably starved due to the other baby bird intruding in the nest. Birds are dedicated, but some aren't very bright."

A2: dapunkin2001 replied: "I have seen males feeding female Cardinals and both males and females feeding their young. Maybe the Cardinal thought it was his baby and he was feeding it."

A3: saffronesque replied: "Cuckoo birds and cowbirds both parasitize other birds' nests. The female cuckoo will wait until the hen leaves the nest and will quickly lay an egg in the host's nest. The cuckoo's egg will mimic the host bird's eggs. When the parasite's egg hatches it actually pushes the other eggs and babies out of the nest so the host parents feed the baby until it is mature even though the cuckoo baby is much bigger than the adult host birds!"

A4: birdgirl replied: "The male Cardinal is probably feeding a cowbird baby. Cowbirds are nest parasites and will lay their eggs in other birds nest for the host parent to raise. Yes, cuckoos do this as well..but the cuckoos found in the US rarely lay in other birds nests (although possible). Cuckoos species found in other parts of the world are commonly nest parasites. Cowbirds are very widespread in the US (unlike Cuckoos) and are a very common nest parasite....therefore I am sure it is a Brown-headed Cowbird."

bagina asked: "Its a feww weeks old king pigeon
i ran outa the bird feed formula and cant get some till tomorow
is smashed bananas ok ?

Also is it ok that im mouth feeding it ?"

A1: raveniiz replied: "do you have any wheat bread that you could soften in warm water? I think that would be better...or hard boiled egg yolks a bit mushed up with water."

A2: paikwilliam replied: "yes"

Part Time Cynic asked: "I feed them on a flat roof, have done for a few years and now all sorts have latched on. Including the town pidgeons :-(
So I really need to find a way to keep birdfeeding affordable. Mixing it in lard wih seeds sounds a good idea."

A1: mollyflan replied: "Cooked white rice has very little food value as all the nutrients are taken out in the bleaching process. Go to the feed store and you can buy 50 pounds of bulk bird seed for $5.00. Much better for the little birds."

A2: Gemma T replied: "Excellent, it will expand and make the birds explode. Perfect for a good game stew."

A3: hasicit replied: "a small amount would not hurt .if you are going to cook it a small amount of salt and some sugar will add to it`s food value"

A4: JA12 replied: "It's not nutritious at all. Any goodness that was once in the rice has been thrown out with the water.

You could add it as bulk if you make up a fat ball for the birds. Mix it with seeds and peanuts."

A5: mechelle the joke fairy replied: "A bit of naughtiness here i expect.

explode they will."

A6: Mimkat replied: "Apparently the starch is good for them & they enjoy cooked rice, white or brown. I looked at a few websites, here's one of them. It should be cooked without salt or sugar though & no it will not make them explode."

A7: ChatNoir replied: "There is no harm in feeding birds rice, it just doesn't contain much vitamins or minerals. It's great for carbohydrates though."

A8: Ali-tree replied: "It is far better to give the birds foods which are rich in oils or fat at this time of year. The colder weather makes them use up more calories so they need the rich diet."

A9: wacky replied: "White boiled Rice has no nutritional value to birds as it losses the starch and carbohydrates in the cooking,the only Rice that is suitable for birds is Unhulled rice and I dont think there is much demand for this by bird keepers,or whether it is obtainable where you live.

If you want to feed the birds there are plenty of good Wild bird foods on sale at most pet stores."

A10: millypeed replied: "If you want to feed them rice then brown rice is a better choice than white, most grains are a good source of niacin, thiamin, phosphorous , potassium and sometimes iron.
Grains you can feed the birds are,
bread, wholewheat bread, multigrain bread, etc.
cooked rice, preferably brown, but white is OK.
pearl barley
oatmeal
low sugar cereals like cheerios.
All these are fairly inexpensive and will give the birds a variety."

A11: Lucy replied: "I agree with Mollyfla"

Tyler H asked: "Recently, I made a bird feeder in school! I have it outside. There are a couple of sunflower seeds, but I have no bird feed to feed them. But, I do have hamster food that I feed to my hamsters so I was wondering if bird feed is the same thing as hamster feed? And will they eat hamster feed? Help"

A1: Feathers replied: "Hamster and Bird feed are different things, hence the different names. The sunflower is the same, but thats about it. Just run to the store and pick up a bag of wild bird feed!"

Wild~Tangent asked: "this fall we bought two bird feeders to put out in the winter. the problem is, we have a lot of squirrels in our area and we don't want them to get at it before the birds do. does anyone know where we should put it/what we should do to keep the squirrels away from it? thanks :)"

A1: Groovy replied: "Squirrels get hungry too :-(.

I have seen people hang them up between two trees which makes it harder for the squirrels to reach. Other than that, not much you can do."

A2: atlladyleo_1968 replied: "hmmm.. not too much you can do, other than put feeders away from hanging branches, put atop a pole at least 6ft tall (so they cant climb it) and use a baffle under the feeder. I know you already purchased your feeders, but another good option (one I plan to invest in for spring) is the YANKEE FLIPPER. there's a funny video on website--check it out!
Unfortunately, squirrles love sunflower seeds, so any mix with them in there, they are going to attack your feeder until they get what they want"

A3: alvarz replied: "squirrels are smart and learn quickly so any kind if mechanical deterrent you try will evenyuallly fail unless it is done perfectly,,,,and that usually means it will be expensive. BUT the following will ALWAYS work.
Mix dried Caspian pepper with the seed. Squirrels will try it and never come back or if they do they won't stay long. BTW it does not bother the birds at all. They will gobble it up just like any seed.
You could also mix some liquid hot sauce in the seed also----but i would let it dry a bit before i put it out."

A4: chuck C replied: "You mean keep the rodents away from the seed.I have tried the so called no squirrel feeders, they close the trap door to the feeder when the squirrels put their weight on it but they figure it out and go in between the perch and the hinge. dogs scare them off but their barking scares the birds away also. if you live in the country a 12 gauge does a fine job"

A5: sensible_man replied: "If the feeders are mounted on a pole, slide a piece of PVC pipe over the pole. It is slick so squirrels can't climb it. If hanging, you need a cover that extends out a ways over the feeder top. This way, even if they get on top, they cannot reach the food or even jump to the feeder."

A6: David B replied: "This is a problem bird feeder companies have attempted to solve ever since there have been bird feeders. If you figure it out you could make a fortune!"

Heather G asked: "say that there is bird saliva or nasal secretions"

A1: Angry Bitter Woman replied: "No. Do people think before they type questions on here?"

A2: Pam H replied: "Well, if the bird flu was present it might be possible. I haven't heard that we had the bird flu in America."

A3: whatthe!!! replied: "You watch the news too much."

A4: verbalkint replied: "no its if you come into contact with dead birds or work with poultry"

A5: daydreamer1235 replied: "yes... and if a bird crapped on ur head u could 2 so dont worry about it"

A6: Baby replied: "its 50\ 50"

A7: jodie replied: "well if you touch yourself at all just make shure you wash your hands thoroughly after touching it"

A8: Scott K replied: "not unless there is fecal matter in with the feed and it's outdoors for wild birdies."

A9: sugar.spyce replied: "OH NO YOU HAVE GOT THE BIRD FLU!!!

I hope you are not being serious."

A10: XxX~*~{Skater}~*~XxX replied: "we don't have bird flu in America so no"

A11: dukefenton replied: "Only if you stick your hand in your mouth without washing it. The virus can live in bird spit for a little while, but it needs access to oral or respiratory mucosa (usually by inhaling droplets) to infect someone.

That said, if you're in a place with bird flu, cleaning feed is the least of your exposure risks. Just breathing the air around sick birds is dangerous."

A12: Richie Rich 345 replied: "Obviously theoretically it's possible..but your probably more likely to win the lottery 7 times in a row...I can't stress how improbable it would be..but still it's a good practice and safe so i can't see any harm in doing it"

A13: texas_angel_wattitude replied: "if your bird has the bird flu odds are it would be dead before you realized it was even sick.. Educate yourself"

A14: Sam :) replied: "No Don't worry humans cant catch bird flu. Only animals can. If you live in America, it hasnt him there yet."

A15: bjamdtc1039 replied: "No i wouldn't think so. I think you only get bird flu if you for one thing you have a crappy immune system, and for another thing if you don't keep yourself clean. I'm not saying being OCD about hygiene, but the only way you can get bird flu is if you come in contact with an infected birds poop; and that comes into contact with you by openings on the body, like your noise, or eyes...those kind of places. But just by handling the birds feed, its not exact contact to get bird flu.

You would need to be a really sick person if you "love" birds "like that" to be touching and caressing their feces without washing hands. But why would someone do that if they're not trying to get themselves sick.

So wash your hands after handling the feed, just for good old sanitation use, and because the bird has been eating off of it.

I hope this helps."

A16: MamaSmurf replied: "Actually, there has been bird flu in this country within the last few months. A poultry farm in Pa where my mom lives was shut down because of it. However, there where only a few birds infected. It is not a danger to you. Quit worrying. They control this very well now, when it is detected"

A17: Danielle replied: "Wow, no wonder America is so far behind other countries on education.

No, you won't get it. Bird flu hasn't gotten to America."

skipperkid517 asked: "I have a bunch of birds and I just wanted to know, becuase I've already run out of food (Within a week), and within one day 244 mL was consumed, but that was just an experiement!!! Please tell me so I can figure out how much to buy a month!!!!
May 2, 2006 at 3:41 pm

I Live In Phoenix, AZ, please tell me what amount as an average in mL (Not Pounds!!)....."

A1: BroknWing replied: "It seems they'll eat as much as you put out. I'd recommend deciding how much you want to spend and then putting out some of it each day.

I love feeding the birds, I have 3 bird feeders. Wish I could outsmart the squirrels though, they raid the feeders and consume the greater part of the bird feed. I've tried the feeders meant to deter squirrels but my backyard birds drop so much seed that they just fill their cheeks."

A2: muncie birder replied: "I buy bird seed 100 lbs at a time. But I feed them only 1.5 lbs a day. I also buy sunflower seeds, 50 lb bag. I put it in a special feeder where they have to work at it to get the seeds out. That 50 lbs usually lasts 6 mo. I also buy suet blocks. They go through 1 per week. I also mix up peanut butter, lard, and corn meal. I have to ration that because they would eat me out of house and home on that if I did not."

A3: kamm6038 replied: "I fool them,I put a row of birdseed and a row of sunflower seeds until the feeder is full, then sit back and watch them. They prefer the sunflower seeds but have to work alittle harder for it."

A4: wythingco replied: "About 35 ml per day or less.It depends of course on how many come."

A5: blue sky replied: "Bird seeds can also attract other animals like squirrels and chipmunks. They're cute critters but they will chomp on everything and chew through the house. We had a squirrel that chewed through our neighbors attic vent because they put a loaf of bread like every other day outside and we nailed a screen to ours. It is OK to feed the birds once in while, they are nice. Only put around one cup of bird seeds. A 5 lb bag should last for 3 or 4 weeks or 40 deciliters per month."

A6: Verwirrte replied: "starlings eat you out of house and home. No etiquette."

A7: dork replied: "Think munchie birdie told you right"

A8: just me replied: "They will eat as much as you put out.. You judge how much you want to put out by what you can afford.. They will adjust to what ever you put out for them.. And remember your not the only one who feeds birds, they won't starve if your kitchen only puts out small portions..

P.S. Your a nice person!!!!"

Donald O asked: "how do i deter or repel these pesty birds so that that the other birds can eat what i put out?"

A1: SexiLexi replied: "i have a bird. but no advice srry"

A2: asianview replied: "Actually there's no way you can deter them. Just put out enough birdfeed seeds, crumbs etc. and let them have their fill. Just make sure there's enough for the more shy and timid birds. Mostly, the shy and timid breeds would wait around until the bolder breeds have their fill before they take their chance with the food.
I feed birds too and the pigeons and crows are real pirates. These pigeons and crows just snatch up everything, the only way is to make sure there's still enough around for the other birds after these 'greedy pigs' have their fill."

A3: octo replied: "seprate them"

shum s asked: "Duh look at the question"

A1: debs2606this1 replied: "The only time the bird feed will appear after you have bought it is in the food chute on the left wall of the chicken coop. If you don't have the chicken coop the feed that you have bought will be added to the food chute once the coop has been built."

Kayla F asked: "Ok i am freaking out!!!! I need to know what to do if your horse has eaten bird seed!
She didnt eat it for long maybe five mins at tops. Please answer and fast dont know what to do! thanks so much
The bird seed is more like an all natural deer and bird mix, it that still ok or should i call the vet?
Its for deers and birds i mean."

A1: kristina9x replied: "Call your vet."

A2: black bunny replied: "CALM DOWN!!!

I wouldn't think only eating it for 5 minutes would hurt it. Birdseed is just seeds...natural stuff. Offer her some hay to 'push' it through her system. Then make sure she can't get into it again.

For your peace of mind...call your vet's office. But I really think they will tell you the same thing. And I don't think it's necessary...but it's your call..."

A3: xobarrelox replied: "dont panic mi horse ate moldy dog food. theres othing really in the bird food that would make ur horse sick. just give her a lot of fluids and some horse feed to wash it down. ne ways bird food is all natural"

A4: the major replied: "It will be fine....trust me.Bird seed are only grass seeds in a fancy package......and well horses have been eating that for a lot of years"

A5: Helios replied: "Trim that horse's wings!

Seriously, it shouldn't make any difference. Horses are just like birds - well, I guess they're sort of different.

Unless your horse ate A LOT of bird seed - like 20 lbs - then the horse could founder. In that case call the vet."

A6: Dee replied: "your horse will be fine birds eat horse feed and there fine if it would make you feel better just call the vet and see what they say.when he starts flying then worry.LOL"

A7: The Dragon replied: "I wouldn't be all that concerned. Most bird feeds are just various grains all mixed together like scratch feed for chickens. No big deal.
HOWEVER
If it was chicken feed as in laying pellets ... that is a big deal. That feed is not for mammals to eat, and for good reason. I don't know what they put in it, but it's nasty stuff ... it has given several of my goats liver failure, enlarged gallbladders, and killed them all."

A8: Ruth E replied: "it will be ok my horse got in to the hens food and they are fine.

call the vet if u must"

alison G asked: "well i have been feading my gird wild bird feed and i do not now if it is dangeares to coctails"

A1: Chantelle R replied: "Wild bird feed will not harm your cockateil, but it doesn't contain all the vitamins and minerals that your bird needs make sure you get a supplement that you can mix into the feed."

A2: bmthespian replied: "It is not going to be toxic to her, but wild bird seed is generally a lower quality seed that what you would feed a pet bird (which is why it is cheaper) and also not nutritionally blanaced for your tiel.

You really shouldn't be feeding a primaraly seed diet any way. Pet tiels don't burn of the calories that wild tiels dow and so don't need the amout of fat seed has in their diet as it least to obesity and related problems such as fatty liver disease and kideny problems. It is best to feed a diet consisting of a primaraly pelleted diet with some seed and fresh foods."

anjelkitty33 asked: "I live in the piney woods of North East Texas. As a practicing Wicca, I enjoy and respect nature. Since it has been so dry this year, I am trying to help feed the wild birds. I have put out sunflower seeds, wild bird feed, and thistle seeds. I will also make some suet to put out when it gets colder. I was just wondering if anyone els had any suggestions for bird feed. I also make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Can anyone help me?"

A1: mark a replied: "niger is good thats pronounced nie-ger and also black sun flower seed pea nuts are good but squirrels get them ,well they eat everyting but they go mad for nuts"

A2: greenghost replied: "Sounds like you've pretty much got things covered. It's not 'really' needed but you could try hanging ripe fruit off tree branches also.

Vacela ghashetzkiu Wicca!"

Light up the Darkness asked: "If so whats the recipe?"

A1: justafren replied: "Yes. One part sugar to 4 parts water. No color needed. Boil water and sugar and cool before filling feeders. Refrigerate unused portion and be sure to change the feeders at least once a week. I've used this recipe and have lots of hummingbirds."

A2: ♥ This Way To The Ocean ♥ replied: "Yes...I found it online!


There you go. Have fun making the food! We use to have a family of humming birds that lived in a huge fuchsia plant in our back yard. I think they live in the butterfly bush now. Oh here are flowers that attract humming birds so you can draw some more in......I have all the links below so you can review where I got my information from.....

Good luck and have fun!!! :)"

A3: One Strange Cookie replied: "yup, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, remove from heat and stir in 1 cupm of regular granulated sugar. DO NOT USE DIE! dye makes them infertile. i have NO idea why in the world the stuff you buy has dye in it."

prabhu n asked: "emu birds feed formula..."

A1: Edward B replied: "chips"

A2: Jordy replied: "I LOVE EMU'S - but srry, idk"

A3: bootleg replied: "steak and chips"

pimp107 asked: "have you seen one?"

A1: Laughing replied: "Yes. Large birds of prey occasionally feed on smaller birds. At zoos sometimes an Eagle, Hawk, or Owl will be fed a smaller bird."

A2: Mary H replied: "Often I see a male redbird feed the female redbird!!They are in my back yard>"

A3: The First Dragon replied: "Yes, I've seen the lovey-dovey doves do this. They were making out. The male feeds the female as part of the "courtship" behavior."

A4: megs replied: "yes sometimes mates will feed each other food, or even regurgitate food to each other. it is a way for them to show affection. when i used to have a pet lovebird, he would sometimes regurgitate his food and try to "share" it with me by putting it on my finger or *gross* in my mouth if he was sitting on my shoulder! its how some birds show their feelings for each other!"

A5: ponydoc2000 replied: "I also have a redbird pair outside my window, the male has been feeding the female."

A6: birdgirl replied: "Yes, this is common practice for many bird species during breeding season. The males will feed the females to win them over as a mate."