What not to feed birds
What Not to Feed Wild Birds: Essential Guide for Bird Lovers
Feeding wild birds is a rewarding way to connect with nature and support local bird populations, but not everything we have in our kitchens is safe for them. In fact, some foods can be harmful or even fatal to birds. To ensure that your feathered visitors stay healthy, it’s essential to know what not to put out for them. Here's a guide to some of the top foods to avoid feeding wild birds—and what to offer instead.
- Bread and Other Processed Foods
- Why to Avoid: Bread, crackers, chips, and other processed snacks are often low in nutritional value for birds. While they may fill birds up, these foods don't provide the essential nutrients birds need to thrive.
- Risks: Too much bread can lead to a condition known as "angel wing" in waterfowl, a deformity that hinders their ability to fly. In extreme cases, malnutrition can lead to illness and even death.
- Better Alternative: Opt for black oil sunflower seeds or suet, which provide healthy fats and proteins essential for energy.
- Milk and Dairy Products
- Why to Avoid: Unlike mammals, birds cannot digest milk or lactose-containing products.
- Risks: Feeding milk to birds can cause stomach upset, diarrhoea, and dehydration. While small amounts of cheese or yogurt may not be fatal, it's best to avoid dairy products altogether.
- Better Alternative: Offer seeds or fruits such as apples or berries (without seeds or pits), which are more digestible and packed with natural sugars and fibre.
- Avocado
- Why to Avoid: Avocado contains a toxin called persin, which is harmless to humans but potentially fatal to birds.
- Risks: Even a small amount of avocado can cause respiratory distress, heart damage, and death in many bird species.
- Better Alternative: Stick to bird-safe fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and apple slices (without seeds).
- Chocolate
- Why to Avoid: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are toxic to birds.
- Risks: Even a small amount of chocolate can lead to increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and death.
- Better Alternative: If you want to offer a sweet treat, try fruits like bananas or seedless grapes, which are safe for most wild birds.
- Salty Snacks
- Why to Avoid: Birds are sensitive to salt, and a diet high in sodium can quickly lead to dehydration and kidney failure.
- Risks: Foods like salted peanuts, chips, and pretzels are harmful to birds, as their small bodies can’t process large amounts of salt.
- Better Alternative: If you want to feed peanuts, make sure they are unsalted and preferably shelled to avoid choking hazards.
- Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums
- Why to Avoid: While these foods may be healthy for humans, onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage birds' red blood cells, potentially leading to anaemia or other health issues.
- Risks: Consuming alliums can cause weakness, respiratory issues, and digestive problems.
- Uncooked or Dry Beans
- Why to Avoid: Raw beans, especially kidney beans, contain a toxin called hemagglutinin, which is very harmful to birds.
- Risks: Hemagglutinin can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and death.
- Honey and Artificial Sweeteners
- Why to Avoid: While it might seem like a natural food, honey can harbour bacteria and mould spores harmful to birds. Artificial sweeteners can also disrupt their digestive systems.
- Risks: Honey and artificial sweeteners can lead to digestive distress and even food poisoning.
- Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
- Why to Avoid: Birds should never consume alcohol or caffeine, as even tiny amounts can lead to toxic reactions.
- Risks: Caffeine can cause hyperactivity, seizures, and heart failure in birds, while alcohol can cause disorientation, toxicity, and death.
- Better Alternative: Keep beverages like water available at all times
Quick Recap: Unsafe Foods for Wild Birds
Unsafe Foods |
Safe Alternatives |
Bread & processed foods |
Sunflower seeds, suet, mixes, dried mealworms |
Dairy products |
Suet, Fresh fruits like apples, blueberries, ground mixes |
Avocado |
Blueberries, strawberries, Suet |
Chocolate |
Seedless grapes, bananas |
Salty snacks |
Unsalted, shelled peanuts, peanut grains |
Onions & garlic |
Corn |
Uncooked beans |
Cooked, unseasoned beans |
Honey & artificial sweeteners |
Homemade nectar (1:4 sugar-water ratio) |
Alcohol & caffeine |
Fresh water |
By providing wild birds with safe, nutritious foods, you help support their health and well-being while also enjoying their natural beauty. Offering high-quality seeds, fruits, and other bird-safe treats will keep them coming back and ensure you’re contributing to their diet rather than harming it.