Winter is one of the most difficult periods for feathered friends. The main food is insects and their larvae, seeds, fruits of trees and shrubs. It is difficult to find in winter conditions. Human help during the snowy hunger period is simply necessary, and moreover, invaluable. However, feeding the birds is worth knowing. Otherwise, the benefit of a noble deed can easily turn into harm.
Do not forget that you should only feed, not feed the birds. Having become accustomed to a constantly full feeder, the birds stop looking for food in natural conditions. It is better to create a semblance of a certain regime and add top dressing 1-2 times a day. It is also important to consider the type of feeder. After all, where it is convenient for the titmouse, the sparrows will not always be able to feast on.
Harmful products
Fried and salty foods are especially dangerous for birds. The accumulation of salt often leads to poisoning of the body, and fried foods are harmful to the small liver. This list also includes: expired products, moldy products, rancid grain. The toxins contained in them can lead to illness of the bird, or to death. Millet and black bread are no less dangerous for birds. They are poorly absorbed in the body and are harmful to health. The digestive system will suffer from a banal disorder to volvulus. Of course, the leftovers from the table will not benefit the birds either.
Healthy foods
What then can you give? Scientists-ornithologists noted that it is preferable to feed pigeons with wheat, barley, pearl barley. White bread and oatmeal are possible as a delicacy in small quantities, but the remnants of street food (pizza, whitewash, pies) are no longer suitable for this role. A handful of unroasted seeds is another feeding option. Sparrows will also like the pigeon treat. It is better to give titmice pumpkin and sunflower seeds, unsalted bacon, a piece of butter or cottage cheese.
In addition, all wintering birds can be treated with peeled nuts: hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, but only raw. Unusual guests - unusual treats! Jays love acorns, woodpeckers and crossbills - nuts and cones, goldfinches and bullfinches - rowan berries, hawthorn and tree seeds. All these delicacies should be prepared in advance. Ravens are lovers of pieces of meat and fish, boiled and raw eggs, vegetables and fruits. Crows will not give up eggshells either. When deciding to feed wintering birds, remember that we are responsible for those we have tamed.
It is better to give up the desire to help if you cannot do it all the time. After all, it is more difficult for hungry and chilled creatures to wean than to get used to.
