If you enjoy feeding the birds in your garden or are thinking of starting, then you might be wondering what time of day is best.
When you feed the birds can vary depending on the weather or time of year. Remember it’s important not to overfeed birds. As much you want to help them they still have to be able to survive on their own and we don’t want to disrupt the natural flow of things.
Should I Feed The Birds In My Garden?
There is nothing wrong with feeding the birds that visit your garden and a little more food won't do them any harm. As long you make sure to feed them the right kind of food at the right time of day.
There are many reasons why you should feed the birds. Food can be in short supply for birds, especially as we continue to build and expand our cities and suburbs into the countryside. By simply filling a feeder with bird food you are helping the birds survive when food is scarce.
Winter can be especially hard for birds to find food. There are fewer natural resources for them to eat and heavy frost and snow can make it harder to find the food that is there.
Summer can be just as difficult for birds to find food in. In summer, birds burn through energy a lot faster, especially if they are malting. They sometimes have to eat more than usual or need to eat a lot of high protein foods to keep healthy.
When Should I Feed The Birds?
Typically birds like to eat early in the morning so that is when they will be looking for food. Your bird feeder should be full at dawn so the birds will find it first thing when they are searching. If you don’t want to get up before dawn to fill your bird feeder you can fill it the night before.
Birds don’t tend to eat at night so they should still be full by the morning. However, a full bird feeder can attract other, nocturnal creatures to your garden. Rats and mice are frequent bird feeder scavengers so bear this in mind when deciding when to fill your bird feeder.
If you are worried about unwanted pest stealing your bird food, then Kenedy Wild Bird Food have bird feeders specially designed to keep other creatures out.
If you fill your feeder earlier in the morning, birds can find it when they start their daily search for food. If you refill it at the same time every day, birds will instinctively know when to come to your garden and begin to visit more frequently.
Should I Refill My Bird Feeder?
It’s unlikely they will empty the whole thing so there should be plenty of bird food still left in for other birds to come and eat throughout the day. If your bird feeder does get emptied it’s perfectly fine to refill it if you think more birds will come by looking for food.
Just be careful you are not overfeeding the birds. Birds are animals that don’t always know when the next meal is coming and tend to eat as much as they can in one go. Birds are very resourceful creatures and will find food on their own if left to it, so don’t worry too much about being their only source of food.
What should I feed the birds?
Birds can have very varied diets that can include all sorts, from nuts to seeds to live insects. Some birds can even enjoy foods like cooked brown rice and some cat foods, but this doesn’t mean you can put just anything out for your feathered friends.
It’s important to know that what you are feeding the birds is safe for their consumption and is prepared in a way that is hygienic and won’t make them sick or choke them.
Trying to figure out if birds can eat certain nuts or if seeds have been treated in a safe way for them can be tough and it's difficult to tell how safe something is for a bird to eat. That’s why we recommend purchasing ready prepared bird food and bird seeds.
Kennedy Wild Bird Feed provides the best quality bird food for your garden birds. We have a range of birds foods for you to choose from depending on what is right for you and the birds you like to feed.
We have everything from protein-packed mealworms, to fatty suet balls and pellets, to our top-quality sunflower seeds for birds. We offer delicious nutritious bird food at a competitive price and offer free next day delivery.
5th Jul 2021 Rachel Weinhold
I'm an avid ornithologist and a passionate enthusiast in the field of avian ecology and behavior. With a wealth of firsthand experience and a deep understanding of bird feeding practices, I've spent years observing and studying various bird species in diverse environments. My expertise extends to the intricacies of bird diets, feeding habits, and the impact of human activities on avian populations.
The article you provided discusses the nuances of feeding birds in your garden, touching upon aspects such as the timing of bird feeding, the importance of providing the right kind of food, and considerations for different seasons. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Timing of Bird Feeding:
- Birds prefer to eat early in the morning, so it's recommended to fill bird feeders at dawn. This aligns with the natural feeding patterns of many bird species.
- Refilling the bird feeder at the same time each day helps birds establish a routine and visit more frequently.
-
Seasonal Considerations:
- Winter poses challenges for birds in finding food, and providing bird feeders can be crucial during this time when natural resources are scarce.
- In summer, birds may face difficulties in finding food due to increased energy expenditure, especially during molting. High-protein foods are beneficial during this season.
-
Avoiding Overfeeding:
- It's emphasized that while helping birds with supplemental feeding is beneficial, overfeeding should be avoided. Birds are resourceful and can find food on their own.
- The article suggests that even if the bird feeder is not completely empty, it's okay to refill it if more birds are expected.
-
Nocturnal Activity and Pest Concerns:
- Birds are generally not active at night, but a full bird feeder might attract nocturnal creatures like rats and mice. This should be considered when deciding when to fill the bird feeder.
-
Choosing the Right Bird Food:
- The article emphasizes the importance of providing safe and hygienic bird food. It suggests purchasing ready-prepared bird food and seeds to ensure the safety and well-being of the birds.
- The recommended bird food includes a variety of options such as nuts, seeds, live insects, mealworms, suet balls, and pellets.
-
Vendor Recommendation:
- The article mentions Kenedy Wild Bird Food, a vendor offering bird feeders specially designed to deter unwanted pests. It also promotes the quality and variety of bird food available, including protein-packed mealworms and sunflower seeds.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into responsible bird feeding practices, taking into account the specific needs of birds in different seasons and the importance of choosing the right types of food.
