Why is the right bird food important?

Our feathered friends depend on a balanced diet to thrive and stay healthy. By providing them with the right bird food, we not only ensure their physical fitness, but also help them to feel at home in our environment and enjoy coming back.

Which bird food is the best?

The needs of birds can vary depending on the species and season. It is therefore important to offer different food mixes to attract and support a wide range of birds. Here are some recommendations for the most popular bird species:

• Sparrows and other omnivores: A grain and fat mixture with sunflower seeds, millet, oatmeal and nuts is ideal as it is a rich source of fats and proteins.
• Blackbirds and robins: These birds prefer soft food such as oatmeal, fruit or animal food such as mealworms.
• Redstarts and tits: A mixture of shelled sunflower seeds, hemp, unsalted peanuts and dried mealworms is perfect for attracting these curious and agile birds.
• Finches and bullfinches: These small birds favour grains and seeds such as buckwheat, oat grains, linseed and millet. You can offer them in a bird feeder.

Tips for the best bird food in summer

In summer, birds have an increased need for protein and calcium to feed their young and maintain their energy levels. Here are some recommendations for the best bird food during the warmer months:

• Live or dried mealworms and insects are an excellent source of protein. You can buy them or even find them as an ingredient in seed mixes or fat feeds, such as garden bird peanut butter.
• Berries such as wild berries, blueberries and strawberries are a delicious and natural source of calcium and other valuable nutrients.
• Fruits such as apples and pears provide moisture and are a tasty addition to the birds' diet.
• Avoid moistened bird food mixes during the summer months as they can spoil more quickly.

How can you recognise good bird food?

There are a few criteria by which you can recognise good bird food:

• Certification by bird protection organisations such as the LBV: Manufacturers who have their feed tested and certified by renowned bird protection organisations attach great importance to quality and the use of high-quality ingredients.
• Quality ingredients: Make sure that the bird food only contains ingredients that really benefit the birds and does not contain any dangerous additives or fillers.
• Fresh and dry consistency: Good bird food should smell fresh and not have a lumpy or moist consistency.
• Positive customer reviews: Read the experiences of other bird lovers to find out whether the bird food is of good quality.

Bird food in the birdhouse or on the ground?

Depending on the bird species and your personal preferences, you can offer the bird food either in the bird house or on the ground. Here are some recommendations:

• Small birds such as finches, sparrows and bullfinches prefer grains and seeds, which can be offered in a bird feeder.
• Thrushes, blackbirds and robins, on the other hand, love fruit, oatmeal or animal proteins such as mealworms. You can place these in small bowls directly on the floor or on the balcony parapet.
• Observe which birds visit your garden and adjust the feeder placement accordingly to give them the best opportunity to reach the bird food.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Question 1: What is the best food for birds?

A: Blackbirds and robins prefer soft food such as oatmeal, fruit or animal food such as mealworms. Sparrows and other birds are omnivores and can be attracted to the feeder with a mixture of grains and fat, for example.

Question 2: What is the best bird food in summer?

A: In summer, birds have a higher need for protein and calcium, which can be supplied by worms and insects. You can buy live or dried mealworms and insects - they can also be found as an ingredient in seed mixes or fat feed, such as garden bird peanut butter.

Question 3: How do you recognise good bird food?

A: Only manufacturers who attach great importance to quality have their feed tested and certified by bird protection organisations such as the LBV. We make sure that the feed only contains ingredients that really benefit the birds.

Question 4: Which bird food to put in the bird house?

A: Small birds such as finches, sparrows and bullfinches prefer grains, which can be offered in a bird feeder. Thrushes, blackbirds and robins love fruit, oatmeal or animal proteins (mealworms etc.), which can be placed in small bowls directly on the floor or on the balcony parapet.

Conclusion

The right choice of bird food is of great importance to properly nourish and support our feathered friends. By offering a variety of feed mixes and paying attention to quality and appropriate ingredients, we can ensure that the birds in our environment receive sufficient nutrients and stay healthy. Let's not forget that bird feeding not only makes our feathered friends happy, but also provides an opportunity to observe and enjoy nature from home.