Opinions differ on whether one should feed birds or not. If you do it, please do it correctly. For example, store-bought bird seed is unsuitable.
The question of whether or not to feed birds is not that easy to answer. Surely birds would find enough food even without our feeding supplies. However, we make it easier for them in winter. Especially if there is prolonged frost and a solid blanket of snow, because then the reserves for native birds such as tits, finches, blackbirds and the like will run out. Without our help, the weaker birds would then die. So there can't be anything wrong with feeding the birds. However, it only makes sense in winter when they can hardly find any food themselves.
For children, this is of course a true natural spectacle, because the animals can be observed up close at the feeding stations. In this way, children can easily get to know the different native bird species.
Don't buy bird food
If you want to feed the birds, you should avoid buying bird seed if possible. The purchased birdseed is often enriched with sulfur. In addition, bought bird seed often contains seeds of the ragweed plant (read more about it here). The problem: ragweed pollen is one of the strongest allergy triggers of all. Another reason to avoid store-bought bird seed.
What to feed?
Never feed them bread either, because baked goods are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. S alty leftovers such as sausage, cheese and boiled potatoes as well as butter and margarine are also absolutely taboo. With this you harm the little animals instead of helping them. A simple grain mix of sunflower seeds, bran, and oatmeal mixed with raisins usually suffices.
Tip:
You can also use the mixture just mentioned to conjure up a feeding bell. All you need is soft, unseasoned lard or coconut oil, a ribbon, a small branch and a clay pot. In this video you will learn how to conjure up a feeding bell out of it.
Planting flowers as a food source
Birds especially like sunflower seeds. It is easy to offer them here. Simply plant a few sunflowers in the spring and leave them after they have bloomed. The kernels mature and the birds then use them in winter.
Berry bushes are also good food for birds. These natural feeds are also much he althier for the animals and at the same time you have beautiful plants in the garden that offer an additional benefit. So feel free to leave any fruit you don't want to eat on the bushes.
You can provide optimal care for seed-eating birds in winter by not cutting off seed-rich herbs and flowers after they have bloomed, but leaving them where they are. These plants include, for example, stinging nettles, thistles, burdocks, cardoons and mugwort.
It is best to use feed silos for winter feeding
Feed silos are therefore best suited for winter feeding because the birds cannot walk around in the feed and soil it with droppings. That way diseases don't spread. In addition, the feed in it does not spoil. These bird feeders are currently a top seller on Amazon:
The good thing: You only have to clean the feed silo once before the winter season and once after the winter season. Conventional bird feeders, on the other hand, have to be cleaned regularly with hot water.
Important:
Make sure that you set up the feed silo and bird feeder correctly so that animals such as cats, martens and the like cannot get there be able. In addition, you should position it so that it cannot get soaked in strong winds, snow and rain.